So, you have just (fingers crossed!) landed an internship and have read and memorized Her Campus’ internship tips.
But, with finals taking up most of your thoughts, you have barely had any time to think about what you will take with you to whatever city you are going.
Of course, you will need money, clothes and a computer. However, there are always those little, yet essential, items you will need to take but may forget in the packing rush.
Luckily, Her Campus is here to remind you of some of the little things you will need to bring with you in order to…
1) ….look the part: Even if you have bought an entire shopping mall worth of skirts, pants and dresses, there are still clothing items that are so easy to forget but so crucial to internship success.
-Safety pins: Among the many lessons Gilmore Girls has taught me, one of the most important is to carry around safety pins. Zippers are not always reliable, and if one were to break, you would be showing your boss and coworkers what underwear you chose that day. Not a great icebreaker. To prevent this wardrobe malfunction of Janet Jackson proportion, be sure to pack safety pins in your purse or suitcase.
-Insoles: Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw loves high heels, but she forgot to tell viewers what a pain they can be. If you are unfortunate enough to work in an office that does not allow flats, get a pair of insoles. Dr. Scholl’s, available at any large retail store, even makes insoles for high heels. Make sure to pick up a pair — your feet will love you for it.
2) ….get around: If you are interning in a big city, it can be easy to get lost. Fortunately, we live in the 21st century, and if we get lost, it is almost just as easy to find ourselves again.
-Maps: If you have a smartphone, then you are in luck and can find a city and/or subway map easily. Unfortunately, if you are as technology deprived as me, then you have to rely on good old-fashioned maps. City maps can be found at your local AAA or online. Make sure to get a subway map, too. These can also be found online or bought in the city where you will be living. My New York City subway map, which I bought in Chinatown, was a huge help the last time I visited NYC.
-Books: Books are a great way to learn about the city where you will be working. These can be found at any bookstore or at your local AAA. Make sure to read, or at least skim, them before you get there. That way, you will already have some idea of what the city is like and where all of the fun (and safe) places are to go on the weekends. Plus, reading these books is a great way to take a break from studying for exams!
3) ….stay in touch: Sure, a big city and internship are going to keep you really busy, but make sure to keep in touch. Your family and friends will appreciate the exciting updates you are bound to have!
-Stationary, pens, etc…: Okay, this is pretty old fashioned, but you will probably not have time to call everyone you will want to call while you are working. Cards are a great way to let someone know you are thinking about them, and taking the time to write a card, as opposed to sending a quick email, will let them know you really care. If you want to make it especially exciting, send them a postcard of the city where you are!
-Webcam: I cannot stress the wonderfulness of a webcam enough. While you can talk to your family and friends on the phone, being able to see their faces will make it seem as though you are not so far away from home. It will cause them to miss you less, and it will ease your homesickness. You can also show your friends all of the cute clothes you will probably buy during the summer!
4) ….keep homesickness under control: Speaking of homesickness, some of us get it pretty badly (including me). It can be hard adjusting to your internship, especially if it is your first one away from home, without your family or friends being right there to lean on.
-Pictures and mementos: Having pictures of your family and friends on your desk or around your room will make you feel as though you are home, which can help alleviate some homesickness. Having a special memento or keepsake, such as a stuffed animal or blanket, within reach can also keep your homesickness in check. Who cares if you are twenty years old or older? You will be so glad to have it there by your side.
-Favorite movies and books: While you may not be able to take a lot of books or movies with you, having a few of your favorites with you can help distract you when you are missing home. Watching or talking about them can also help you to bond with the people you are working or living with, which will make adjusting to your new “home” much easier!
5) ….save money: If you are working as an unpaid intern in a big city, saving money can be really hard to do. However, if you make a budget before you go, it can be a lot easier to save money.
-Budget: This Her Campus article is a great place to start when making a budget. Sit down with your parents, grandparents or career counselor before you leave and write down a budget. Include rent, food, transportation, emergencies and (of course!) fun in a monthly budget. It will be so much easier to keep a track of your spending if you have a budget in place before you start your internship, and making a budget will be one less task you have to do once you get to the city where you are working.
Lastly, make sure to have confidence in yourself! The hardest part of being an intern, which is finding an internship, is over and now you can focus on the fun part: getting experience, meeting new people and living in an awesome, new place! You will do great!
Pictures:
Safety Pins: U.S. Library of Congress, http://craftsuppliesforless.com/craftsupplies_accessories.html
DVDs: Cannons Health Clubs, http://www.cannons.co.uk/content.aspx?id_Content=1422