How to Survive Your Internship (and be a Superintern)

 

 

 

In my mind, there was always something frightening in the association of the word “internship” to the expression “to pay your dues”. All the people I know who were interns before me warned me with that phrase, and I didn’t quite understand this until I landed my first internship.

 

 

Now I didn’t do the whole “go order my lunch”, “pick up my laundry” or “go clean the toilets” kind of stuff – thank God, because we know that happens – but I did realize what it was to have my name called every 10 seconds for a technical task, to be yelled at when stuff wasn’t working even if I had nothing to do with it, and to be stressed out everyday with the fear or getting fired anytime.

I have done several internships in very different companies (all in Marketing, communication and PR though) and I thought I would give some feedback and advice to some of you out there who are trying to survive in what I call the Intern Battlefield. Here are a few tips on how to survive being an intern:

 

I know it’s easier said than done, but don’t. The first time I was actually yelled at, I thought my work was crap, that I was a horrible intern, and that my boss would hate me forever. And the next morning, they greeted me and joked around like nothing happened. I was confused, but you quickly realize that stress (of deadlines and important meetings) can bring the worst out of people. But it is never about you; actually it’s never about you, you’re just the intern. So suck it up, try to do better so they never have to yell again, and DO NOT show that it affected you. Which brings me to my next point.

 

Kelly Cutrone could not have said it better. Luckily, the yelling episode took place just before I left the office, so I had all the time and space to cry in the subway. I may have been pathetic, but there was no way I was going to cry in front of my boss and peers. It sounds harsh, but nobody will feel for you. Being yelled at (and worse than this) happened to pretty much everyone in the office at least once, and you don’t want to be the one who cried. But this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stand up for yourself.

 

Halfway through my internships, I always go to my supervisor to ask for feedback on my work. I need to know that I’m doing it right (you don’t need to go every week: usually if you’re doing it wrong, they’ll let you know) and if there are things that I can optimize. You’ll probably be pleasantly surprised of what they tell you, and it’s a good way to address problems in an effective way. Also, your boss will know that you are truly interested in this internship, and eager to learn more.

 

If you are in a big corporation, chances are your supervisors won’t always have time to give you work to do, and sitting at your desk waiting won’t help. Even when you don’t know the processes and you feel that you’re being left out, get up and go ask if anyone needs help. Someone always does, and they don’t always think about asking you. It can start with photocopies and other administrative tasks, but if you keep showing interest, your colleagues will remember that you’re around and will ask you for help. If it doesn’t happen, have a conversation with your boss at a time when they’re not too stressed out (lunch break, Friday evening) and tell them how you feel. Keep doing it (one time, I had to ask for work for 2 weeks before having a real role in the team. I was a pain to everyone, but now they always include me in the work they do).

 

I know what you’re thinking: “everybody does it”, and it’s true. The bosses, managers, supervisors check their Facebook/Twitter pages from time to time (lol, sneaky), but they already have their job, a schedule, and they deliver. The intern – you – will be blamed for being on Facebook while they should be working, because they’re supposed to learn, and pay attention at all times. Even if you don’t have much work, it just looks bad…Gotta love that #InternLife.

 

I should’ve written this first, but I want you to remember this point even more than the others. It should be obvious, but in today’s world, it’s not anymore. Being polite, kind, and considerate to EVERYONE (including those who give you a hard time) is the key to being remembered and appreciated in order to build and use your professional network in the future.

Now, don’t get me wrong here: you should never be submissive or fake. But you must create strong relationships with your colleagues and peers. Plus, it’s just about common courtesy.