Internships are amazing for gaining hands-on experience that will further your professional career. The key to opening doors into future opportunities is to leave your employers with a good impression of how you work as a professional. Here are four tips to apply to your internship to expand your professionalism and make your time as an intern worthwhile.
1. Arrive on time.
Easier said then done. Arriving on time means being ready and prepared to work right at your scheduled time. The real world won’t wait for you. If you are someone who refuses to function without a Starbucks run or can’t help but dance and sing-along when your favorite song comes on while you are doing your makeup, you may need to think about adjusting your schedule and getting up earlier. Being punctual is expected from employers and they’ll notice if you are late.
2. Know your deadlines.
Just as getting to work on time is important, so is turning in your work on time. Make sure you ask if you are not sure of any deadlines and create a realistic timeline for yourself to get it done. Deadlines will be way less daunting if you stay organized. This is where purchasing a planner for yourself would come in handy, so you can stay on top of your tasks and reach the set goals.
3. Don’t be afraid to speak up.
Internships are perfect for networking. So, don’t be shy! If your employers never get to know who you are, they won’t be able to talk about you in future letters of recommendation as a reference. Talking to your coworkers or other professionals you may come across is a great tool for possibly getting future permanent jobs. Showing your authentic self is how people can see if you would fit into their work environments, so don’t be afraid to share your own ideas and opinions.
4. Measure your growth.
Keep a log of the work you are doing, any bit of information or projects you helped on. This is so important, it is what makes all the work you are putting into this internship worth it. Tracking your progress throughout the internship is what employers want to see on resumes and helps gauge what type of work you put in during your time as an intern.