1. Meet and Greet with Everyone You Meet
Successful work relationships require excellent communication skills as well as a positive attitude. Your supervisors and co-workers may be immersed in projects and deadlines and not take notice that you are new to the organization; so make sure you take the initiative to introduce yourself and exhibit a positive and friendly attitude to everyone you meet, from the janitor to the CEO.
2. Do Your Research
Make it a point to do research and learn all you can about the company and industry. Your Career Services Office at your college is an excellent place to start. You can also write directly to a company for information, engage in informational interviews, contact the local Chamber of Commerce, and read local newspapers and business publications to find out more about an organization.
3. Set Personal Goals and Keep Yourself Busy
Set personal goals that you want to achieve during your internship and ask your supervisor for things to do. If you find that your work is done, ask for new projects or look to read company literature and/or professional journals. Goal setting is especially important for interns – to ensure that you gain the relevant skills employers are seeking when hiring future full-time employees.
4. Read Professional Trade Journals & Magazines
5. Be Prepared to do Some Grunt Work
Take the smaller tasks in stride and keep your mind focused on the big picture. You may need to make some coffee or do some filing at some point but if making coffee and filing takes up the majority of your day, it’s time to speak with your supervisor about your goals and expectations of the internship. One way way to avoid this situation is to make an agreement prior to the internship outlining your responsibilities. Remember there are menial tasks included in all jobs and pitching in and doing your share will establish better teamwork and goodwill among co-workers.
6. Ask Questions
7. Find a Mentor
8. Be Professional
9. Develop Professional Relationships
10. Be Enthusiastic!
Show your enthusiasm and motivation and ask to be included in meetings and professional workshops. Enthusiastic employees tend to rub off on each other and have a positive impact on the organization as a whole. If you’re looking to be hired as a full time employee after your internship ends, exhibit the qualities of an enthusiastic worker during the short time you have to make a positive impact on both your co-workers and supervisors.
