Now its time to really get down to business and start

working on being the best intern EVER.

During your internship in DC you will develop your skills, build up your resume with amazing
experience and have a great opportunity to network with people working in your field. Most
importantly, youre getting your foot in the door at a company you are really interested in and
increasing your chances of landing a full-time job after you finish college.

To really impress, you guys should go the extra mile over the next few weeks because you never
know what doors it may open in the future. May be your boss will be so impressed theyll offer
you a job, or give you an amazing reference when you need it? Who knows?

To help you make the most of this experience, Ive put together some things you can do to stand
out and really be the best intern you can be.

1. Do Your Homework

If you are really going to be the best intern ever, you should start working before you actually
start work. You already have your internship, so you probably researched the company before
your interview, but you should refresh your memory before you start.

Doing some additional research on your companys history and culture is always a good idea too.
Researching things like the company itself, the industry, industry buzzwords, your boss, and the
people you might be working will make you look really knowledgable and feel more comfortable
and confident when you start.

If you really want to hit the ground running, you could also email your future boss to see if there
is any extra reading or prep work you can do before you start.

2. Show Your Commitment

Show up for work on-time and, if necessary, stay on later in the evening. Do whatever it takes to
get your work done and to get it done well! Being on time and staying on later than expected will
show your boss how committed you are to doing a really good job. Its these employees that are
willing to sacrifice their own time by working overtime that get noticed.

It can be hard for employers to find committed employees, so interns who go the extra mile will
stand out. Your internship will give your employer time to train you and track your progress, so
take this time to prove to them that you are someone they need in their company even after
your internship is over.

3. Treat It Like A Real Job

If you really want to be taken seriously by your boss, then you need to treat your internship like
its a real job. Because it is! Even though you are an intern, your work will still have some form
of an impact on the company, so make sure its good. Youre working in a real-world
organization, so any work you do (or mistakes you make) will have an impact at some level.

4. Find A Mentor

One of the key things to being really successful at your internship will be finding a mentor who
will support you, show you the ropes and, most importantly, that you will be able to learn from
and ask for advice. Having a good mentor will make your transition from student to employee
much easier and a lot less stressful.

5. Push Yourself

Dont be afraid to push yourself and take on some responsibilities that go beyond your job
description. This is your time to shine and learn as much as you possibly can, so rather than
limiting yourself to the tasks set out in the job description, use it as a starting point.

6. Ask Questions
You are an intern, so dont be afraid to ask questions. In fact, asking questions is a good thing
and your boss will expect it. It shows you are willing to learn, are motivated and have a genuine
interest in your job.

7. Stay Off Snapchat!

Save social media (Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter everything) for your lunch break!
Unless your job involves working with social media, stay off it and focus on why you are there.
You are there to learn and get valuable experience, so make the most of the time you have and
devote it to developing your skills. Remember, social media isnt going anywhere and it will be
there when you are on your own time, not your companys.

8. Network

Make sure you capitalize on your time with your company and take the opportunity to meet as
many of your co-workers as possible especially those in other departments. If you are working
in a big company, you may only have the chance to work closely with certain people in one
specific area. This is why it important for you to make a conscious effort to build quality
relationships and make connections with people throughout the whole company. You never who
you may meet that could possibly support you in the future or who you could even someday
work with.

Check out this article for some great networking tips!

9. Socialize

While you can network to get to know important or influential people in your company, you
should also take some time to get to know other interns and people you are working with away
from your work environment. Interning is a great opportunity to meet new people you may never
have the opportunity to meet otherwise, but remember to behave. You are treating this internship
like a real job, so always be professional.

10. Ask For Feedback

Last but definitely not least, dont be afraid to ask for feedback throughout your time with the
company. This shows your employer that youre eager to do whatever it takes to do your job
well. It will also allow you to find out what your strengths and weaknesses are, so you can get
working on them before you leave.

There you have it, 10 tips that will set on track to being the best intern you can possibly be.
Take these tips and go be amazing!

- See more at: http://internsdc.com/internship-advice/how-to-be-the-best-intern-

ever/#sthash.KBaWw2ER.dpuf

To make the most of their experiences and stand out from the crowd, interns should always do
these 15 things:

1. Do your homework before your first day. You most likely researched the company while
preparing for the interview. Even so, the night before your start date you should refresh your
memory and do some additional research on the organizations history and culture, says Kerry
Schofield, a psychologist and chief psychometrics officer at Good.Co, a professional assessment
and self-improvement platform.

By being prepared, you will feel more confident going into the internship, Kahn adds. Start
your first day with a general understanding of the industry, its buzzwords, the company, and your
boss. This will make you sound more knowledgeable and confident. You can also setup a
Google alert for the company to track any recent press, he says.

2. Dress for success. Youve heard, Dress for the position you want, not the one you have, a
million times, Kahn says. Find out from the hiring manager what the office environment is
like, and take it from there. It is better to be known as the best dressed intern, than to be known
as the one who is too casual.

In general, dressing and acting professionally not only gives a good impression and makes it
clear that youre willing to make an effort, it can be psychologically beneficial, Schofield
explains. Research has shown that the way people dress affects not only the way others see them,
but also how they see themselves, including how they think and feel about their own abilities and
the work theyre doing. Dressing for success really does work.

3. Treat the internship like a real job. If you want the employer to take you seriously, you
need to take the job seriously. To get the most of an internship, regardless of the pay, interns
should treat their internship like they would any job, Schofield says.

You need to remember that your work will have an impact on the organization. Youre learning
in an active, real-world environment, so your contributions (and your mistakes) affect other
people.

4. Have a just in case outfit in your desk drawer. Always have a tie or pair of heels at your
desk because you never know when you need to make a last minute outfit change for a meeting
or work event, says Morris Rishty, CEO of REAL Underwear. This will also show your
employer that youre well prepared for future situations.

5. Practice good time management. Interns have a lot on their plates, so its important to be
organized, be careful not to take on too much, and to let someone know if you cant complete a
project by the deadline, Schofield says.

6. Socialize (with a filter). Since youre treating this position like a permanent job, youll want
to take the time to get to know your new colleagues. Its great for interns to get to know one
another and their superiors but be careful of the amount of personal information you share
and how you behave while socializing, Rishty explains. Your new colleagues and fellow
interns may act like your friends, but its always best to socialize with a filter just in case.

7. Ask questions. Dont be afraid to ask questions and step outside your comfort zone, Schofield
says. This shows that youre willing to learn and have a genuine interest in the job and company.

8. Be flexible. People, and organizations, have different thinking and communication styles and
various ways of doing things. If you can learn to be adaptive, youll broaden your opportunities
considerably, Schofield says.

9. Network. Aside from socializing, youll want to network with your new colleagues. Take the
opportunity to build as many quality relationships in your internship as possible, Kahn suggests.
The more colleagues know you and what your capable of, the more support you will have once
its time to turn your internship into a full-time job.

10. Find a mentor. While it may seem intimidating, interns should ask their boss or someone
they admire in the company out to lunch to learn about their experience at the company and ask
for any words of wisdom. This shows the intern isnt afraid to ask questions and is willing to
learn from a senior person, Rishty says. Then, if you click with this person, ask if theyd be
willing to take you on as their mentee.

11. Take initiative, but accept guidance. Volunteer, within reason, Schofield says.
Employers will be impressed if youre eager to help but dont simply sign up for everything.
A few jobs done well is better than twice as many done badly, or not finished.

But also keep in mind that while enthusiasm and confidence are great, as an intern, you are
ultimately there to learn from more experienced individuals. Keep in close touch with
supervisors and colleagues to be sure what youre doing each day is in line with the
organizations priorities, Schofield adds.

12. Be respectful, but assertive. Interns should expect to both be taken out of their comfort
zone and to do boring but necessary tasks with good grace, Schofield says. However, if you feel
youre being taken advantage of, you must speak up.

13. Challenge yourself. Try to challenge yourself by doing something you have never done
before, Kahn says. Utilize your coworkers and bosses to learn and develop your industry skills.
These skills will enrich your professional portfolio making you more appealing to future
employers.

14. Keep tabs on your accomplishments. For the benefit of future job applications,
immediately begin keeping track of specific facts and figures about your performance. This will
impress potential employers, Schofield says.

15. Ask for feedback. As an intern, you may not have a formal review until the end of the
summer so its important to ask for feedback on a regular basis, Rishty says. This shows the
employer youre taking initiative and willing to make the changes necessary in order to
succeed.

This feedback will also start uncovering your strengths and what you need to improve on, Kahn
adds.

Read more at http://www.businessinsider.co.id/15-things-interns-do-to-stand-out-2014-

5/#pacAcYCW0aL1QPWE.99

Since one of the main accomplishments of completing an internship is securing a job, its
important to know what employers look for when seeking the perfect person for the job. Making
a good first impression is important but even more important is doing the right things that
supervisors will sing you praises and provide excellent references whether you secure a job with
the company you interned for or if you seek full-time employment elsewhere.

Since internships usually only last for several months, its imperative that you keep your eye on
the goal and not get yourself off target.

Employers usually seek candidates who possess previous experience in the field. For candidates
who do not have any relevant experience, finding a job in a particular field of interest is going to
be tough. With three summers and 8 college semesters available during your college career,
theres no excuse as to why you cannot get two or three internships completed prior to
graduating from college. For those who are set on a particular career, getting similar internships
with a slightly different focus can be helpful; but for those who have no idea about what they
want to do, trying out different types of internships will provide the best advantage to become
acquainted with various careers by working in different environments and meeting professionals
in the field.

Job Shadowing

Job shadowing is another activity college students can engage in to find out more about specific
careers. Since job shadowing usually lasts only for one day to several weeks, its another way to
explore careers by finding a sponsor willing to commit to that limited length of time.

Finding the perfect internship is not always easy.

The competition for summer internships can often make them hard to find. One of the best ways
for making sure that you get a summer internship in your field is to begin looking early.
Opportunities in finance, journalism, and government often have application deadlines as early
as October.

By preparing your resume and cover letter early, you will be ready to send your documents as
internships get posted. Although finding the perfect internship can be somewhat daunting, its
only just the start of becoming the perfect intern. Always be sure to keep future goals in mind,
such as: establishing strong networks of professionals in the field and getting the real work
experience that employers look for in the job hiring process.

How to Be the Perfect Intern

Know your stuff

Even before the interview its important to learn as much about the company as you can by
visiting the companys website as well as the company and employees LinkedIn pages to gather
as much information as possible. By using the Advanced button on the top right of your
LinkedIn page, you may even find alumni from your college that you can connect with prior to
interviewing or starting your internship or job.

Show your commitment

By showing up for work on-time and not bolting out the door at the end of the day, you are
showing your commitment to doing a good job rather than just punching a time card. Employees
who enjoy their job and look to find ways to do it better are not concerned about the time and
dont bolt at the end of the day. In fact, its the employees who dont see their job as a job and
have no problem working overtime that get noticed by their supervisors.

Finding employees with a strong work ethic is sometimes difficult for employers to find. Since
internships are an excellent way to train and evaluate potential future employees, its important
for interns to take stock in how employers view them and find ways that they can make
improvements to prove to employers that you are someone that they want to keep around long
after the internship is over.

Become Knowledgeable in your field

As an intern, you are expected to ask questions. The only way you will be able to learn more on
the job is to ask intelligent questions. By asking questions you are showing the employer that
you are motivated and ready to take the initiative to do a good job. By using the knowledge you
learn you will be sure to remember it and be able to build on that knowledge by demonstrating
the use of your skills.

Make it a point to know the staff

Although employers want to see their interns as learning and possessing a strong work ethic, they
also like to see people who make a point of meeting and getting along with their supervisors and
coworkers. It is during lunch and other more social experiences where you can begin developing
relationships that make for a happier and more enjoyable workplace. When hiring, managers
look for individuals that they feel will fit in well within the organization as well as possessing the
knowledge and skills to do the job.

Build strong professional relationships and find yourself a mentor

Building a strong professional network is key to getting ahead in your career. You never know
when someone you previously worked with will be able to provide support and information
about your potential next job. Its also key to find yourself a mentor who is willing to help you
learn the ropes and supports you in moving ahead in your current or future job. Finding a good
mentor can make your first years on the job less stressful as well as being able to tap into the
wisdom and experience of someone already successful in the field.

Avoid office politics and gossip

Gossiping either in or outside of the office can create serious problems for the future. Employees
who want to get ahead know that participating in office gossip is not something to be engaged in.
Aligning yourself with a select group of co-workers sets you up for potential problems with other
members of the group. As a mature employee who wants to get ahead, you will want to stay in
favor with the majority of employees and not set yourself up to be seen as an office gossip or
someone who only associates with just a small group of individuals within the organization.

Keep in touch once your internship is over

The first thing an intern should do once their internship is over is to send a thank you note to
their supervisor and anyone else who played a key role in making their internship a success.
Keeping in touch with these contacts once you return to college is also a great idea to help
maintain important contacts and to keep abreast of future openings to which you may qualify.

The Internship Success Guide provides additional information on things you can do to ensure
that your internship is successful.

Top 10 Tips for Interns

From Internship to Full Time Job

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Internships

Basics
o Tips for Interns
o Internship Types
o Career Development
o Intern Abroad
o FAQs
Finding an Internship
Application Process
Internship Success
Career Exploration
Interview Tips
Professional Networking

By Penny Loretto
Updated September 18, 2016

Organizations seek interns who are motivated and exhibit a "go-getter" attitude. Employers also
want people doing internships in their company who have a strong work ethic and are
dependable and work well independently and in a team environment. Many Human Resource
Departments report that they seek many of their full-time employees from interns exhibiting
these skills who have previously interned with their organizations. Following these tips will
increase the liklihood that your internship will turn into a full-time job offer.

1
Meet and Greet with Everyone You Meet

Paul Bradbury/OJO Images/Getty Images

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.

Developing Professional Connections

Getting Along with Your Boss
2
Do Your Research

Xavier Arnau | Getty Images.

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.

Researching Companies & Organizations

Company Research
Informational Interviewing Tips

3
Set Personal Goals and Keep Yourself Busy

Getty Images | Tim Robberts. TIm Robberts | Getty Images

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.

Developing Internship Goals

Personal Goal Setting
The Awesome Power of Goal Setting

4
Read Professional Trade Journals & Magazines
Keep up on employer information and read what the professionals are reading. Learn more about
your employer, their competition, and additional information about the industry in general. Are
there new trends or is there something exciting currently happening in the field? Internship
success requires motivation and a true desire to learn more about the industry. Successful interns
take the initiative to learn as much as possible during the short duration of their internship
experience.

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.

Interns - Not Just for Making Coffee

Beyond Making Coffee - Site for Interns Gives Tips

6
Ask Questions

Getty Images. Eric Audnas

Take advantage of your student status and ask questions about everything you don't understand.
Employers believe that students who ask questions are motivated and really want to learn all they
can about the industry. As an intern, employers do not expect you to know everything about the
job or industry. Internships are a great learning experience and the more questions you ask the
more you will learn about the job and how the industry operates.

Take the Initiative

7
Find a Mentor

Paul Bradbury/OJO Images/Getty Images

Learn from those you admire and develop mentoring relationships you can continue long after
your internship has ended. Professionals enjoy sharing their expertise and want to assist new
professionals entering the field. A good mentor is someone who is willing to share their
knowledge and expertise and wants to see their mentee succeed in the field.

The Importance of a Good Mentor

Top 10 Qualities of a Good Mentor
The Value of a Business Mentor

8
Be Professional

Jamie Grill | Getty Images.

Maintain a professional image and avoid gossip and office politics. Maintain a positive and
professional image both inside and outside the office. Maintaining professionalism while
interning also means making efficient use of your time by avoiding the use of company time for
personal phone calls and emails.

Professional Email Tips

Office Politics
How To Demonstrate Respect at Work

9
Develop Professional Relationships

Getty Images. Eric Audnas

Communicate with supervisors and co-workers and keep yourself in the loop of office
communications. Professional relationships are key in starting a successful career. Throughout
your career a professional network will help you to learn of new opportunities and offer ways to
advance in your field.

Developing Professional Connections

The Importance of a Good Mentor
Top Ten Qualities of a Good Mentor

10
Be Enthusiastic!

Chris Belcher | Getty Images.

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.

Top 10 Values Employers Seek

Build an Organization Based on Values
Career Decisions: Self - Assessments; Part 1, Values & Interests

Gaining Success

These 10 tips will help you succeed and get ahead in your internship and could even lead to a full time
job.

Top 6 Tips for Ending Your Internship on a Positive Note

Key Strategies - Keeping Your Goals in Mind

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Dimitri Otis / Digital Vision / Getty Images

Internships

Internship Success
Basics
Finding an Internship
Application Process
Career Exploration
Interview Tips
Professional Networking

By Penny Loretto
Updated September 23, 2016

Ending an internship or summer job on a positive note is something all interns should keep in
mind. Along with gaining relevant experience to include on your resume, developing and
maintaing professional connections is what makes internships such a valuable experience for
students.

By ending an internship or summer job on a positive note, you will be able to:

Gain valuable knowledge, skills and experience in a career field of choice.

Make valuable networking connections with professionals in the field.

Add Relevant Experience to your resume.

Many students find themselves so busy at the end of their internship that they immediately forget
about their summer internship or job and the valuable contacts they made along the way.
Understanding the value of networking often takes time and even though professionals know its
importance, students with little experience may not yet realize its value.

Capitalizing on your summer internship or job requires an understanding of how professional

contacts can be helpful in your future job search. Leaving an internship or summer job on a
positive note will provide supervisors and co-workers with fond memories to remember you by.

Top 6 Tips for Ending Your Internship on a Positive Note:

Make it a point to thank all of the people who helped along the way.

Being grateful for the time and expertise that your supervisor and colleagues provided
throughout your summer internship will go along way towards making a memorable positive
impression for them to remember.
Providing specific examples of what you learned during your internship and how valuable you
felt the experience was towards helping you to accomplish your future career goals will leave
them feeling appreciated and most willing to assist you in the future.

Its surprising how much people want to help but if they dont know that you actually want help
they may be hesitant in proving feedback and/or leads about future internship or job
opportunities.

By sharing your future aspirations and career goals, people will be more willing to keep you in
mind and contact you should they hear of any internships or jobs that may be right up your ally.
It's important to send thank you notes to your immediate supervisor and any others who helped
you along the way. Although email thank you's are often sufficient, many employers say that
they do appreciate a nice hand-written thank you note where students take the extra time.

Share your future career plans with supervisors and employees.

By sharing your plans with your supervisor and co-workers you will be setting the stage for
maintaining valuable future connections. Since networking is the #1 job search strategy, you
can't have too many people in your network. By establishing and maintaining these important
connections you will be on the road to using your internship success towards finding a future job.

Ask your manager for feedback about your performance.

This can be a tough one if you feel that your internship didnt go as well as planned; but the
feedback can be enormously helpful in providing the information needed to improve on your
performance.

If the internship or job experience was positive it will be much easier to ask the question but you
may not learn as much in the process.

Update your resume while the experience is fresh in your mind.

Updating your resume immediately will help you to fully describe your summer experience and
what you learned. You may ask your supervisor to help you since they may be able to include
professional jargon and help you to better describe the experience so other employers will better
understand what role you played during your internship or summer job.

Reflect on your summer experience.

Reflecting on a summer internship or job while its still fresh in your mind will provide you with
a more detailed, accurate assessment of what it is that you liked and disliked about your summer
experience.

By asking yourself these questions, you will identify key points that can be very helpful in
the decision-making process when seeking a full-time job.
 How do you feel you would fit into this type of work environment?
Can you actually see yourself doing this job on a daily basis?
What was most positive about the experience?
What concerns do you have about working in a similar job?
Are you willing to work the number of hours it takes to be successful in the field?
Was the work you did enjoyable or did you see other employees in the organization that did
work that was more interesting to you?

Add your summer experience to your LinkedIn Profile.

Updating your LinkedIn Profile and connecting with other employees of the company is a great
way to begin the networking process. Asking for recommendations is also a great way to utilize
LinkedIn to your advantage. Keeping your LinkedIn Profile updated will ensure that you are
using social media in the most effective way once you are actively engaged in the job search
process.

Mistakes to Avoid While Interning for a Company

Taking Advantage of All Your Internship Has to Offer

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Internships

Basics
o FAQs
o Internship Types
o Career Development
o Tips for Interns
o Intern Abroad
Finding an Internship
Application Process
Internship Success
Career Exploration
Interview Tips
Professional Networking

By Penny Loretto
Updated November 08, 2016
An internship is a pre-professional experience that teaches students how to act and work
professionally in the real world. Internships provide great learning experiences for students and
help them learn the knowledge and skills it takes to be successful in the real world. Completing
an internship in todays competitive job market is no longer optional since one of the first things
that an employer looks for on an applicants resume is previous relevant work experience.

Some of the benefits of completing an internship include:

A chance to include relevant experience on a resume

Gaining the knowledge and skills required to be successful in the field
Learning the ins and outs of the business with the help of a mentor
Networking with professionals in the field and establishing long-term connections

Since internships are so crucial for college students today, its imperative that they take the
experience seriously. Based on employer feedback, listed below are some of the mistakes that
interns make that could cost them a great professional reference or an offer to return for a full-
time position with the company.

Top 8 Mistakes Students Should Avoid:

1. Taking the internship too casually

Students who embark on an internship must approach the experience in a professional

manner. Students who set internship goals prior to starting an internship are the ones who
will better understand what it is they are hoping to accomplish which will also give them
a better sense of how they are going to get there. Remembering that we are living in a
very competitive global marketplace will help remind students that its important that
they do their best work.

1. Avoiding menial tasks that are a part of every internship and job

Just about everybody has something that they hate about their job. It may be filing,
getting caught up on emails, or attending meetings where they feel nothing ever gets
accomplished. For interns, menial tasks may seem to be a big part of their internship
which can be very frustrating when the reason they are there is to learn how to eventually
be able to do the job. My doing the menial tasks quickly and cheerfully and show that
you possess a great work ethic and have pride in a job well done, you will gain the
employers confidence which could end up giving you more challenging assignments.

There can be a fine line between contributing to an organizations bottom line and being
taken advantage of since the company sees you as less experienced and as someone who
can handle the filing and making the coffee while employees are able to get their jobs
done. I always recommend that students speak with employers about their responsibilities
prior to starting the internship. Having this conversation can lead to further discussions if
the student begins to feel that their only completing menial tasks rather than what was
discussed previously in their interview. Its much easier to accomplish menial tasks with
 graciousness and a smile when you also know that you will be given challenging work
that will give you the relevant work experience you need to be successful in a future job.

1. Poor time management skills

Not getting to work on time or taking long breaks or lunch periods usually does not sit
well with employers. As a professional intern, you will want to adhere closely to the rules
and regulations of the employer. If the workday begins at 8:30 am and ends at 4:30 pm,
the employer will not appreciate someone who comes in at 8:45 am and leaves by 4 pm.
When everyone in the organization is given an hour for lunch, it will not bode well with
management or your co-workers when you continually take an hour and a half before you
return for the afternoon.

In addition to work hours, it is important to prioritize your time when it comes to

completing projects. If you are given a series of conflicting tasks, it will be your job to
prioritize them in order to get each one done on time. You may need to have a
conversation with your supervisor who will be able to help you prioritize which tasks are
the most important ones to complete first. Being able to communicate with your direct
supervisors will help you to avoid many conflicts that could arise in the future.

1. Not adhering to a companys dress code

Youve probably heard that its important to dress for the job you want rather than the job
you're doing right now. Although you will be starting as an intern and eventually be
working in an entry-level job, you probably have higher job aspiration on what youd like
to be doing once youve acquired the skills necessary to do a higher-level job. As a
college student you have been given some leeway on how you may dress but in the
workplace being too casual or inappropriate can negatively impact you when it comes to
getting professional references or an offer for a full-time job. If youre not sure how to
dress take a look at others within the organization or before you start, dont be afraid to
ask.

2. Not learning the office culture

Individuality and authenticity are good traits to have but can also create problems if
youre not able to fit in with the norm that makes up an office culture. Although its
commendable to be strong and be able to stand up for what you believe in, working at a
job may force us to have to evaluate the nuances that take place within a company to help
us make it easier to fit in. Oftentimes just watching other employees and how they behave
can give us a sense of how we might want to consider adapting yourself so that we better
fit into whats been established within the company.

3. Not taking the time to establish important relationships while interning for the company.

In order to be successful at any internship or job, it is crucial to establish key

relationships that can assist you in learning over the course of your internship as well as
 continuing as important networking contacts once the internship is over. Good mentors
and co-workers can share important knowledge and skills as well as advise of any office
politics that you should be aware of. Keeping in touch after the internship is over is a
good way to keep apprised of future job openings within the company and in the field.

4. Not asking your supervisor for important feedback

Getting feedback and constructive criticism from your supervisor will help you to
become a better worker. Learning from others is one of the main goals of doing an
internship and by sharing important feedback you will have the information you need to
improve your performance. Make sure that you have the opportunity to touch base with
your supervisor again to see if your performance has improved and if there are any other
things that you can do to improve.

5. Failure to take advantage of the vast array of resources available

Internships provide a great opportunity to learn all sorts of information about a career
field or company. Reading professional journals and attending professional development
conferences are two ways that you can take advantage of working as an intern. Not taking
advantage of these resources while interning for a company can really limit the value of
what you will ultimately get while completing an internship.

Tips for Internship Success

Your internship experience is one of the most important pieces of the foundation you are
laying for a successful career. Since the professional world can be very different from
university life, it is important that you have an understanding of some of the differences.
Use these tips to help you make the most of this valuable experience.

Clarify expectations about the internship: both the employers and yours. It is a good idea to
agree upon your job responsibilities in writing.
Take advantage of the transition time at the beginning of your internship and ask lots of
questions. You are not expected to know what is going on right away, but the faster you learn
the ins and outs of daily life on the job, the better off you'll be.
Meet regularly with your supervisor to ensure that both of your expectations are being met. This
is a good way for you to get feedback on your performance and helps to keep you on track with
current and future assignments.
First impressions are very important, as is maintaining good ones. It is important for you to
dress, speak, write, and generally behave like a professional. Shake hands, make eye contact,
smile, and be friendly and confident.
Be observant and ask questions about appropriate behavior at the work place. Different
organizations have different expectations regarding employee behavior and it is important that
you learn about and conform to the corporate culture. This can include issues such as
appropriate clothing, demeanor with customers, personal phone calls, and where to park your
car. If you aren't sure if it's OK to eat the donuts in the company kitchen, ask first. When in
doubt, err on the conservative side.
 Focus on your communication skills, both written and verbal. Proofread your written work
carefully. When communicating with your coworkers choose respectful, tactful, and professional
language at all times.
Show up to work on time, when you are expected. Call if you are going to be sick or late. Don't
be sick or late often. Choose your sick days with care; it will be noticed if you are not at work on
important days.
Establish good relationships with your coworkers. Be friendly, polite, helpful, and sensitive. It's
good to talk with your coworkers and get to know them but beware of gossiping and
complaining. Be careful about bringing personal business to work, and be sure that what you do
discuss is fit for public consumption.
Be easy to work with. Accept assignments without complaint, ask for more work when
assignments are completed, and turn out good quality work. Listen carefully to instructions and
ask for clarification. Learn to work as a team; be respectful of input from other team members
and practice the art of compromising.
When you leave, be sure to ask your supervisor for a letter of recommendation and keep in
touch so that you can call upon him/her later when you are in need of a reference. This will also
help your supervisor keep you in mind when future opportunities arise.

How to Prepare Yourself Before Your Internship Starts

I searched, I applied, I interviewed, and I finally got my summer internship. Now all I have to do
is wait a couple of weeks until my internship is ready to start. Wrong!

How to be successful in your summer internship

One thing all students should consider before even starting their summer internship is
what do I need to do to become a successful intern. Getting an internship is just the
beginning and it isnt the most important part of the internship process.
Sure it may have been tough finding an internship and getting an offer, but the truth is
that the value of doing an internship is based mainly on how you decide to handle the
internship based on what you have to offer. Thats right, the burden is on you to make the
internship successful and to perhaps even turn your internship into a full-time job. Its not
about the company telling you what to do; its about you showing your value through
your own initiative, motivation, and personal and professional skill set.
So, youve landed your internship and it starts in a couple of weeks. What now? Well
have you thought about what you can do to research the industry and find out more about
the company? Going into an internship with ideas on how you can help the company
make changes or be more competitive will go along way to having the company view you
as a professional rather than a summer intern.
College students often provide companies with the know how and technological
knowledge that some of their most respected and long term employees lack. To become
even more valuable to your company, be willing to teach co-workers some little tricks of
the trade when it comes to using technology to create professional presentations or for
better marketing of the companys product or service using all of the social media tools
that are available.
Read important literature and trade magazines about the field
 This is a must if you want to get ahead. Impressing your supervisor from the get go will
set you up for more interesting and varied projects since you will be seen as a valuable
member of the team from the very beginning of your internship. Read press releases
about the company as well as its competitors. What new trends are coming up in the
field? How is your company positioned to make headway with these new trends? Are
there ways that you can help the company become more established online using things
like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Google Plus+, Digg, YouTube, plus many,
many more that are more specific to certain niche markets.
Take time to review the companys website
Take time to review and learn about the company, its products and services, and the
employees who currently work there. Check out current employees LinkedIn Profiles so
that when you begin your internship youll feel that you already know your supervisors
and co-workers.
Be prepared on your first day to go around and meet people and introduce yourself.
Taking the initiative to meet your co-workers will help set a good tone to your ability to
establish personal and professional relationships.
Get yourself a mentor
Finding a good mentor can be enormously helpful to you during your internship. Not
only will you learn the tricks of the trade quicker, you will also learn about what goes on
behind the scenes and have a better understanding of the office politics. Having this
knowledge beforehand can help you avoid certain hot spots and better know what you
need to know to move ahead in the company. I cant stress enough the value of a good
mentor. If you find someone within the company that you respect and that you seem to
hit it off with, why not ask them if they would be willing to mentor you during your time
at the company. They will probably feel honored, and believe me, you will be so glad that
you have someone that you feel you can trust and that you feel has your best interest at
heart. <