How to make the most of your summer internship
Summer internships can be very thrilling, but at the same time extremely stressful. You may be working hard to get a return offer, or you’re about to start your internship and you’re anxious about making friends in a new place. No matter what you’re feeling, recent alumna Aashna has some tips on how you can make the most of your summer internship!
1. Dress to impress and don’t be shy to introduce yourself
First impressions matter. Make sure to spend some time looking presentable before entering the office. Dressing in business casual or business professional attire is usually a good rule of thumb, especially on that first day. If your internship requires a specific dress code, be sure to familiarize yourself with it before you start. Also, shake hands with everyone and introduce yourself using an elevator pitch. If you don’t know what an elevator pitch is, it is a 2-3 sentence overview of yourself including your current position, hobbies and future goals/aspirations.
2. Finish your work to the best of your ability even if you have to put in extra hours
Spots for full-time positions are limited, especially in today’s economy. Employers are not only looking for candidates with the best GPA, but instead, people who are willing to go above and beyond for each and every task they are given. Some interns will even stand out by doing more than what they’re asked for. But remember not to overdo it to the extent where it is affecting your mental health and causing a lot of stress.
3. Talk to your colleagues and make plans
Do not bury yourself so far into work that you forget to have fun and make new friends. You never know how far these friendships can go. Even today, most successful people state that they mainly go into work to see their friends- that’s what keeps them going! It’s also a great opportunity to meet people from different communities and backgrounds. If you’re interning in a new place, this is a great time to start building your social life for the summer.
4. Take care of yourself
Last summer, I would hear my friends say that they eat one meal a day because they didn't have time for more, or that they only got 3 hours of sleep. This was so detrimental to their health that they started hating their jobs and did not want to continue. So, remember to take a pause every day and make sure that you are taking care of yourself.
5. Connect with people on LinkedIn and thank them
In the duration of your internship, connect with whoever you meet on LinkedIn. Whether you get a return offer or not, thank them for their guidance and support. You never know when those connections can help. Maybe they’ll recommend you for another job, write you a glowing recommendation letter, or connect you to your future employer! Staying connected and building your network are important skills to learn once you enter the professional world.
P.S. In addition to staying connected with your supervisors and program leaders, don’t forget to stay connected to the friends you made along the way!
Overall, summer internships can be tough to navigate, but if you take it step by step and put your best effort in, while also being approachable and healthy, you can achieve anything you want!