Whether you are taking an internship to meet college graduation requirements or earn a shot at finding a permanent job, you need to do well in order to achieve your goal. By reading this article, you will learn ways to be a successful intern.
Doing your best
If you are partly doing your internship for college credit, you must do everything you are supposed to do in order to get a good grade. While doing an internship as a college senior, I made sure that I did what the professor overseeing my program wanted me to do. If I did not know certain criteria, I talked it over with my professor. The better that you perform your duties and the more pleasant that you are, the more likely your supervisor is to make a good report about you to your professor.
Being punctual
Show up each work day as scheduled. You also must show up on time. Taking these measures enabled me to get all of my work done and avoid impeding the flow of things at the office. Also, I showed that I was serious about my work.
Looking and smelling good
It is important to always show up looking and smelling good. You should dress professionally by wearing a clean collared shirt and a clean pair of slacks or dress pants with a pair of polished dress shoes. Do not wear clothes that are fraying or have holes. If you smoke or undergo a heavy workout after getting out of bed, you should take a shower and put on fresh clothes then drive or take public transportation to work without smoking or chewing tobacco.
Following directions
It is essential to closely follow your directions. I helped myself by carefully listening to everything that was explained and watching each step I was shown. I asked questions when I did not understand something. Do not be afraid to take notes or use a tape recorder while you are getting instruction.
Having the right attitude and demeanor
It is up to you to make a good impression and avoid being let go before your program ends. Besides doing my best, I had a good attitude and did everything I was asked without complaining, making excuses or having a look of discontent on my face. If I finished my work before the day ended, I asked what I should do next.
You have learned things you have to do to be a successful intern. By heeding these suggestions, you will make a good impression, complete your program, get a good grade and maybe earn a permanent job offer from the company where you are doing your internship.
