Get more out of your internship
SO, you're done with one of the hardest, most time-consuming aspects of internship - finding an organisation that allows internees.
Now, apart from figuring out what to wear and where to go out for lunch, there are certain other things you should know and do as you progress through your internship. Here go five important steps that you can take to make your internship learning experience a beneficial one.
Be a "Suzy or Johnny Good Intern"
You would want to be a `Suzy or Johnny good student' when it comes to internship. Remember that kid, who used to sit in the front row of benches in the class, listened keenly to the teacher and eagerly attempted to answer whenever she asked a question?
Essentially, the kid exhibited all the qualities of a "Suzy or Johnny Good Student". Now is the time for you to be that kid and show your employer that you are a "Suzy or Johnny Good Intern".
Show up on time when you are scheduled, use your time efficiently and try to limit socialising with other co-workers and avoid lunch - hour gossips and rumour-mill. You'll find this tip especially helpful if you are destined to land a full-time job with the organisation following your graduation.
Keep in mind that employers generally believe that "Suzy or Johnny Good Interns" tend to make "Suzy or Johnny good employees", rather good full-time employees.
Set goals and chart success paths
Outline short and long-term goals to be achieved during the internship. Setting specific goals will help you assess your success in the course of internship and will also prove to be a precious tool to exhibit what you've accomplished.
You would come across impressive people in the organisation, who would have reached greater heights in their career. Sit with them and try to learn how they reached there. Ask them if they have any suggestions for a young professional.
Get to know things like what kind of jobs they had held earlier in their career and what areas of expertise helped them in their endeavour.
Take initiative and network well
Seek out opportunities to learn. Perform the work you are assigned and don't wait to be asked to participate in activities you find interesting. Learn about the context in which your work takes place and appreciate the role you play.
Not only is internship a great way to gain experience, but is also a good opportunity to develop good contacts in your field of work. Try meeting as many people as possible over the course of your internship. Most probably, you'll get to know your immediate administrator and any co-workers in your working area.
Try getting your supervisor's permission to meet people from other departments.
In case you happen to meet people who you find really interesting, make it a habit to note down who they are, where you met them and schedule a time in the future to follow up and stay in touch with them.
Note that networking is not about asking people for help, it's all about meeting people who enrich your experience.
Display energy and enthusiasm
Wear a positive outlook and be energetic and enthusiastic about your internship. This quality, besides demonstrating a sincere interest in your role to the employer, also helps create a pleasant environment.
Throughout your internship, reflect on what you are observing and doing. Try to analyse what you like or dislike about the work you are doing. Assess how your internship has impacted your career goals.
Gather your résumé fillers
Note that your internship can give you a lot more than just a new entry for your résumé. Your portfolio may include copies/summaries of completed projects, positive performance reviews or supervisor feedback and letters of recommendation.
A letter of recommendation from your supervisor would be of great help to you. Ensure you ask your supervisor if he/she can write one for you.
Such information will give you a definite advantage over others in your future job search.
ROOPA HEGDE
Roopahegde.hyd@cnkonline.com
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