“Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.” Who else would know better than our dear Dr. Seuss! Indeed, today just happens to be…your first day at the internship. Not exactly eager?
The internship, as we all know, gives you a taste of the working world. It helps you choose a career and gives you something to write about on all those college applications you’ll be filling out next school year. While most of us who have “been there, done that” can testify to becoming well-acquainted with the copier machine at the end of this two- to three-month stint, these few months out in the working world will be, undoubtedly, an eye-opening experience.
Let us calm your throes of panic. We at Next Step have come up with a few must-have tips that will ensure you land on a nice footing from the first day of your internship to the last.
Tip 1: Check out the location of your internship before your first day of work Turning up late for your first day is the ultimate death sentence. OK, so that’s a bit overdoing it, but you do want to leave a good first impression, don’t you? (Please leave messed-up buns, chipped heels or stained ties at home.)
Tip 2: Do background research on the company Get familiar with the inner workings of the company, such as what drives it. It will help that you know about with whom you’ll be working.
Tip 3: Check the dress code You do want to be dressed correctly for the grand occasion of your First Day, don’t you? Don’t overdress or underdress. You don’t want to rub people the wrong way. Check the dress code with your internship coordinator.
Tip 4: Look around Looking around means you’re increasing your observational skills. What working styles do the people adopt? Are they friendly? Are they genuinely sincere? Do people get along? Knowing answers to questions like these will mean you’ll adapt quickly.
Tip 5: Be enthusiastic! You’ll need to practice aggressiveness with calm restraint. Ask questions when you need to, but be street smart, too. Show these people that, young as you are, you are not to be pushed around. Show them what you can do for them. Respect has to be earned. If you have to ask to be given work, ask. Be willing to learn.
Tip 6: Don’t be too hard on yourself Understand that there are bound to be disappointments. Not everyone is going to live up to your expectations. Sometimes, not even you can live up to what you want to be. So when you do make a mistake, don’t beat yourself up about it. Live and learn.
Tip 7: Make a stand Don’t allow things to rest easy if your boss pushes you around. Practice tact and good judgement. Remember, interns are there to do more than just run errands. You are there to learn the trade. Keep your internship coordinator informed if you’re doing more (or less) than what you’re supposed to do.
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