Getting the Most out of Your Internship/Co-op

So you think you’re ready to enter the real world, huh? Did you sign up for that internship? Do you know what you will be doing there? First thing first, ask questions. No question is a stupid question. Normally, there are others around you that have the same question and are too afraid to ask. (Asking questions also shows that you are thinking and engaged with the experience.)

Many students take on internships or co-ops because they sound fun or they think it will be another bullet to add to their resume. Although these things may be true, there are a few other things one will have to think about.

An internship, whether or not it is paid, is just like a job. It is like class in the sense that you are expected to learn things, show up on time, and be productive, however, you will not be allowed to just copy off of your neighbors’ assignment or sit in the back of the class and sleep. You are here to learn something valuable for your future. So get out that notebook and pen, and start jotting some things down.

Firstly, you want to stand out, and not in a “wear a loud outfit everyday” kind of way. If you only do what is expected of you, you will fade into the background and just be another face among all of the other young, eager learners there. If you are there because you know what you are doing, excellent! Share your thoughts or ideas on certain things. What is the worst that can happen? Perhaps you will be the one recognized for the greatest idea of the day, and just maybe, the president of the company will be there to hear your idea as well. Hands on experience is often the best way to learn, so it only makes sense to get in there and get your hands dirty. Ask your supervisor for more responsibility. Take on responsibilities when the opportunity arises. Showing that you are creative and have productive ideas will prove that you are willing to take chances.

One thing you should not take chances on, however, is missing many days at your internship. Although this is not a class where you only get three sick days, just remember that this company is doing you a favor. The more you show up, the more responsible you appear, especially if you are working hard. If you are only doing the minimal, you are showing the company that you are only expecting the minimal. An internship is like a delicately crafted relationship, it is a give and take, the more you give, the more you will get. You never know you who you will meet during your experience. These people you meet can help your career for many years to come, create a connection and build a network.

Finally, never forget why you are there. This is for a future goal you have set up. Do not get mixed up in the office drama of day to day life. You are there to learn to do the job, not to learn to socialize with the people in the cubicle next to yours. Networking is an important part of the internship, but it does not involve talking about the score of last night’s game or what happened on Grey’s Anatomy. This internship could make or break you when it comes to a future job. Create a portfolio of accomplishments during your internship. From projects you worked on to excerpts from emails saying how great of a job you did to examples of tasks you managed. All of these things will help you supplement your resume and engage the employer during the interview. Thinking about the next part of your life will help you be better prepared. It is a learning tool that you will remember and rely on for other opportunities in the future. If you keep yourself in check while learning at the office, you may just be preparing yourself for signing a continuous check at the office.