If you were lucky enough to land a summer internship, then congratulations. This will likely be your first glimpse of your future adult life and get something legitimate on your resume other than ice cream scooper. If you are extra lucky enough to land an opportunity in a field that you are actually considering post-graduation, then you really do not want to blow it. Here are some pro-tips from people who have crushed their summer internships.
Turn your phone upside down during meetings|
Okay, it is super obvious that you shouldn’t be known as the kid who is always on that “Snapbook”. We have a tip on how to outwardly show the adults in the room that you aren’t distracted by your phone. Have your phone visible and turn it upside down during meetings.
Do not bring left over fish to work
It is nice to finally eat mom and dad’s fresh grilled tuna again, right? Don’t bring those left overs into work with next day. The smell that leftover fish emits when microwaved can fill an entire office floor.
Take time to observe
Seriously, pretend you are an alien who has just landed on earth and you know nothing about anything you unfolding around you. Observe how people are dressed, the subject matter of their conversations, how they answer/ask questions, etc.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
It is very unlikely that you will get faulted for being curious. In fact, most of your co-workers will encourage you to ask questions. It conveys that you are interested in your work and the work of others around you. Also, if you don’t know how to do something, it is better to ask for clarification then to just pretend you know what you’re doing. The bar is already set pretty low for you.
Make friends with everyone
It is obvious that you want to be nice, but actually try to become casual friends with each and every person in the office. That goes for leadership to the reception. You will graduate soon and you want every ally possible. Even if you are all that interested in pursuing your internship’s line of work as a career, you never know who knows who. Leave on your last day with everyone saying how they will miss having you around. Ask for a letter of recommendation
While your experience and performance is fresh in both your head and that of your supervisor’s, it is highly encouraged that you ask for a letter of recommendation before you finish the summer. Here’s an article on how to draft a letter of recommendation for employers to sign that you might find helpful. Hand write thank you cards
This is a classy way to demonstrate your gratitude. It says so much more than an email and doesn’t get deleted or moved into an inbox folder never to be seen again.
Sit in the front row
In group meetings where there are rows of seats go for the ones in the first row. Most people, including the full-time employees tend to avoid the front row. This is a way to get some facetime, limit distractions, and show that you are engaged.
Ask for feedback early and often
You have a relatively short amount of time to make an impression. Taking this into consideration, you better be sure your leaving them with a positive one. Informally asking for feedback conveys that you care and can be an opportunity to steer your back on course if you were unknowingly not meeting expectations. Don’t complain
This is an obvious one. It is, although, sometimes easier said than done. Don’t be surprised when you hear full-time employees complaining. It happens often and can be dangerously contagious. Seriously, though, don’t come off as an ungrateful little brat. All things considered, you landed a summer internship when many others didn’t. In most cases you can just keep quiet, suck it up, and get through it.
