Whether you’re a student getting college credit or a graduate trying to break into a new field, internships can be critical to your professional success. They can give you experience, provide opportunities for networking, and teach you valuable skills such as how to use new technology. But internships aren’t successful by default; it’s all about what you put into them.
Here are seven internship tips that can help you get the most out of your internship.
- Set Internship Goals
- Build Relationships for Future Opportunities
- Be Curious and Ask Questions
- Be Present, Be Punctual, Be Professional
- Express Gratitude
- Enjoy the Experience
- Stay Positive
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Set Internship Goals
Before you start your internship, your first step should be to set measurable goals. Doing so is a great way to hold yourself accountable. Not sure where to start? Here are some questions to think about:
- What do you want to get out of your internship?
- What’s the best way to attain those goals?
- What tools do you need to track your progress and measure your results?
A few common professional goals for interns include:
- Building industry-specific skills
- Improving your oral and written communication
- Learning how to use new technology
- Making connections and networking with different types of people in your field
- Strengthening your leadership skills
2. Build Relationships for Future Opportunities
It’s all about who you know. Whether you’re trying to learn the details of the business or hoping to land a full-time gig, building relationships with different types of people across teams is key. It teaches you about the wider organization and can lead to different career paths or offer mentoring opportunities in the future. So, the next time you see a colleague from a different team, say hello. Introduce yourself. Connect on LinkedIn. You never know where it may lead.
3. Be curious and Ask Questions
Interns aren’t expected to have all the answers. But they are expected to learn and grow. To do so, embrace new challenges with confidence and humility. Try being open-minded and vulnerable—whether that means asking questions in meetings, seeking advice from potential mentors, or taking that extra step to make sure you understand a task and its goals. Taking a curious, proactive approach will lead to more learning opportunities and help you get more out of your internship.
4. Be Present, Be Punctual, Be Professional
These “three B’s” are critical to learning during your internship. Plus, they’ll help you make a good impression on the people who may eventually hire you. What they have in common: commitment, focus, and respect—all great qualities to have as an intern. Here are a few examples of being present, punctual, and professional:
- Arrive on time. If you think you’re going to be late, let your supervisor know in advance.
- Meet your deadlines. If you have questions or need to push one back, talk to your leader or direct manager beforehand.
- Make good eye contact and be aware of your body language. It says a lot about how you feel, especially if you’re in a meeting or on camera.
- Try to avoid using your cell phone for personal reasons during work. It’s a sign of commitment and respect.
- Accept feedback with grace and humility—even if that means taking a breath before you respond.
5. Express Gratitude
By offering you an internship, your colleagues and supervisors are investing in you. And that’s something to be grateful for. Recognize their time and effort when your internship is over. Endorse them on LinkedIn or send them a personal thank you note (whether by hand or email).
Showing appreciation for their guidance and mentorship acknowledges their contribution to your career. That can leave a positive impression and lead to future opportunities.
6. Enjoy the Experience
Internships are hard work, but they can also be fun. You should be comfortable showing your authentic—albeit professional—self throughout the process and make genuine personal connections along the way.
Take advantage of group lunches, team-building activities, virtual events, and happy hours. Prioritizing these opportunities will help you make friends, expand your network, and enjoy the process.
7. Stay Positive
At times during your internship, you may feel frustrated, disappointed and confused. But try to stay focused on your long-term goals and maintain a positive attitude. You’re there to learn, not to be perfect.
Maintaining a positive attitude extends beyond work hours. Sharing your experiences with friends, referring contacts, or promoting your internship on social media are great ways to demonstrate that positivity. Just remember, what you say publicly about the company you work for—even as an intern—can have an impact on the organization.
Once you’ve digested these seven internship tips, you’ll be ready to take the next step on your professional journey: entering the job market. We’re here to help with that, too. Check out our guide to evaluating job opportunities and mastering the art of the interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between an internship and a full-time, part-time, or contract job?
A: An internship is mainly a learning experience to help people learn practical skills in a specific field. Full-time, part-time, and contract jobs focus on work responsibilities and productivity, typically with longer-term commitments and specific job roles.
Q: Are internships paid or unpaid?
A: Internships can be either paid or unpaid. Paid internships typically offer a stipend or hourly wage, while unpaid internships focus more on gaining experience or offering academic credit. Before you take an internship, make sure the compensation is clear.
Q: When do companies typically offer internships?
A: Though many companies offer internships during the summer, some opportunities are available year-round. Internships during off-peak seasons like the fall, winter, and spring can offer more flexibility and tend to have a less competitive application process.
