July is a reminder
that the summer is half over, and those with internships have fully settled in.
This month is the perfect time to reflect upon your experience, since there’s
still time to make the most of your internship. Below are tips to help fellow
interns stand out from the crowd and reach personal objectives:
Communicate with your supervisor
Interns often get lost
in the shuffle of their busy boss' agenda. Create a list of goals you want to
achieve while interning and share them with your supervisor. Goals that are
specific, timely and measurable will benefit you and your boss by getting you
both back on the same page. During this conversation, ask your supervisor if
they are satisfied with your work; this establishes open communication to
better the overall experience.
Network with coworkers
Many of the employees
working around you have valuable insights and potential connections. Get to
know those you work with--it's as simple as asking about their professional
endeavors, hobbies, etc. Find out what you have in common with others and share
your interests to see what future opportunities may lie ahead. Stay in touch
with coworkers when your internship ends by connecting with them on LinkedIn.
Beat Boredom
Most internships
aren't overly exciting, so it’s your job to find ways to keep yourself
occupied. Talk to your boss and see if there are extra projects that need to be
completed; if not, go to other employees you bonded with to see if they need
your assistance. Interns are often brought on to help with smaller tasks, so
working with other departments can lead to good hands on experience and
diversifies your resume. If there is literally nothing to do, don’t revert to
social media! Instead take advantage of your time by learning new skills on
Lynda.com. Adding to your skill set can provide more opportunities to complete
other projects.
Don't get stuck in the
mid-way internship slump! Be willing to put yourself out there because the
return could include new connections and skills.
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