Don’t Worry! Your Internship won’t be that bad.
When looking for an internship for the summer, I found that it was more difficult and stressful than applying to college. Writing cover letter after cover letter and filling out every application I could find was the most time consuming and tedious part of my semester.
Now, however, I am lucky enough that one marketing agency was brave enough to take me under their wing as their digital marketing intern this summer. This is my first experience as an intern and here are some helpful tips that may help you succeed:
Take Notes and Listen Carefully
There is nothing more annoying for your coworkers than having to tell you the same thing twice. Pay attention to everything they say and if they give you instructions on how to do something, be sure to take notes. Jotting down information will most likely help you in the end. If you are ever stuck, refer back to your notes.
But If You Are Stuck Ask For Help
It happens to us all. There is nothing wrong with asking for help. Your coworkers may be a bit annoyed, but it could be worse if you do your assigned task completely wrong and then waste time trying to fix it. Don’t worry! They will understand that you are still learning and just show you how to do it correctly.
Accept That You Are an Intern
Realize that you are at the bottom of the totem pole. Everyone else was there at some point in his or her life. If a coworker asks you to run out for coffee creamer or to clean up a table… just do it. They aren’t picking on you; they just have more important things to do, and this is the small stuff that needs to be done. It may be annoying, but work hard and maybe one day you will be asking an intern to make you coffee.
You’re Here To Learn
Try to sharpen and refine your skills. You are working with a team of experts in the industry. They will have tips and strategies that will help you succeed in the real world. Also, don’t be discouraged from criticism. Learn from your mistakes and be sure not to let it happen again. You’ll be thankful when you eventually land your first full-time job.
Don’t Let the Little Things Bother You, Stay Productive
With many people working in an office you are bound to find something that will annoy or distract you. Try not to get distracted and just finish the task on hand. If you are able to concentrate your work will turn out better, and your boss will be amazed by how much you can get done. In fact, working hard will set you apart from another intern.
Be Friendly
Your workday will become a lot more enjoyable if your goal isn’t just to get in and out of the office. Be social and try to talk to your coworkers, don’t just sit behind your desk and look bored. If they ask you do something with them after work, don’t be afraid; just go, it will be fun. Never underestimate the power of networking.
Overall, just try to enjoy the experience. If you hate it, you are only there for a few months. Luckily for me I have enjoyed my time here as an intern. I was able to apply concepts that I learned in class to my tasks and responsibilities here at Kraus Marketing and gain real world experience. Truthfully, there is nothing more valuable than that. If you work your hardest, maybe one day you will transition from an intern to a full-time employee.
To all future Interns: Good Luck!