Intern Commandments

Happy Wednesday! So this week has been even crazier than usual (hello, midterms/internships/reports/meetings/group projects!) so today's post will be brief, but I still wanted to share a little something. Yay consistency!
So here are some quick tips on how to be a fabulous intern, no matter where you are! I'll elaborate more and have more intern-related posts soon, but consider this a sneak peak! ;)

1) BE ON TIME! Nothing says, "I respect your time and I'm excited to work here" than being on time. Kudos to the earlybirds who are even a few minutes early.

2) Do your homework. Not school homework- do your research on your company, their mission statement, what they stand for, and what they've done.

3) Be excited! Be that smiling face or that friendly person in the office- you don't know who needs it and how appreciated it is sometimes.

4) Write down your ideas. Sometimes your ideas are not solicited or requested, which is fine. You're working with people who have launched a business and you should respect that they know what they are doing. But if you do have an idea, write it down! You never know when they'll want your fresh input into a project. Be ready!

5) Dress professionally. Even if your internship is coded as "casual," dress nicer than you would normally. Look the part.

6) Branch out. Your internship might be in one area, but don't be afraid to branch out and learn about other departments or areas of work. You are there to learn, so take advantage of any and all opportunities.

7) Ask questions! Don't be shy- you are there to learn! Your employer also knows you are a student and are at an entry-level. They aren't expecting you to be perfect, but if you have any questions or concerns, address them before you mess something up!

8) Think about your life, think about your choices. This internship is possibly what you want to do with your life- do you like it? I'm a believer that it is never too late- finish up the internship and go find whatever your heart desires. Maybe this internship will lead you to whatever you want to do.

9) Make mistakes. They will happen. Let them. Take responsibility, clean it up, and learn from it. And don't be too hard on yourself- you're at the internship for experience, not perfection.

10) Dream big. My hope for all of you is that your internship shows you exactly what you want to do, and encourages you to chase your dreams, no matter how big they are. So go for it!

I hope this inspires you! Have a great week, everyone!


xxx