It’s Lauren Berger, your neighborhood intern queen, I wanted to let all of you know that Spring and Summer 2009 internships are available right now ! We have over 400 listings on the site, www.quarterlife.com/intern, and plenty of internship advice on the blog. I wanted throw up some quick tips on making your Spring 2009 internship a successful one !
· Ask the right questions before your first day. This includes: Where to park, what time to show up, what the dress code is, if you need to bring a lunch, if you need to pay for parking, which materials do you need to bring, do you need to bring your social security card or any other personal documents. Asking these before you show up will help avoid that “uncertain” feeling on your first day.
· Dress appropriately at all times. If you don’t know what to wear think about what the other employers will be wearing and dress one notch nicer your first week. If the employees sometimes wear jeans and heels than go in a dress and heels the first day. You want everyone to KNOW that you are putting in your best effort. Don’t wear flip-flops to work – it gives off an “I’m too-relaxed” vibe.
· Bring a pen and notepad. Make sure to always have a small notepad and pen on you at all times. If your boss or internship coordinator calls you over to their desk or office – bring the pen and paper with you. This shows that you take everything super seriously.
· Shake everyone’s hand. If you are stationed by a coffee room or break room you are in luck ! You will meet the most people in the office this way. Whenever you are in an elevator with another employee or a break room you want to introduce yourself and shake their hand. Remember – it’s all about who you know. Of course, don’t interrupt them if they are talking with someone else or on their phone.
· Don’t just take work, Ask for it. Interns are always told to be the first to volunteer for things. You shouldn’t only volunteer you should also OFFER your work to your superiors. If you have nothing to do you should be going up to them and asking if there is anything you can help with. Sometimes your coordinators don’t realize that you are just sitting around.
I hope these tips help ! Best of luck with your interns and internships !
