Internships are temporary company placements offered to college students as a part of their coursework. Individuals such as freshers or those wanting to switch careers may also take up unpaid or less paid probationary positions on their own to gain real-time work experience.
An internship/probation may or may not translate into a full-time assignment, however, if one’s truly interested in working in a specific company, role or department, it’s a wonderful way to enhance your practical knowledge, acquaint yourself to an organizational set-up and start-off as a working professional, even before securing a permanent job.
Students studying in courses incorporating such placements have a definite edge over others who are only sloughing through theory and cramming books for examinations. Virtual internships are also quite common now, even though the basic rules remain the same. Most interns discover and decide on their vocations during this spell.
Have you bagged an internship? That’s cool!
This is just the beginning of an exciting new phase of your life! How to make the most of it?
Consider these seven tips to help you stand out and shine during your internship period:
#Tip 1 - Be a professional in every sense
In this crucial shift from the campus to the corporate world, every move of yours will be observed - grooming, the way you carry yourself, communicate your views, manage your time and perform your tasks. In short, everything you do. Instead of feeling anxious, use this chance to train yourself into becoming a thorough professional. Mistakes may occur, don’t let these deter you from continuously learning and improving.
#Tip 2 - Take it as a real job
Don’t treat the internship like a short-term deal. Any assignment coming your way, small or big, important or minor, accept it sincerely and perform it with 100% commitment and effort.
The trivial tasks may transform into larger responsibilities and the insignificant jobs may lead to something meaningful, ultimately.
#Tip 3: Go above and beyond
Challenge yourself on what and how you can accomplish something. Never limit yourself to the project or the duties you’re assigned. Exceed expectations on those and show enthusiasm to take on more.
Involve self in activities that broaden your knowledge and skills showcases you as a valuable team member. However, when taking initiative, organize yourself to complete tasks within deadlines.
You’ll be noticed from a batch of trainees when you’re willing to go beyond the call of duty.
#Tip 4: Network
Usually, trainees are attached to a manager who’s overseeing their project. However, organizations may also recruit trainees as a cost-effective measure and utilize them across departments for multiple jobs. In this case, there may be more than one person you report to during the said period.
Either way, make connections and build relationships at the workplace. If you happen to develop rapport with a senior person, approach him/her to be your guide/mentor to hone your skills. Networking offers insights into the organizational culture and also provides valuable references for future jobs.
#Tip 5: Stay humble and flexible
Behave like a sponge, soak in all there’s to know throughout this stint. Familiarizing yourself to the firm’s procedures, policies and people will give you better awareness of your prospects as a full-time employee.
Be respectful of people at all levels and adapt to the working style of your supervisor/s. Flexibility, modesty, adaptability are traits most workplaces find appealing in potential employees.
#Tip 6: Ask questions
If the organization has a structured trainee induction program, you needn’t worry much about gaining knowledge about the company or your project goals. If not, don’t feel shy or afraid to ask well-meaning questions.
Being curious about your project, where it's heading, probing for additional data concerning the company, and it's functioning is acceptable. But, avoid disturbing people when they are busy, schedule an appointment to extract the information you require.
#Tip 7: Seek feedback
Thinking you are doing a great job spells self-confidence. Seeking continuous feedback from your manager and other team players on your work and attitude is taking it a step further. Identify your strengths and weaknesses for improving performance, record your achievements for an impactful internship journey and a promising future.
I did two extremely interesting internship projects as a part of my management degree, these equipped me with enriching experiences, further firming up my career choice. Years later, having seen it from a student’s perspective, was able to design and execute interns & management trainees’ induction programs for the organization.
An internship period is the best training ground available to sharpen your saw, make maximum use of it.
The transition from a fresh graduate to a full-time employee will then turn out much smoother and enjoyable!
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