So you’ve landed that great internship and you’re ready to spend your summer working in your chosen field. That’s great! Internships can teach you more about the industry than you could ever learn in a classroom. They can also help you make some valuable connections along the way.
But just landing the internship isn’t enough, you need to do what you can to make the most of the experience. It will only last for a few months, so you need to make them count.
Read on for some of our tips that will teach you how to make the most out of your student internship experience.
Be Proactive
One of the best things you can do at your internship is to practice being proactive. This means that once you finish a task, you don’t just spend time sitting there waiting for someone to tell you what to do.
Take the initiative and find something else to do. If files aren’t organised, do it. If there’s a document you didn’t finish a few days ago, finish it. If the office needs tidying, start tidying it.
When you show that you don’t need constant direction, you prove that you’re a valuable member of the team.
Network
Your internship is the perfect chance for you to start making valuable connections. Take every opportunity you get to network with people in the field and ask them questions.
Find out how they got into the field, ask for valuable advice, and show real enthusiasm for the role. They can help you learn the ropes and they could even help you find a permanent role after university.
Take Lots of Notes
When you work at an internship, you’re often given many tasks in a single day and it can all become a bit overwhelming. One of the best ways to stay on top of it all and remember key information is to take lots of notes.
Make a point to write down your responsibilities, duties, and even the names of people you meet. It’ll help you remember important information and it’s a great reference point when it comes to adding this experience to your CV.
Ask Questions
This internship is a learning experience for you and you should be using it to further your knowledge of the field. One of the best ways to learn on the job is to ask questions about it!
Talk to people there and ask them any questions that are on your mind. It help you learn more about the industry and show your colleagues that you genuinely care about the job.
Give It Your All
Finally, at your student internship, you should be making sure that you give it your all. An internship is essentially just a long job interview, so make sure that you show enthusiasm throughout.
Even on the more mundane tasks, make sure to do them to the very best of your ability. Show up well-dressed, try to be early, and greet everyone with a friendly smile. Showing genuine enjoyment and motivation for your internship will leave a great impression.
It could even help you to secure a permanent job there after university. At the very least, it will help you get a good character reference from your employer.
Now You’re Ready to Make the Most out of Your Student Internship
Now that you’ve read through this article, you’re ready to go out there and make the most out of your student internship! This is a great opportunity for you to learn and connect with people in your industry and the work you do here can help you secure a great job in the future.
Looking for more ways to add valuable experience to your CV? Check out our blog post for more useful advice.
