1. Be Punctual
This is the most basic rule that many people tend to overlook. Punctuality is extremely important in the professional world, regardless of industry. Being on time not only shows your sense of responsibility but also reveals your attitude toward your job. You don't want your boss to think that you don't take this job seriously, especially when you really care about the job.
2. Smile
Smile makes others happy as well as yourself. It will help you to have a positive attitude and emit happy energy around you. Make people in the office enjoy working with you, not feel awkward around you.
3. Ask questions
I have noticed that many interns are afraid of asking questions because they don't want the boss to know his/her lack of knowledge. Relax. You are an intern. You are not expected to know everything, and that is why you intern--to learn and gain experiences. Asking questions is always better than making mistakes! Do not arbitrarily make decisions. Ask your boss. You will be loved.
4. Accuracy-Speed trade-off
Some people try to finish assigned jobs as quickly as they can in order to demonstrate their competence. You may be surprised to hear that in fact, it is much easier to impress your boss with accuracy than with speed. Accuracy is directly related to professionalism. Do not make mistakes such as sending an email without attachment. Check, Check, Double Check!
5. Show interest
Showing interest during internship is vital whether you want to work there full-time or not. Your internship is to gain experience. Then, try your best to get the most out of your internship. If you finished assigned work and have nothing to do, do not go on Facebook. Ask your boss for more work. Or you can specifically ask your boss for what you want to learn. Being engaged and get involved.
I personally have never held an internship, but this list I found really helpful. It is funny how people tend to overlook the fundamental aspects of what it takes to be a good intern. I will definitely make sure to take off this list when I do get my first internship.
ReplyDeleteI'm starting an internship next week so this list really comes in handy! I've had another internship before so I can say that the part about asking questions is very true.. even now it still takes me some courage to bring myself to ask questions, fearing that I will be looked down on. I will keep your tips in mind for this new job. Thanks :) !
ReplyDeleteGreat tips for those who will be interning or even for myself who will start a full-time job pretty soon. I personally like number 2 especially more because that is something I really need to work on. Like Aimee said, it is not always easy to ask questions in the fear of your boss thinking you lack the necessary skills and knowledge. However, as you said, it's always better to ask questions then be wrong about it. Thank you for the great post!
ReplyDeleteI've never interned before and I know I should, desperately. Anyway, this is definitely a great list to start! I agree with point 4 especially I am always very careless!
ReplyDeleteThese are really great tips Gigi. Especially the smiling part haha. I remember my first internship.. I was so nervous all the time, so scared of making a mistake that I forgot to smile often. A good attitude and healthy frame of mind is definitely very important.
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