You’ve secured the internship, your hard work has paid off, but you may be thinking, what now? Starting can be intimidating, and this excitement can mix with nervousness. Especially if this is your first internship… but worry not. Here’s some tips for beginning and starting work at your organization.
Starting Your Internship
Tip #1: First step (obviously) is signing your internship offer. I’d wait until the paperwork has gone through to start telling people outside of your inner circle. You never know what may happen, and it’s better to wait until you know for certain that you’re an intern now.
Tip #2: Now that the paperwork has been completed… it’s time to announce your new internship! Obviously, this is the most exciting part, but take this opportunity to do it strategically. Here’s a resource from LinkedIn themselves on how to announce your new position on LinkedIn.
Tip #3: Start your internship off on the right foot by getting to know your co-workers and supervisors. Since you’ll be spending lots of time with them, it’s smart to establish a good rapport and working relationship with them. Beyond your immediate co-workers and supervisors, network beyond your department if possible.
Tip #4: I suggest discussing with your supervisor what their expectations for you are, as well as their own management style. It’s good to know if they are expecting frequent updates, or if they want someone more independent.
During Your Internship
Tip #5: I’ve heard it repeatedly, network network network. Networking can be intimidating, especially if you’re introverted. However, I’ve made some great connections through my internship. While not every conversation will turn into a future job opportunity, take each conversation to gain bits of wisdom. You may learn a few trade secrets or get pointed in the right direction. Here’s a great resource from the Harvard Business Review about how to network, and another resource from Braindate on networking for introverts.
Tip #6: Take time to make your work reflect quality instead of quantity. Your work is for the utilization of your employers, but it’s also for your own career endeavors. When it comes time to apply to your next internship or a job, having your work ready for the next portfolio update is essential.
Tip #7: Take this time for not just professional development, but personal development as well. Learning how to react to internship-related stressors and successes in your personal life and learning to maintain professional boundaries is important. Develop a work-life balance that works for you. Here’s an article from BetterUp on how to achieve a good work life balance, as well as a resource from Mental Health America.
Tip #8: Learn every new skill you can and take every opportunity that’s offered. If there’s any tip you want to take away from this blog, take this one: if there’s training offered for a skill you don’t have mastered yet, learn the new skill. If there’s a company event, offer your assistance or attend as a guest. Sometimes the greatest moments of internships come from taking the extra step of initiative.
All of this may seem like a lot, but I promise it will all come in due time. Richmond is especially filled with so many professional and personal opportunities. Take this time to explore, try new things, and make new connections. I wish you luck on your journey, and maybe I’ll see you along the way someday!
Danielle Cassell is a senior at Virginia Commonwealth University studying Mass Communications (B.S.) with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Business. She is currently a Marketing Coordinator Intern at ChamberRVA and RVA NOW.