Make the Most of Your Internship

Mere activity does not guarantee a successful internship. Have you set goals for this summer? Successful career building and résumé -enhancing experience do not happen by chance! Take time to determine your learning objectives for the summer.

• What do you hope to learn during your experience?
• What specific skills do you want to learn and/or enhance?
• What key people or positions do you want to meet with or have informational interviews with before you leave?
• What activities do you want to have exposure and/or experience with before you complete your internship?

Before the internship

Contact your supervisor(s) before you begin your position to discuss the following:

• What will be expected of you on a day-to-day basis?
• What specific projects and/or activities will you be involved with during your time with the organization?
• Do you have a written position description?
• Who is your supervisor and is this who you contact when you have questions or concerns?
• Will there be a final evaluation before your experience is completed?
• How will your performance be measured and by whom?
• Confirm the time and date of your first day of employment.

During the internship

You have worked very hard to get to this point. This experience can impact your career in many ways. Take time to plan what is needed to leave your employer with a positive image of you and your performance.

• Get to know your supervisor(s). They can help you gain insight into possible career choices. These supervisors can also serve as future references.
• Get to know the other interns. They can be useful in assisting with projects, gaining insight into the company and making future career connections.
• Build a positive image of yourself with your employer by:
  • going above and beyond what is expected of you
  • being a team player with your employer and other interns
  • seeking out positive criticism and being open to suggestions
  • getting to know the company culture
  • taking time to thank all involved in your experience when you leave
• Seek out work during slow periods.
• Remember, within reason, no assignment is too small or unimportant.
• Seek out opportunities to attend company meetings and events.
• Make sure you take time to network and do informational interviews.
• Review your learning objectives and take steps to complete your goals
• Approach your supervisor(s) about serving as a possible reference.
• Provide your employer with a forwarding address.

After the internship

• Review your experience. Does the reality of your internship match your expectations about this career field or company? Do you need to adjust or revise your career goals?
• Take time to review your learning objectives. What have you learned? What skills have you enhanced? How do these relate to your career goals?
• Revise your résumé . Do it promptly while you still remember the key details from your assignments. Incorporate the results of your learning objectives.
• Take time to write your supervisor(s) and other staff who contributed to your internship a thank-you note. Make sure to let them know if you are interested in future internships or employment. Don't assume they know of your interest.
• Keep in touch with the contacts you made at your internship. Regardless of whether you eventually work for this company, they can serve as invaluable resources as you seek full-time employment