Starting an internship can be overwhelming and exciting all at the same time. You want to impress your new co-workers, be yourself AND do a great job for your new company. On top of that, you want to learn, make new friends and open doors for your future. That’s not a lot to ask, right? Although I’m a designer now, I started my time at Webspec as an intern – and here’s what I learned.
DO
Have at least one internship while you’re in college
It helps prepare you for the real world and gives you the experience of what it’s like to deal with actual clientele. Classwork doesn’t prepare you for what it’s like to deal with strenuous clients and their challenging projects.
Get more than one internship before you graduate
Different workplaces have different environments, and the opportunity to become exposed to more than one atmosphere can help you decide what your preferences are before committing to a full-time career.
Observe everything
Ask questions, sit in meetings and watch other associates work to see how they accomplish projects on a day-to-day basis. It’s important to put yourself out there and be eager to learn.
Don’t take yourself too seriously
Act professional at all times (especially when dealing with projects and clients) but realize it’s also important to be yourself and have a little bit of fun. Taking small breaks and joking around with other co-workers is okay once in a while — it can help relieve stress and help you relax. Sometimes working on a project for 4 hours straight can make your mind go chaotic!
Set goals every day
Create an outline of what you want to accomplish each day and each week. Use this to make a list of things you need to learn or get done. Now, you can stay on top of the projects you have to complete and can show your supervisor your work ethic and abilities.
Speak up
On my first day at Webspec, we had a meeting about photography packages. I was nervous to share my opinion, being so new to the company, but I decided to speak up and I’m glad I did. We all ended up bouncing ideas off of each other, and I learned that my opinion mattered even though I was new.
DON’T
Pass up opportunities
There are a lot of opportunities that can come up during an internship that will help you to learn more about the company or industry. Take on tasks and jobs you may not have anticipated doing – you never know when you might learn something new!
Abuse your position
Just because you are an intern doesn’t mean you can slack off and be lazy with projects. The company still expects 100% from you and wants you to shine. You are an intern because you want to be (you applied for it, remember?) so enjoy it and make the most of your time.
Give up
When I began my position as a design intern, I found out that at Webspec, designers work in a program called Photoshop. In class, I work in other programs most of the time, and I was a bit overwhelmed and confused at first while getting used to a new way of doing things. I asked a lot of questions, watched a lot of tutorials, and now, I have Photoshop down. This can happen in any new job – just because you’re used to doing something one way, doesn’t mean that’s the way every other company will want you to do it. You’ve got to be ready to learn new things without giving up on the process.
Have a bad attitude
You are the new intern; you don’t want to be disliked after your first week or month! Even if you are frustrated with someone or how something went it’s better to confront the situation (if need be) or let it go. You are all working for the same company and need to do what’s best for it. It can be easy to get caught up in petty gossip, but it’s better to keep your comments to yourself as the new person and keep a steady ground with everyone.
My experience as an intern was awesome. I’ve enjoyed everyone I work with, and now that I’m no longer an official intern, I still enjoy learning new things every day. Not everyone gets the opportunity to experience a real work setting while still in college – enjoy your time and work every day to make you and your company shine. You’re there to build your future, so make it a great one!
