My first full-time job resulted from an internship. What began as a temporary position before I started my graduate school program turned into an enriching professional opportunity and the beginning of my career in the non-profit field.
Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to interview, hire, or manage more than 40 interns at multiple organizations. Some of those interns were so fantastic that I was able to make them offers for a full-time position, where they turned out to be some of my favorite colleagues and friends. But what makes an intern “fantastic” enough to warrant a job offer? I’ve compiled my top five tips below to help you “manage up” and make a lasting impression during your next internship.
- Take notes and ask questions if you don’t understand: Does anyone else get anxious at a restaurant when you give your food order to the waiter and they nod, don’t write anything down, and try to commit it all to memory? (Or is it just me?) Regardless, there is much to remember when starting a new job or internship! If someone is giving you instructions, it’s best to take notes so you can reference them later. If there is something you’re unsure about while receiving instructions, be sure to ask clarifying questions. It’s great to figure out a problem independently, but a quick follow-up is better than spending hours doing something incorrectly due to a miscommunication.
- Always meet deadlines: This one is pretty simple, but you’d be amazed at how many people struggle with wrapping up a project on time. If you are given an assignment deadline, do everything you can to meet or exceed it. Sometimes, things can take longer than anticipated – in that case, be sure to flag it for your manager as soon as you realize you might come up short. Time management is a critical skill to learn during an internship, but communication is just as important.
- Find ways to add value: A capable intern will finish the work assigned to them, while a great intern will come up with something else to do in the downtime between tasks. Have you noticed your manager needs to pull interesting articles or job postings for a weekly newsletter? Send her some suggestions! Is the Communications team always looking for volunteers to write timely blog content? Start writing! I am always the most impressed by interns who come up with their own projects based on observing the organization’s needs as a whole. This shows that you can think strategically and work independently, two valuable assets in a full-time employee.
- Respond well to feedback: It’s said that good feedback is “S.M.A.R.T” or specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely. You will hopefully receive plenty of informal and formal feedback during your internship; however, if it’s been a while since you’ve received any- ask! Although it can be difficult, try to receive any feedback with grace and professionalism. Assume that the person giving you advice wants you to be successful. Then, take it to the next level and implement the changes wherever possible. It shows maturity and growth to start adjusting your work product without being asked repeatedly.
- Maintain the relationship: The internship is over. You did it! But just because the semester is over doesn’t mean the relationship has to be. Make sure to send a thank you note to your manager (bonus points if it’s handwritten), and don’t forget to add them and any colleagues you interacted with on LinkedIn. If you had a good experience and could see yourself wanting to ask for a reference or letter of recommendation in the future, make sure to keep in touch. An email every six months or so with any exciting updates (awards, articles you’ve written, changes in course of study) is appropriate and will help personalize those recommendations in the future.
This blog was written by Alexis Flowers, the Vice President of Programs at The Network of enlightened Women.
