Most interns don't know, just do what they do and don't get noticed
75% of college students have vacation internships. Internship experience is undoubtedly extremely valuable, which not only adds to the icing on the résumé of young people, but also helps them meet seniors in the industry of their choice. Internships are also increasingly becoming an important way to find a job, and the duration of internships has been extended from a few months to a year.
However, it is difficult for young people with little work experience to adapt to the professional environment. Adapting quickly to a new environment and excelling in a tight three-month internship period is no easy task.
How do interns learn essential workplace knowledge? How to make a good impression in the office? How can I get a recommendation letter or a full-time offer?
1 Strict punctuality
Get to work on time (or earlier) in the morning, sit down before meetings, and meet deadlines. When asked professionals for their advice to interns, they agreed that punctuality is a key success factor. As an intern, you are both a guest in your new environment and someone to whom others seek help. Therefore, you need to be punctual and respect other colleagues.
2 Work to perfection
No matter how boring or bizarre the task at hand, you have to make up your mind to do it well. If someone asks you to make coffee, try to make the best coffee possible. If someone asks you to build an Excel model, you need to spend time and effort to complete it, and strive to be accurate and beautiful.
Even if the task seems insignificant or trivial, do your best. Don't let go of any small opportunity just because it doesn't fit your work philosophy. Remember the three cornerstones of internships: repetition, enthusiasm, and the successful completion of each job assignment.
3 Take the initiative to take on more work
Actively use leisure time to complete new important tasks, do more work that others do not want to do, and actively undertake projects that must be completed but not assigned.
Do more things that others don't assign you to do, and do more things that others don't want to do. That way, others will not only thank you, but remember you.
4 Clever and independent
Before you ask a full-time colleague or manager for help, you need to research the job content and take some time to think about it. When you find a problem, use your brain to come up with your own insights and solutions, and then ask others for help.
Before asking your superiors for help, look for the information you need online, or ask other interns for help. It is unwise to ask too many questions, and it will appear that you are never trying to find the answers yourself. It is very important to make your colleagues feel that you are smart and independent. You want to try new approaches, not hold back when you encounter a roadblock.
- Ask more valuable questions
The criterion for judging whether a colleague is diligent and intellectually curious is the level of his questioning. Clayton Christensen, the famous father of management, spends his time broaching solid questions. If you're meeting with high-level colleagues, the more questions you blurt out (especially ones that no one else asks), the more money you lose.
When you hear a great question from someone, you can jot it down and think about why it's a good question. Also, as a rule of thumb, you want to make sure you ask a really worthwhile question in every meeting. Doing so will improve your questioning skills, develop real insight, and help you develop a habit of being a good questioner.
6 Build relationships with colleagues
Since interns only work for a few months, it's easy for them to focus only on the job at hand or other interns around them. But in the long run, building deep relationships with your entire team and organization will not only help you with your immediate tasks, but your future personal development as well. You'll be remembered more easily and get referrals when looking for your next job. You can invite colleagues to lunch and ask them for interview information; you can also help them as much as you can; in addition, you can also learn from colleagues in the company who are good at building relationships and see how they are made.
Internships are not easy to do. Just do your part and you won't be noticed, you have to do more and better. Remember, it is very important to be on time, to complete tasks on time, and to make the most of your time to contribute to the team.
