Before your first day on the job as an intern, there are some things you need to know to make the most of this valuable learning opportunity...

• Treat others how you want to be treated

Professionalism and etiquette play an important role in projecting a certain standard of conduct with prospective employers.  Treat your colleagues and clients the way you want to be treated.  It’s a simple matter of respect and consideration; we are judged by how we interact with others and conduct ourselves. 

• Stand Out

You are competing for opportunities like everyone else, so take initiative to help out wherever you can and have a positive, can-do attitude – exceed expectations.  Many employers see internships as extended interviews and use them to find and develop new talent, so be the best intern they have and you can increase your chances of an entry level job with their organization.

• Develop Your Skills

Get involved in projects that will allow you to develop your skills, and provide you with opportunities to apply the relevant knowledge you are learning in your classes.  If you produce reports or any materials related to a project keep copies and include them in a portfolio to support your resume claims.  Having something to show from your internship experience will help you in your job search.   

• Ask Questions

As an intern, you are on the ‘inside’ of a profession.  Talk to the people you work with and ask them questions about their work, what skills they use the most, how they chose their profession, what they like about their work…you’ll be getting first hand insights and learn about things you can’t find in a textbook and begin developing your professional network.

• Follow-Up

After you have completed your internship, stay in contact with the organization and its people.  Seek out additional ways you can contribute to the organization if you are interested in working there.