Starting a new internship is always intimidating, especially if it’s your first one. I just finished my third internship and here is what I would have wanted to know when I had just started.
The most important thing is to understand that you are there to learn, and that your supervisors are a source of unlimited information that you should quite literally use in order to take as much as possible with you. As internships usually last only a few months, it is crucial you take full advantage of your time there. Apart from fulfilling your daily tasks and things that are directly related to your job, try to show interest in other areas and ask questions, even if they seem stupid. Learn about other people’s roles within the organisation and make an effort to understand how the organisation functions as a whole, as this is an insight that is hard to get from the outside, yet will be of substantial value to your professional development. The key is to have a curious mindset and this will most probably be noticed and appreciated.
Try to be a little less scared and a little more confident. Easy to say, but really try to overcome your insecurities. Once again, you are there to learn and you are not supposed to know anything yet. If you are in doubt, always ask. I have not once received a negative response to asking for help. It’s important to have the right attitude as well, being humble has made it very easy to work with me, as it does not create any tensions in the relationships with my coworkers. I have learned it is a very underrated skill, as a lot of managers are rather looking for someone that is easy to work with and eager to learn, rather than someone with all the qualifications but too big of an ego. This is especially relevant when you are just getting started, as you don’t yet have much experience on your resume. In other words, you have to earn the right to be overly self-assured.
Internships are also your way to leave a good impression on your potential future employer, as you never know when and where you may cross paths again in the future with the people in your internship company. Even if you are not really motivated during the internship, make your best effort to stay professional and prove yourself to be a reliable co-worker. When I first started I didn’t quite grasp the importance of building relationships with my colleagues, as I thought the workplace is for strictly business talk and better to not chat during work hours. However, you will be spending a lot of time with your colleagues, thus it’s not such a bad idea to get to know them. Obviously, there are topics that are best not discussed with them. As much as I personally dread small talk, it is another skill that will make your life much easier during your internship and may open important doors afterwards.
Lastly, reflect on your experience. Which aspects of your role as an intern did you enjoy, which aspects of the company you worked at did you like? Use these experiences to guide the next steps in your career and the direction you want to move in. I am a strong believer in that you are only able to excel at something if you find joy in doing it. Listen to yourself first and foremost, and do not let the noise get to you.