Monday, July 13, 2009

Advice to New Interns

1. When setting up for your interview, speak clearly and confidently. If the answering machine was on and you left a message, call again later. Make sure they know you're determined for getting the internship.

2. Dress appropriately when coming to work, even for your interview. Wear comfortable clothing and accessories so you don't get distracted.

3. Ask questions! Your supervisors love it when you ask them questions. Rather than being unsure of what you were doing and then messing it all up, don't be afraid to ask a second or third time to make sure you fully understand the instructions.

4. Always strive for success. Don't procrastinate or distract others. Try to work as efficiently as possible so you can get the job done. Although it's an internship where you're meant to learn about your career, you were hired to work, so always make sure you know your priorities on the job. Be productive!

5. Keep track of your duties by writing reminders on Post-Its. It's very important to know what you're doing, and it's not good if you forget them. Always write down what you need to do. Take notes on the explanations your supervisor gives when introducing a new project.

6. Help out your supervisor! If you finish all your work, don't just sit there. It's a busy place, and if you finished your work it doesn't mean everyone else is finished. Part of working with other people is teamwork, so if you have nothing else to do, offer to help your coworkers out. That way the job will get done faster.

7. Always act friendly, even if you may not be feeling friendly that day. Bring positivity into the worksite, not negativity. That's especially important if you're meeting with clients or answering phones. You don't want to lose clients or customers!

8. Maintain healthy relations with your peers. Your supervisors have spent their time at the internship explaining your duties, which took time away from their own duties. They've also given you the opportunity to see a trial of what you might like to do in the future. When your internship is over, make Thank-You cards. You'll most likely need references later on, and it's best if you act kindly and politely so they can write good referrals for you.

9. Show up every day eager, motivated, and ready to learn! Also remember that punctuality counts! Dependability is very important at the worksite!

10. Last but not least, remember to have a good time. It's work, but if you're interested in this career, then you'll have an enjoyable time. You should never work in an area that completely bores you, so try to make the best out of your internship.

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