Make best of your internship.

Many of us get introduced to the ‘real world’ as interns. Internships make for great learning experiences and you get to dip a toe in your favoured stream via them too. However, it’s easy to laze around and waste your internships. But here are some tips with which you can make the most of your internships. Go through these tips.

Have a positive attitude and always show gratitude:

It always pays to have a positive attitude. Even as an intern (remember the movie ‘The Intern’), your enthusiasm could create a positive work environment and lead to team enthusiasm. Remember that enthusiasm is always contagious.

Practice two-way mentoring:

Find someone you look up to and want to emulate in your office. Get to know them and learn more about their career path and why they made the career choices they have. This will prove to your bosses that you can lead and follow.

Stay focussed:

Don’t use social networks sites (unless it’s a part of your job) excessively or chat with your friends throughout the day, unless there is an emergency while on the job. You may be confident that it doesn’t affect your work, however, experienced managers may feel otherwise. It’s often useful to put your personal phone on the “do not disturb” mode or keep it in your bag to ensure you are constantly putting your best foot forward.

Ask questions:

You don’t have to fear about how to look. You ARE young and you ARE new. However, if you show them that you have questions and are interested to learn, they too will make more of an effort to teach you what interns do not learn. It could simply be learning how to take a photocopy or even file some accounts. Either way, it’s a win-win for you. Research says that asking questions makes people notice and like you.

Be organised:

As an intern, you may work from various teams and be expected to work on a number of projects at a time. While it may seem all too much to handle, it will serve you well in the long run. All you have to do is be organised and segregate your work. It will also teach you how to be a successful multi-tasker.

Ask for references before leaving:

Do not be shy before you wrap up your internship, ask for references and recommendations as well. This way, you’re not only cementing your network contact, but also setting up a framework for actually asking for a reference later.

Stay in touch:

Lastly, ensure that you are stay in touch with your boss and team after you leave. Get business cards or contact information, then make an effort to stay in touch. Linkedin is a great way to do this, but it’s also good to drop an email once in a while and ask how things are going. Wish them on special occasions like Diwali, Christmas and New Year - this will keep you in their memory and good books, which is a kind of support you need. Good luck.