Making the Most Out of Your Internship

Me with a fellow intern/roommate and some coworkers last summer! 

With school coming to an end and internship season starting, I thought I'd share things that have helped me make the most out of my internship experiences! 

First Impressions 
Start off on the right foot by building good rapport with your manager and coworkers. By showing up on time, getting things done in a timely manner, and being genuine. This will help build trust with your team and give you more flexibility to take risks and try new things. It will also give you the opportunity to take on more impactful projects since your manager will trust that you will do a good job.

Go Above What's Asked
If you have a great idea, just go for it! Don't be afraid to go beyond what was asked by adding your own creative spin. People on your team will appreciate the risk you took and it will show your innovative thinking. Internships are an opportunity to explore your interests and bring new ideas to the table. If you want to try something new, just ask your manager; they are your mentors and want you to succeed! 

Have Genuine Conversations
Some may call this "networking", but to me, it's more about meeting new people and having genuine, attentive conversations. This goes for both employees and interns. At internships, you meet so many incredible people with diverse backgrounds and skillsets. Grab coffee, learn about their role, and get to know them as a person. It's not about networking, but more about learning from those around you and understanding if the company will be a good cultural fit. 

Be Open-Minded
Along with meeting new people at the office, it's important to be open-minded. You're going to be exposed to so many new people and methodologies that isn't taught in school. Take it all in and be open-minded to new ideas and how everything functions. Internships are a learning experience, so take it all in and be open to any opportunities that come your way! 

Have Fun! 
This is a given, but I thought it would be a good reminder. Internships can be stressful when you potentially have a job offer on the line, but it's all about the experience. Focus on individual growth rather than stressing out about the nitty gritty of things. Remember to take the time to meet new people, explore the city with other interns, and enjoy the ride! 

Good luck to all those interning this summer! 

xo Kerstin