If you are like me, you get nervous when starting a new job – it can be downright stressful. Your hard work has paid off – great GPA, bang up job interviewing, and you beat out hundreds of competing interns to land this job – No Pressure, right?! Here are the Top 5 Ways To Prep For Your Internship First Day: Dress Appropriately – Ask the recruiter, or your new boss, ahead of time how you should dress. If you can’t get a hold of them or their answer is vague, it is always better to overdress than underdress. If you wear a suit jacket but everyone at the job is business casual (nice top, khakis or slacks), you can always remove your jacket and you’ll fit right in. Perfect Your Elevator Speech – Prepare a 30-second explanation of who you are – name, school, major, job/division where you’ll be working, what you hope to learn – and a fun fact (i.e. Pit Bull rescuer). Network – People love to talk about themselves. Listen to what they are saying and find a commonality. Once you both start talking about what you have in common, you will forever remember this common affection and have something to talk about when you run into each other later on. Don’t Try Too Hard to Impress – Be genuine in your interactions. Listen more than you speak. Nobody likes someone who constantly toots their own horn, so make sure you balance out how you share your impressive background and abilities. Don’t Be a Slave To Your Cell Phone – Put your phone on vibrate and...
Why providing project work for interns Matters: If providing long-term projects to interns is part of their experience, then time gaps in daily routines may be filled with work instead of siestas. If clarification of the project end result is provided, then interns can figure out the detailed steps to get there. If taunting interns when they ask questions is funny, then they will stop asking and project jeopardy will increase. If approachability is one of your attributes, then interns will ask for help when they come to an impasse. If scheduling weekly check-ins is the norm, then a balance of structure and calculated risk may be achieved through two-way communication. IF providing project work for interns Matters to you, THEN downtime in an intern’s day will be minimized, questions will be answered, and status updates will be provided throughout the duration of the project. Sounds like project work Matters for both student and...
Why treating an intern as an adult Matters: If treating interns like children generates a positive reaction, then they will treat you like a parent not a boss. If dismissing an intern’s opinion keeps the status quo, then the two-way street becomes one-way and neither of you will grow. If micromanagement of interns is rejected, then interns can apply creativity in achieving project results. If reprimanding interns in front of others is the norm, the the team will lose respect for you and more mistakes will be made. If adjusting your leadership style to individuals is standard practice, then your interns will reap the benefit of a situational leader. IF treating an intern as an adult Matters to you, THEN you will be viewed as a progressive supervisor who develops their staff and fosters future leaders. Treating an intern as an adult...
Why Professionalism in an interview Matters for interns: If flirting with your interviewer guarantees a positive outcome, then you will end up with a date not a job. If drinking coffee gives you the boost you need to be witty and on point, then breath mints are a must prior to the interview. If having all of the answers is your approach, then provide real life examples to back up your claims. If having confidence makes a great impression, thencheck that you sit up straight, look the interviewer(s) in the eye, and listen intently. If asking questions at the end of the interview is payback for all the ones you had to answer, then demonstrate your interest by asking job specific and company culture clarifications. IF professionalism in an interview Matters to you, THEN you will lengthen the duration of the interview by having fresh breath, promote your qualifications with confidence, and demonstrate interest in your future employer. How you act in an interview...
Why a dress code Matters for interns: If dressing for the club ensures “eyes are on you”, then your next invite will be to happy hour not the business meeting. If dressing for the gym sanctions a discussion with leadership, then the topic will be hygiene. If showing off your tattoo sleeve highlights your creativity, then judgment from your multi-generational project team may ensue. If dressing for corporate culture draws attention to your business skills, then the focus will be on your growth and development. If dressing appropriately permits others to hear what you have to say, then your input will be seriously considered. IF a dress code Matters to you, THEN you will have the opportunity to draw attention from leadership, get invited to meetings where you can creatively contribute to the business and colleagues want to support your development. What...
