How To Make the Most Out of Your Internship

PRSSA Mini ConferenceApril 16, 2011

So You Got the Internship!

Now What?

Sadly it’s true.

• The more you put into your internship, the more you’ll get out of it.

• So work hard – if you do it right, your internship experience will be more valuable than half the classes you’ll be forced to take in school.

• Bring fresh ideas to the table.• You may be inexperienced, but your youthful

outlook is a plus, not a minus

Network from Day 1

• Get around, it’s not just about your boss.

• Get involved and get social.

• If you’re not on LinkedIn, get on LinkedIn.• Ask for recommendations!• Dig into connections, who knows whom?• Get to know the people who know people you

want to know. (It’s like that Kevin Bacon movie, but actually interesting and not silly.)

• Get “parting gifts” – aka business cards

Ask Not What your Company Can Do for You

• Show a little gumption. Be proactive.• Don’t just wait for assignments. Dig around and

find assignments you think will be rewarding or interesting and ask to get involved.

• Don’t be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone.• The more experience you have in different areas,

the better. Your resume will thank you!

• Never underestimate the power of volunteering.

Conversely, Ask What your Company Can Do for You

• Do NOT be afraid to ask questions.• Asking questions makes you look smart• Asking questions makes you seem engaged• Asking questions leads to stronger work• Asking questions gives you face time with others

• Make sure you’re meeting with your boss on a regular basis. If you’re not, ask to set up time.

• Know what your duties are; ask for them on paper.

You’d Better Work (on Your Portfolio)

• It’s not just about experience, it’s about a “paper trail” of experience.

• The proof is in the pudding, so dig in!• Hunt for “meaty” projects• Go after projects that reflect your ambitions

• Don’t leave empty handed!• Keep a record of all your finished work• Get access to that color printer – but ask for

permission!

Lacking Focus?

• Look, it’s not unusual to not know what the heck you want out of life. • Dirty Little Secret: Most of us are STILL looking

• Think of your internship as a career buffet!• Sample a little bit of everything• Discover what you like and what’s not to your

taste• Do more of what you like, less of what you

don’t• When you do what you like, your work will be

stronger

Ask and You Shall Receive (if you ask for what you want)

• Be sure to ask for recommendations/letters of reference WELL BEFORE your internship winds down. People get busy. They also forget!

• In the market for another internship?• If you like your current gig, see if they’ll take

you back• They won’t have to train “fresh meat”

• If you want to mix it up, see if your boss will recommend you to another company• If you’re good, you’ll be in demand

Don’t be THAT Intern

• Arrive on time.

• Don’t take sick days that are really “beach days.”• If you simply MUST, don’t miss a big meeting day

• If you are sick or will be late – call your boss.

• Dress for success.

• Be professional but socially engaging.• Yes, they’re reading your tweets even if nobody

else is

Speaking of Social…

• Be smart.

• If you’re on Facebook, create a separate list for coworkers.• Make sure your privacy settings are set to

“kill”

• Legally you are supposed to disclose if you’re tweeting or posting about a client/business, so it’s best just to avoid it.

• If in doubt, DON’T.

So that’s the SkinnyAny questions?