Internships 101
By Kit Jenkins, ABC
Conflict in the workplace
No matter how well we plan, conflict arises in the workplace. It’s normal and often the source of new ideas and energy. Since you can’t avoid it, make the best of it. A well-considered work agreement can resolve many of the problems before they grow out of proportion. Write out what you expect to do at the internship and have your mentor sign it—before you start. That’s your best preparation.
Three common issues cause conflict for interns. The first and main problem is lack of communication between the student and the mentor. It started out so well; the interview was really exciting. Now your mentor doesn’t seem to notice you’re there. You’re not getting feedback, and you’re not sure what to do. The main reason for this problem is that the mentor is overworked and doesn’t have time to think. It’s not about you as the intern. It’s about the mentor’s time management. So, make it easy for your mentor. Request a formal meeting and present your accomplishments so far. Ask for regular meetings for feedback. Expect your mentor to agree. If he or she doesn’t, you may have to find a different mentor at this company. Usually, however, the mentor is happy to comply as long as he or she doesn’t need to organize the sessions. Focus on what you bring to the internship and how you save your mentor time. Your mentor is expected to give you regular feedback. You set up a system to make that happen.
Secondly, and related to the first problem, is lack of work. Again, this has little to do with you. You’re stuck in your cubicle with nothing to do except verify some database. It’s not going to add a thing to your portfolio and it’s so boring! All work has an element of dull task to it. You have to accept that. But your work should also include fun stuff that will add to your experience. If your mentor can’t come up with sufficient work, ask around the office. Don’t be shy. Find someone who will work with you. Take risks—you’re the intern, so you don’t have to be perfect. Try new software, explore the files, attend brainstorming sessions. Show your mentor what you are capable of doing. Just keep asking; don’t worry about being a pest. They agreed to give you work when you interviewed for the job. Make them live up to their agreement by asking for a chance.
Finally, interns frequently don’t get to do the work that was promised in the interview. They told you that you’d be putting the newsletter together, but all you’ve been doing is cleaning up the mailing list. Here is where a contract or work agreement in the beginning can really help sort out the situation. What did you both agree you would do? If your work agreement is just “tasks as needed,” that’s what you’ll get. But if your mentor specified “writing for a newsletter,” take the paper to him or her and ask how you can achieve that goal. Don’t demand, but expect that the opportunity will be afforded to you. That work was the reason you signed on. They owe that to you, and usually, when the point is made, will try to accommodate you.
When conflict arises, be prepared with your work contract. Be flexible and patient, too, as the workplace can be overwhelming for everyone. But don’t be surprised when one of these scenarios happens to you. Instead, anticipate the issues and make the best of the situation. With a work contract, you can expect to have all those opportunities they promised you in the interview.
It’s not school anymore
When you get your internship, take it seriously. It’s no longer that relaxed school atmosphere. Here’s what to look out for:
We frequently hear from employers that students don’t know how to dress appropriately. Dress up—a little better than everyone else for the first week or two. You want to make the right impression, and tank tops, tattoos, navel rings or any torso skin is not the right impression. Just cover up until you are sure your boss has a tattoo, too.
We also hear about attitude. What’s the right attitude, and how do you express that? For one, be on time. Even if your mentor is always late, make sure you always arrive at the designated time. Try to get your first task done before your mentor shows up—you’ll communicate your enthusiasm and drive that way. Notice how long people take for lunch, and unless you’re with the boss, take less time. You don’t need to be a slave, but show dedication to the work, not the social life. Always accept assignments appropriate to your position. Even if you aren’t excited about a particular job, take it on. That acceptance shows commitment. These actions all add up to the right attitude.
Initiative is another grey area. Students don’t know how far to press—what’s demonstrating initiative and what’s being a pest? Once you have a clear idea of your daily routine, try to go beyond their expectations. If they ask for an idea, give them two. If the work is slow, branch out to other departments to look for work. Stay occupied, look for ways you can improve the workflow. Ask before you rearrange the office equipment, of course, but always have a fresh idea available. Take the internship seriously—in idle moments think about ways to do your job better. Show leadership and initiative by bringing up ideas unsolicited.
No one is around to give you homework anymore, or grade your quizzes. An internship may earn you a grade, but it’s not school anymore.
The bridge from school to work
You’ve heard it when you applied for jobs—you don’t have enough experience. But how will you get experience if they won’t hire you? Internships, that’s how! A strategic internship can make all the difference when it comes to getting a job, giving you that experience that sets you apart from the myriad other college graduates.
Note the word strategic—not all internships are equal. Focus on internships that either validate your skills (i.e. newsletter production for writers; a golf tournament for special event planners) or give you new skills (interviewing experience for writers or auction item solicitation for event planners). Don’t just go for the easy choice—your next-door neighbor needs someone to help her launch her catering business—but think strategically. Where do you want to be at the end of the internship? What do you need to get there? Look for the internship that can best move you towards your goal.
The employer is getting something out of this arrangement, too. If you’re smart enough to be reading this website, you’re sharp enough to demand an internship that works for you. The employer gets free labor and new ideas, energy and enthusiasm. That’s worth a lot, so realize you are bringing value to the bargain. Don’t jump for the first internship that appears—lots of them are out there. Think strategically.
Be bold. Decide which company can give you the experience you want. Call the communication department and talk to the person who does what you want to do in your career. Be frank about being a student, but also be confident. Make an appointment to bring in your portfolio at the very least. If you’re applying for a writing internship, make sure you have examples of your best writing that prove that skill. Or, if you want to do special events, have at hand evidence of your planning acumen. Make the portfolio your best work; present yourself with enthusiasm. Talk about what you bring to the job, the skills and experience that will help the employer get his job done. If you are slim on experience, emphasize your enthusiasm. You’ll impress them with your drive.
Check out the workplace carefully. Make sure that laid-back surface doesn’t hide long hours and miserable co-workers. Talk to others who work there, ask to see what they do. Find out if interns have worked there before. Many times students jump to work for the big name and find out the atmosphere is strained and communication is stunted. Don’t assume that a big company means opportunity galore. It could, but it’s up to you to ask around and see if the climate fits your working style. Ask your IABC mentors for the inside scoop. Make choices for reasons.
It’s all about you. The internship is out there, but you have to go out and find it. With a little thought and preparation, you can find the perfect opportunity to get that experience for your first job.
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