As a follow up to Josh Hovey’s post last week, I thought I’d run through a few tips on how TO get one and be successful at it.
Here are three tips to consider before hitting that send button on your application.
1) Do your homework –Make sure you understand – and can prove you know – the ins-and-outs of the organization, the job and the application process. If it’s not on their website, pick up the phone! Don’t risk losing out on a job because you can’t follow directions.
2) Be aggressive – Not in a crazy way, but be sure to follow up (professionally) and demonstrate you want the job more than any other applicant. This could be as simple as mailing a handwritten thank you note after an interview.
3) Be honest – Don’t lie or be misleading through any part of the application process. The organization will find out eventually by asking simple questions and you will get caught. If you lack experience, it’s okay. Think of other ways you can make up for that and highlight those.
So you now have the internship of your dreams, now what?
Here are 10 rules to live by when you walk in the office every day:
1) Show up. People rely on you. (Having a hangover is NOT a reason to “call in sick.” Plan ahead and make sure you can be there when you say you can.)
2) Get in on time. (Without complaining.)
3) Understand that you don’t know it all. (Even though you may feel like you do.)
4) Listen very carefully and always take notes.
5) There are (almost) always no stupid questions. (If you have done everything on your end to understand something and you don’t get it, always ask for help.)
6) Don’t just follow directions. Think about what you are doing while you are doing it and make it better.
7) Do more than is expected on every assignment. (Unless doing more costs the company money.)
8) Be eager to learn and people will be more likely to teach you. (And always be respectful.)
9) Take your internship very seriously. (Seriously.)
10) Understand that the success of the internship is largely up to you.
