Additional Resources

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL INTERNSHIP

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Be Positive — Tackle every project with a positive attitude and enthusiasm. It is not uncommon for interns to start out with some grunt work. Try to prove yourself with each project, chances are exciting, interesting and challenging projects will come. Listen Carefully — Without a doubt, the best way to learn and get things right the first time is to listen carefully. Use a notepad to capture important details. Ask if you can repeat directions: “May I repeat that back to you to see if I have it correct?” Manage Your Time — The obvious first step here is to get to work on time and prioritize. If possible, weekly meetings may be helpful to with your boss to go over important information and to provide updates on your work.

Don’t be Afraid to Speak Up — Interns are expected to have tons of questions. Keep in mind that your boss chose to hire you which means your boss wants to hear what you have to say. Be Proactive — If you are sitting around twiddling your thumbs, stop. It is difficult but essential to be able to ask your boss for new work if you find yourself empty-handed. Meet Your Coworkers — Make an effort to get to know them, ask questions about the work they do. Not only will this make your internship more enjoyable, but your coworkers will also be more willing to help you out when you run into any snags. Don’t forget about the networking opportunities. Find a Mentor — One of the best ways to really learn your trade is to have a mentor to show you the ropes. A good mentor is typically either someone you are working with directly or someone in the same department you are in.

Work Hard — This may seem obvious, but it is much easier said than done. Working hard generates a cycle of positive benefits, beginning with the fact that it will impress your boss. This will encourage your boss to give you more responsibilities and bigger projects. And this will be incredibly beneficial, for not only will you feel more accomplished, but when you finish your internship and ask your boss for a reference letter you will likely get great results. Remember why you are there — It is increasingly difficult to get an internship and if you are one of the lucky few to get hired, make the most of it. Try to learn as much as you possibly can, not only about the department you are working in but about the entire company and even the industry as a whole. Make an effort to truly understand what you are doing and how it affects the entire company. Stay in Touch — Once you finish your internship, there is still work to do. Make a genuine effort to keep contact with your site. Don’t be hesitant to provide an update on your whereabouts. The people you worked with provide an incredible opportunity for references, networking and job leads.

TIPS FOR COMMUNICATING AT YOUR INTERNSHIP

EMAIL ETIQUETTE

• Do not use your employer’s e-mail address for anything other than work-related correspondence. Be careful about using company computers for non-work related activity. Your employer has a right to monitor your use of their devices. • Do not send confidential material by e-mail. • Use a subject line that reflects what your message is about. • Do not use abbreviations or text-message jargon (BTW, LOL, or smiley faces, and so forth) in your e-mail. • Use spell check and reread your message before sending. • Respond to e-mail promptly. Within 24 hours. • Use typefaces and colors that are appropriate to your workplace. Ask if your office has a style that you should follow. • Do not share other people’s e-mail addresses. • Do not forward other people’s messages without permission. • Watch the tone of your e-mail. Remember, the person receiving the e-mail cannot see your body language.

PHONE ETIQUETTE

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Give the caller your complete attention. Multitasking is more apparent to the caller than you think. As the caller does not have the benefit of seeing your facial expression or body language, you must use your words, tone and vocal projection to convey professionalism. Be warm and polite. If you do not know how to answer a caller’s question, or there is a situation you do not feel comfortable continuing to discuss, ask the caller if you can put them on hold for a brief moment.

RULES OF POLITE DISCOURSE

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Treat other interns and employees with respect Refrain from profanity and vulgar or abusive language Do not use threats of physical or bodily harm Sensitive information (for example, information that could compromise public safety) Do not use offensive terms that target specific ethnic or racial groups