1.)
Don’t: Don’t over networker. Networking is all great and fine but keep it authentic. The moment you step into an elevator, you don’t need to introduce yourself and ask what everyone does.
Do: Know your “elevator pitch.” Aka a swift way to say your name, the department your interning in and where you go to school. They don’t want to know your whole life story right away.
2.)
Don’t: Don’t hermit! It’s an internship, which means you need to socialize! Closing yourself off will limit networking connections and even job offers. Make yourself seen. If you are allowed to leave your desk and work elsewhere make sure you are telling your boss.
Do: Make friends with the other interns, chat with the entry-level associates and don’t be afraid to chat with people as your microwaving your lunch. Take advantage of the work friends your bosses have! My boss was close with a guy in a completely different department and because they would chat often I was casually able to ask to have a meeting with him to learn more about his department.
3.)
Don’t: Don’t dress like you’re in college! Dress appropriately, not only for the job but also for the office culture. Just because a top executive gets away with jeans 3 times a week doesn’t mean you can. Keep it professional and have someone approve the length of your skirt!
Do: Do dress for the office you work in. Never be afraid to ask what is appropriate to wear for specific days. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Invest in comfortable dress shoes in case you have to run errands too!
4.)
Don’t: Don’t say “that’s not my job.” You are an intern so it’s time to learn! You shouldn’t be picking up your managers dry cleaning but if they ask you to do extra paperwork for them, do it! They will always appreciate the extra set of hands
Do: Offer to help out! This is huge! Waiting around to be given work is useless. Your boss is busy and half the time will forget you are around unless they can physically see you. Checking in to see if they need extra help is always nice to do.
5.)
Don’t: Don’t get involved in office drama. Talking about other coworkers is a tricky area to be in and gossip can bite you in the butt if you’re not careful.
Do: Be inclusive and kind to everyone! Especially if you are in an intern class. Extending the invite to other interns or coworkers for lunches is kind and shows that you’re not cliquey.
6.)
Don’t: Don’t be disorganized. This will help you out personally and professionally. Create folders on your laptop and keep your desk clean to make work easier for you. People will notice and appreciate that you are efficient and value their time.
Do: Track what you are doing!! If you are doing an internship for school they are probably going to make you do this anyway but keeping track of accomplishments is key. Not only can you add them to your resume later on but you can have it ready in case you have to do an end of the year internship review.
7.)
Don’t: Don’t speak inappropriately. You are not at a Frat House, you are at work. This goes with dressing appropriately. Not to sound like your mom but try to avoid phrases that young people say in professional settings. Saying “that’s dope or lit” will only confuse the older people or make them roll their eyes at you.
Do: Have manners. Being polite goes such a long way!! A simple thank you is appreciated more than you know. Hold doors open and never think you’re above anyone in the office or building you work in. The top executive’s son just might be the kid in the mailroom. You never know!
8.)
Don’t: Don’t be on your phone 24/7. Use that 5 minutes before the meeting starts to reply to emails or chat with people in the room. I heard an executive say word for word “That intern is always on their phone” and it still makes me cringe thinking about it. Even if you aren’t being given a lot to work, try to still avoid just sitting on your phone.
Do: Find podcasts to listen to pass the time. Get creative! Most internships have ups and downs in workflows. Some weeks you are a busy bee and other times your boss goes on vacation and leaves you one thing to do. This is a great time to set up meetings with leaders in the office or shadow certain people.
9.)
Don’t: Try not to burn bridges! Leaving an internship on a bad note is awkward and leaves you with one less reference. Serious things happen but even if you absolutely hated the experience still thank everyone who helped you because it’s still an internship to add to your resume.
Do: Leave with a gracious smile on your face and plenty of thank you cards on hand! You never know when you might bump into them in another job down the road.
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