In a competitive job market, there is certainly is a need to make yourself stand out among the sea of candidates. For those of you who are graduating seniors, I’m sure you have been told a time or two that employers prefer to hire applicants who have career-related work experience. The experience gained from an internship can serve as a crucial addition to your resume, and could lead to an offer if you impress the employer enough. Although the internship you undertake might not be a perfect match for your major or your chosen career path, it still can provide you transferable skills, develop a strong work ethic, and give you as a candidate a competitive edge. Your internship can afford you ample opportunities to network, apply knowledge gained in the classroom to the real world, and decide if the specific field really is right for you.
The reasons to complete an internship are plentiful, but once you secure an internship opportunity, don’t simply assume all you have to do is show up. You should be prepared to work hard, and put your best foot forward. I have both seen and heard the horror stories in which interns did not work out. I have compiled a list of 12 DON’TS as a guide to use during your own internship to make sure you don’t blow it and end up as another story on the
• DON’T play on or use electronic devices during work hours. Phone calls, texts, games, and listening to music (unless it is permissible) are not going to impress your employer, and may even get you dismissed. Save ‘Words with Friends’ or responding to text messages for breaks or lunch.
• DON’T sleep while you should be working. While I’m sure you are chuckling by now, I wouldn’t be mentioning if it has not happened before.
• DON’T violate your employer’s policies. Being constantly late for work, failing to report absences in advance or misusing equipment creates a reputation of not caring or being unreliable. Violating other policies, such as confidentiality, safety or those involving sexual harassment usually will result in immediate dismissal. You could find yourself in hot water with the law, too.
• DON’T dress inappropriately. Look, I was a college and grad student not too long ago myself, and I was known for dressing comfortably; flip flops, shorts, hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts. That usually changes when you are working as a professional. If you are a male and your internship dress code requires a shirt and tie, then wear a shirt and tie. If you are female and expected to wear a button up blouse and skirt to your knees, then it’s probably not a good idea to show up in a halter top and mini skirt. Unless your internship is on a beach, leave the sandals and bathing suits at home.
• DON’T lack initiative! Without trying to take on more than you can handle, actively look for ways you can make a difference by being proactive. There is nothing worse as a manager than to constantly have to be telling people what to do when they could easily be taking initiative and doing it on their own. Keep this in mind.
• DON’T blame others for your mistakes. We all mistakes, and particularly in a situation like a new job or internship you aren’t going to be expected to be perfect. But if you start developing a reputation for shifting blame, you aren’t desirable to hire, either.
• DON’T NOT take notes when important instructions pertinent to your job are being provided. Avoid becoming known as someone who can’t remember processes because you neglect writing them down. I once had a trial employee for a day who thought she didn’t need to take notes, even when I reminded her three separate times. It turned out her memory was not as good as she thought, because she spent the remaining seven hours trying to figure out what she was supposed to do. She was not invited back the next day.
• DON’T try to do too much. It is admirable to show your abilities and initiative, but taking on too much responsibility can backfire on you. Ironically you may actually be perceived as unorganized or incapable by trying to bite off more than you can chew. Take on a reasonable amount of projects or responsibilities, and execute those first before trying to take the load off the shoulders of ten people.
• DON’T eat outside of designated areas. If the company has a designated breakroom for eating, use it. Conversely if a policy is in place that outlaws food or drink at your desk, adhere to it.
• DON’T ask for ridiculous reimbursements. I have heard the stories of interns asking to be reimbursed for parking, bus fare or subway fees. Unless your employer specifically mentions such reimbursements as part of the overall package, then don’t embarrass yourself by asking for them.
• DON’T act entitled. Entitlement among younger workers is the number one complaint I hear from companies and clients, and it’s not even close. I have had many newly graduated college students tell me in interviews they will not take anything less than a position at the director level. Let me repeat that. I have I have had many newly graduated college students tell me in interviews they will not take anything less than a position at the director level. And they are dead serious. Early on in your career you should not expect to walk in and be presented a corner office or a parking spot with your name on it. It’s going to take time and proving your worth first. Acting entitled is a sure fire way of making sure this process is delayed or never happens at all.
• DON’T become upset at grunt work. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the reality of many internships is that they are created to fulfill the menial tasks. You have to start somewhere, so grin and bear it, do a good job, and keep in mind that you won’t be running to Starbucks or color-coding files forever. Well, not unless you complain too loudly and ruin opportunities for advancement.
Overall, make your internship an enjoyable experience and do try to have some fun along the way. Seek out ways to add value to the company through tangible achievements that will not only reflect well on a resume, but will also reflect well for you with your manager and with the organization. Ask questions when you need to, set and attain some goals, and learn all that you can about the industry and the company. You may even pick up a mentor along the way, and could even find yourself with an offer with the company.
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