10 Tips For A Successful Internship
October 26th, 2023
At Katapult Network, we understand that people are more than just a resume and jobs are more than just a list of tasks. We're a recruiting company that takes a human-focused approach to the job search where we're able to match college graduates with entry-level, professional jobs. Whether you're a job-seeker looking to start your professional career or a hiring manger seeking to build your future leadership at the entry-level, we're excited to be your partner in navigating the search process.
Are you about to embark on an internship? Congratulations! Internships are a fantastic way to gain real-world experience, expand your network, and jumpstart your professional career. To make the most of this opportunity, here are ten helpful tips to ensure a successful internship experience:
1. Set Clear Goals:
Start your internship with a clear understanding of what you want to achieve. Discuss your goals with your supervisor and create a plan to work towards them.
2. Professionalism Matters:
Treat your internship like a real job! Be punctual, be engaged, dress appropriately, and maintain a positive attitude. Remember, you're there to learn and contribute to the role you were hired for.
3. Effective Communication:
Good communication is key. Ask questions when you're uncertain, actively listen, and be responsive to emails and messages. Keep your supervisor informed of your progress and how you're feeling throughout the program.
4. Learn and Adapt:
Be open to learning new things within your role and adapting to the company culture. Internships are about gaining experience and insight within a professional job! So embrace challenges and opportunities along the way.
5. Networking:
Take advantage of the change to connect with other professionals in your field. Don't be shy to attend company events, join in on team meetings, and build meaningful relationships with colleagues. You never know who you're going to meet along the way! Connecting with them on LinkedIn is also a great way to stay in touch after your internship ends as well.
6. Take Initiative:
Don't wait for someone to tell you what to do. If you have an idea or see a task/problem that needs attention, take the initiative to suggest and implement solutions. Plus, it's a great way to collaborate with your team or manager!
7. Time Management:
Internships can be busy, so learning to manage your time wisely is a smart thing to do. Create a schedule to balance your responsibilities and make time for personal growth and relfection. Utilizing your work calendar or certain apps are great tools to help with this!
8. Document Your Experience:
Keep a journal or digital record of your internship experiences. Document your accomplishments, lessons learned, and challenges faced. This will be valuable for future job interviews and where you want your career to go after college.
9. Seek Feedback:
Regularly ask for feedback from your supervisor and colleagues. Constructive criticism will help you improve and show your commitment to personal and professional growth. It's also a great way to further develop any hard or softskill!
10. Stay Engaged and Enthusiastic:
Regardless of the tasks assigned, approach them with enthusiasm. A positive attitude can make a significant impact and leave a lasting impression with any employer you work for.
Remember, a successful internship is not just about impressing your superiors and just adding work experience to your resume. Internships are also about personal growth and building your professional identity. By setting clear goals, being professional, and staying engaged throughout your whole program, you'll have a rewarding experience that can help kickstart your career. Good luck!
