Apart from being a course requirement, there is no substitute for an internship. The experience can be tremendously valuable, providing young workers with a practical rather than purely theoretical understanding of their chosen industry and an opportunity to build skills and knowledge.
But an internship can be a difficult adjustment for young people, many of whom have never had experience in a professional office. It means not only being the newest member of the team, but also the person who everybody else tasks with jobs that they don’t desire or have time to do. It can be hard to be noticed and make the right impression while adapting to a new environment and its pressures, but in a world where demand far outstrips supply, there is no option but to stand out.
So how can interns learn what they need to know, impress those they work for, and ultimately secure a permanent position?
Start as you mean to go on A spelling mistake in a CV or covering note spells instant doom. Frankly, if you can’t spell correctly on your own documentation, can you be trusted with client or internal documents? Spellcheck again and again and if necessary get someone to proofread your submission before pressing send.
Clock watch Be uncompromising on punctuality. Show up on time (or early) in the morning, arrive for meetings before they begin, and complete tasks before their deadlines. Punctuality is a critical success factor and points to dedication, respect and focus. Be willing to get to the office early and stay late.
Unconditional excellence Quality is king. No matter the task or assignment, complete it with relentless drive and a determination to exceed. Whether you are asked to develop a media list, compile a report or file documents do it with enthusiasm and dedication. Repeated, willing and first-rate delivery of assigned tasks is the building block upon which everything else in your internship will rest and it’s how others with judge you.
Get on top If you don’t rule deadlines, they’ll rule you. Get on top of them and stay on top as missing a deadline can impact on your entire team and their delivery. It’s another key factor upon which you will be rated.
Go beyond expectations Ticked off your list of things to do? Then ask for more. Sitting at your desk checking your Facebook updates or asking your team leader where else you can assist marks the difference between someone who is complacent or someone with a hunger to grow and learn. Deliver more than is expected — or what no one else is willing to do — and you’ll not only be appreciated but remembered.
A one-time GGi intern, who was always the first to offer to help, to do additional work, to assist other teams, ended up being the divisional MD of a global agency. That’s the drive that leads to success.
Be curious Never be afraid to ask questions (but make sure they are good ones). Ask questions to absorb knowledge and information and take time to formulate the right questions that are relevant for the situation and environment in which you find yourself. If you’re in a meeting with a client it may be better to jot the question down and ask your line manager after the meeting, while during internal sessions you may be able to question more openly.
Internships are hard work and a world removed from the theoretical environment of college. Grab the opportunity and own it. This is a real job, so treat it like one - doing only what’s expected of you isn’t enough to be noticed. You need to go above and beyond by making yourself a valuable member of your team.
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