Dos And Don’ts For Internships

Internships are a great way for under- and post-graduates to gain some experience and get a foot into the World of Work.

You end up being a member of the team but, you may end up floating around or doing odd jobs sometimes. But how can you make sure you’re always at the top of your game?

Do

remember that you are an intern, not an employee. Respect your boundaries within your role to keep on good terms with everyone.

Don’t

allow yourself to be pushed around. Team members or seniors may pick on you to do menial tasks they don’t want to do. Don’t let them have you slip into a ‘runner’ and distract you from why you are there.

Do

try to make as good of an impression as possible so, you can come back in the future or even be kept on and employed. The potential of a job from your internship is quite high, so be on your best behaviour.

Don’t

be shy. You’re there to get sight into your field and of what you may be doing in the future. Ask to go to different departments, more work or other things to do.

The more you try, the more certain you’ll be about what you want to do in the future.

Do

maintain a level of professionalism. Being young and potentially in your first job environment, the working world will be daunting. All the same, ensure you are headstrong in your work and appear calm and collected. Being immature or timid won’t do you any favours.

Don’t

get caught up in workplace dramas. It can quickly turn into Eastenders or a Shakespeare tragedy when employees are feuding. Try to keep your head down when it comes to trouble and say as little as possible. Head up for work, head down for gossip.

Do

exploit your chance to gain experience. Keep notes of what you are learning and a good rapport with your supervisor. When applying for other jobs and such, it’ll be a great reference to add and past work to refer to.

Don’t

be unwelcoming of constructive criticism. You may receive feedback on your performance or work from others so, listen carefully.

If you are someone that is easily offended, this is a great way to work on that. Remember: people are trying to help you and this is for your own good, even if you can’t see it straight away.

Do

stick to basic workplace rules such as dress code, language and privacy. If unsure about anything, just ask and you’ll be directed. It’s better to ask and know, than make yourself look a fool.

Most employers won’t allow you to use your phone to check Facebook or take a Snapchat of your lunch. Your new trainers may be nice but, not for an office and try not to swear every time you drop something.

Don’t

be disheartened if you realise your ‘dream job’ is actually a nightmare. An internship is a fabulous way to test waters for a short period without getting stuck into a job you hate.

You may have always wanted to go into Publishing then doing an internship realise you’re better off doing Journalism. Try to stick it out and complete the term then, re-direct your goals.

Internships can seem a little strange, and sometimes pointless when you could simply go into employment. But they are brilliant for students and graduates as they act as a bridge between studying and working.

Pace yourself and take baby steps. You’ll be fine.

Nikita studied English with Creative Writing at Brunel University London. Her loves include literature, travelling and writing. She is a spiritual soul and a bit of a wanderer. Stalk her on Twitter and Instagram.

Inspiring Interns is a graduate recruitment agency which specialises in sourcing candidates for internships and giving out graduate careers advice. To hire graduates or browse graduate jobs, visit their website.