CRUISE - Six Tips for an Intern’s Successful Journey
Every summer thousands of students embark on a summer-long journey through internships - gaining skills, establishing work experience, and expanding their professional networks.
How you approach your internship can take one of two routes. You can:
show up and do the work as expected or
take the journey that puts you ahead.
This article outlines six core behaviors that will put you on a CRUISE to a successful destination. These focus on core behaviors you should demonstrate during your internship. We're not covering the basics - like punctuality, professionalism, and civility in the workplace. Those expectations are covered in general workplace preparation through your career centers and education. You've likely also learned these in prior jobs and classwork. Our six tips build on the basics and chart your course for success.
Be CURIOUS.
This is your front-row seat to the industry you're working in. It's the opportunity to learn about problem-solving, business operations, and client relations through experience and observation. Be CURIOUS - ask questions about why something was the right approach or technique. Ask about your assignments and how they fit into the big picture of the organization.
How is this task important to the organization?
Why do clients ask for specific support?
What are the areas the organization would like to improve in efficiency?
Where do they want to grow next?
Being curious shows people you're engaged. You are interested in the business and your fellow employees. And they will remember that engagement you demonstrated.
Be REAL.
It's natural and 100% normal to be a bit nervous and anxious on your first days in a new workplace. You want to make the best impression. You might even be worried about "imposter syndrome". Trust me and the hundreds of others who employ interns each year that we don't expect you to know everything. That's why we hire interns - it's a learning experience!
You can balance the nerves with your authenticity. Be yourself - the REAL you. Let your guard down as you become comfortable with your situation (while maintaining the appropriate professionalism). Your employer and team members want to get to know the real you. They want to know what you're interested in; they want to know what excites you about your work and studies. The more they know about you, the more opportunities they can see for you. Interested in SEO as a topic? They can see you could assist their marketing with some available time. Pivot tables you specialty? There are going to be people lining up who need help with spreadsheets. Be You!
UNDERSTAND your Work Environment Likes.
Use the time you're in this summer's workplace to UNDERSTAND what you like or dislike about a workplace setting. Internship settings vary by industry, business, location. You're able to work in a particular situation for a defined period of time without committing to it for a long term. Here are some of the considerations you can keep in mind:
Do I prefer to work in an office setting 100% of the time?
Does remote work make you feel remote and disconnected?
Was a Hybrid setting something that was the right balance for you?
Do you like a very structured day - where each day follows the same schedule?
Are you challenged by having variety in your days and weeks?
Small organization? Big organization?
Generational diversity in the team?
Working with local coworkers?
Working with an international team?
This could be a very long list of considerations, and there is no guarantee your next job will match all the preferences of your list. But you will have this information catalogued as you start your permanent job searches. Use it.
INTERVIEW Daily.
I have always advised new intern of college grad hires to think of every day as another INTERVIEW. (Truth be told - we're all really interviewing daily to keep our jobs through our performance.) Always remember you can be making a first impression with a new acquaintance that day. You might be challenged to figure out a solution to an unexpected problem. Use the same energy and preparation you put into getting the job as you do the job!
SEE Academic Concepts in Practice.
Internships are often a learner's first professional job or experience in a field related to their academic studies. You get to SEE how concepts are actually used in problem solving. Those skills you heard about in a Management class come in handy when dealing with on-the-job pressures. That team project with personality dynamics and work habits comes to life where the stakes are now revenue, expense, and a business' profitability.
Take the experience you are having each day to grow and sharpen your skillset. I have observed interns find new areas of interest they want to explore in their remaining coursework. You can explore more of what you've become interested in. You will also benefit from taking your learnings back to the classroom and sharing with peers and professors. Professors always want to hear about a student's intern experience so they can adapt instruction and guidance for future students.
Exhibit the 3 Es.
Exhibit energy, eagerness, and enthusiasm as you work your internship. Your employer is investing in you through your compensation, the team's efforts and resources, and the organization's time and energy. Your contribution is your performance of the job. Going above and beyond the basic performance reinforces your reputation. It helps build your brand.
Be eager to learn from everyone you encounter in the organization. Show them you want to do an outstanding job (See I - Interview Daily for emphasis on this topic!) Do the work with energy and enthusiasm. We get it - every task or assignment an employer hands you is not scintillating or awe-inspiring. Even in the typical tasks there are lessons and opportunities. Embrace them!
CRUISE on.
These tips give you a set of behaviors to make your internship journey fulfilling and engaging. You can set your path and chart your course.
Curious
Real
Understand
Interview
See
Energetic
CRUISE on.