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Nine Keys to Succeeding in Your Internship

1. Be accountable

  • Arrive on time and communicate if you’re going to be late.
  • Follow the company break schedule.
  • Complete your tasks by their deadlines.
  • Follow up on things to which you have committed.

2. Approach all tasks with a positive and eager mindset

  • Complete all tasks with enthusiasm—even some of the less-than-exciting tasks an intern may be called upon to do.

3. Follow common workplace expectations

  • Follow dress codes.
  • Be aware of expectations for use of headphones – typically frowned upon in corporate settings.
  • When in doubt about an office policy, ask.

4. Network

  • Use your time at your host company to meet as many people as possible and learn what they do.

5. Build a relationship with your supervisor

  • If your supervisor doesn’t set up a meeting with you, ask for time to meet.
  • Ask for feedback from your supervisor to make sure you are on the right track.
  • Share your own goals for your internship so they know what you would like to learn.

6. Set up strong organizational systems

  • Get familiar with the email, phone and other communications systems, such as Slack.
  • Keep your calendar up to date and check it regularly.
  • Keep your email organized and respond promptly to messages.
  • Keep up-to-date lists of tasks and deadlines.

7. Managing up: Keeping your manager informed

  • Send updates to your manager when you’ve finished projects or to inform them of your status.
  • If you anticipate challenges completing a certain task/meeting a deadline, communicate in advance of the deadline.
  • Communicate when you have downtime.
  • Be proactive- if you anticipate downtime could come up again in the future, ask for examples of things you could be doing during this downtime.

8. Take the initiative

  • Ask for resources that will help you better understand the company and your team’s culture and goals. This will also help with any downtime you may experience.
  • Observe something that could potentially be done more efficiently and have an idea of a way to address it? Share the idea with your supervisor.
  • If you have any free time in the day and you can plan in advance, arrange to shadow a colleague to learn about a new task.

9. Follow email communication best practices

  • Email is formal communication within the workplace – use appropriate subject lines, greetings and sign-offs.
  • Use a businesslike tone.
  • Proofread your email before you send it.
  • Emails live forever on the computer network. Never send anything you wouldn’t want your supervisor to read and share.

Read more in Bottom Line’s full Guide to a Successful Internship:

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