Making the Most of Your Internship Experience

1. Making the Most of Your Internship Experience Pace University Career Services  www.pace.edu/careers

2. Stage One: Setting Goals • To start, you might be feeling one or both of these ways: • High motivation, excitement, idealistic (maybe unrealistic?) expectations • Self-doubt, wondering if this choice was really the best option Go through a process of self-assessment, goal setting, interviewing, and negotiating in order to write a personal learning contract. This, in turn, will help develop confidence, a positive attitude, and more realistic expectations.

3. Stage One: Setting Goals Define your expectations • Learn as much as you can about the organization and your position before you begin so that you can create realistic expectations of your work, the office culture, etc. • Outline your personal learning objectives • An internship is an opportunity to learn and improve on: • Industry knowledge • Networking opportunities • Transferable/soft skills towards future employment • Resume additions and increased marketability

4. Stage Two: Orientation and Identity Establishment • Establishing your identity begins when you arrive at the work site • Orient yourself by learning new rules, rituals, subtleties of power, and information flow in order to gain acceptance and search for focus and direction in your office culture • Bring a pad and pen to take notes so you remember all of the training and information you receive in the first few days • You may feel either over- or under-whelmed with the internship at first – that is normal. Give it time

5. Workplace Basics Time Management • Arrive at work at least five to ten minutes early each day • Do not start to pack up and get ready to leave until the end of your scheduled time • Plan your day/week to make sure work is completed in a timely manner -the on-time/early clock-

6. Workplace Basics Dress Codes • Carefully follow the dress code of the office • “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have!” • Ask questions if you are still unsure of the dress code

7. Workplace Basics Successful Attitude • Smile! • Look friendly and accessible • Respect organization members and philosophy • Show confidence by being assertive, but not aggressive • Accept constructive criticism and adjust your practices accordingly • Volunteer for activities that will benefit the organization’s goals • Take every opportunity to assist your co-workers or work on a team • Adopt a long-term perspective • Take pride in your work – no task is insignificant or too small • Keep an open mind and be flexible

8. Workplace Basics • E-mail/Phone • No personal use and no texting – EVER! • Set a vacation message if you will be away • Use formal communication (no slang, abbreviations, emoticons, etc.) • Internet • Keep it to only work-related usage (no Facebook, shopping, etc.) • Supply cabinet usage • Take only the amount of supplies that you need • Tell the appropriate staff when supplies are low • Time card • Report only the hours that you actually worked • School assignments • Do not use work time to complete homework

9. Workplace Basics Build Effective Relationships • Communicate effectively with your boss: • Listen and observe carefully • Ask questions to avoid misunderstandings • When presenting a problem, try to also offer a solution • Remember the names of your co-workers • Participate on a team (work, recreation, or social) to build skills • Do not criticize company operations • Give positive feedback and credit to your colleagues for work well done

10. Workplace Basics Internship = Opportunity to Network • What is Networking? • Meeting people who can be of mutual professional assistance • An ongoing process, not something done only when you are seeking a job • Where can I network? • In the office or at company functions • How is networking done? • Take the opportunity to talk to others about your career goals or needs (i.e., job search assistance, career information, names of contacts) • Conduct informational interviews with full-time professionals at the company who share common interests and can provide insight • Always carry an updated version of your resume or business card

11. Workplace Basics Prepare to Handle Office Politics • Stay away from or remain neutral in negative discussions that occur in the workplace • Quickly address any conflicts that arise • Focus on the priorities of the organization • Do not bring personal (family, relationship, etc.) problems into the office setting • Discover the unwritten office rules • Don’t be too hard on yourself – everyone makes mistakes!

12. Stage Three: Reconciling Expectations with Reality • You may have had a picture in your head about what the internship will be like and sometimes it does not match up with the reality of the workplace • The workplace tends to have more structure than college life. Interns might find less flexibility in their work lifestyle than in their academic routine. • If the internship does not immediately match your expectations, you might feel disappointment at first, but stick with it and give the opportunity a chance • Discussing any issues about the internship with your counselor is the best way to get assistance and learn how to improve the internship experience

13. Stage Four: Productivity and Independence • Increase learning and productivity at the worksite. • Focus your energies on accomplishing tasks and learning new goals. • Integrate yourself into the work group, and be receptive to evaluations. • Remember to be self-confident, self-aware, and negotiate changes effectively.

14. Taking Initiative • Perform any routine tasks with a positive attitude and attention to detail • Double-check your work • Go the extra mile! When things are slow, ask for additional projects and assignments • Keep up with technology and trends in your industry • Build a dependable reputation by finishing projects on time • Ask for feedback along the way • Document your accomplishments

15. Stage Five: Closure How to end the internship on a positive note: • Leaving your significant learning experience can be challenging and can generate mixed feelings; however, stay focused and remain enthusiastic throughout the experience • Some interns do not know how or when to leave, or would benefit from reflecting and processing the internship experience • Discuss your thoughts with your counselor who can provide assistance For an effective ending: • Schedule a meeting with your supervisor to discuss your overall performance • Secure references! Get business cards and personal contact information (at least an e-mail address) • If near graduation, discuss possible full-time opportunities with your employer • If you would like to stay on as an intern, discuss the potential for remaining in the role. If you are ready to leave, make sure you give two weeks notice

16. Stage Six: Life and Work Post-Internship • During this stage, you will readjust to life back at school or begin preparation for post-graduation employment • Be sure to end on a positive note – send a thank you to your supervisor and plan to keep in touch To transition smoothly: • Update your resume with your new experiences and accomplishments as quickly as possible • Meet with your counselor to process your experience and plan your next professional step

17. NYC, 41 Park Row, 14th Floor  Westchester, Gannett House Visit Career Services anytime before, during, or after your internship experience. We are here to support you!