Succeeding at the Internship
|
|
Reny in Hong Kong, China
|
Before you Intern
Logistics and Expectations
After you have accepted your internship, speak with your supervisor to discuss the logistics of your position as well as mutual expectations. If you have not already done so, take time to draft a learning proposal. A learning proposal  allows you to clearly define your mission and your rationale for pursuing an internship. It also allows you to break down your mission into specific goals you can realistically attain over the course of the summer. This document will be useful as you and your supervisor discuss your internship responsibilities.
It would be most advantageous to schedule the meeting on site where you can get a feel for your new environment and possibly meet some of your future colleagues, though a phone conversation will also suffice. Topics you should discuss include the following (keep in mind some of this material will be sent to you in the form of a contract or orientation materials):
- Details including your start and end dates, working hours, and the organization's dress code
- Will you be assigned a desk or cubicle? Where?
- What identification will you need to bring with you for tax documents?
- You may need to negotiate time off for family or personal events, such as a long weekend for a reunion or wedding. Try to keep such requests to a minimum.
- Inquire about the nature of the feedback you will receive. Will you and your supervisor engage in meetings on a regular basis? Will you receive any type of written evaluation? You will want to ensure that you receive regular, substantive feedback, as this is an important part of your internship.
Follow up this conversation with a letter or e-mail that clearly states your understanding of the logistics, your main responsibilities, and any other agreement between you and your supervisor. The letter/e-mail should convey your enthusiasm for your internship. In addition, you should let your supervisor know how to contact you until you begin your internship. Use this sample letter to employer to build your own internship confirmation letter.
Health and Safety First
If you are going abroad, it is especially important to review the Traveling Abroad: Visa, Health & Safety Information section of the UCS website. Use this checklist to help prepare for your departure:
While you are Interning
Become Oriented to the Work Place
When you begin your internship, ask for a tour. Make note of where the printers, copiers, fax machines, restrooms and other important areas are located. Ask your supervisor if you will need keys or employee identification for entrance into the building or other facilities. In addition, if you are being paid, inquire about the payroll process and how to keep track of your hours to ensure you are paid in a timely manner.
Assume Control of your Learning Process
Arrange a meeting with your supervisor to discuss the organization and the issues it currently faces, such as specific challenges, new missions, recent changes. This conversation may vary in intensity depending on your supervisor and your experience. Request any reading material that may be insightful and contribute to your understanding of the organization. This will help you place your role in better perspective.
Do not hesitate to ask questions about your work. When given an assignment, ask for a clear idea of the results expected of you, a deadline for completion of the project, and where it falls among other priorities. If you have the time, initiate new projects and assume new responsibilities. Take initiative - you should never be saying "I don't have anything to do." Seize the opportunity to learn from the professionals around you. Observe how they "tick." What industry publications do they read? To which professional associations do they belong? Ask them questions relating to their careers and professional experience.
Keep an "Internship Journal"
Undergraduate Career Services recommends that you keep an internship journal throughout your summer experience. Keeping a journal will help you assess your internship experience and also make it easier when it is time to update your resume in the fall. Your journal entries do not have to be lengthy but they should capture what you are doing and your general thoughts and reactions to your work. You should maintain your journal on a daily or weekly basis - whatever works best for you. You may want to read
Tips and Thoughts on Your Internship Journal .
Be Professional
Arrive at work on time and resist the temptation to leave early, even if you observe your colleagues doing so. Respect the organization's dress code. If you have to ask if an outfit is appropriate for the workplace, it probably isn't. Keep conversation content professional. (Relaying stories about your craziest parties or bar-hopping incidents last semester is highly discouraged.) You want to establish a reputation based on your work, not on your personal life.
Maintain a Positive Attitude
Build yourself a support network at work. Cultivate good working relationships with your colleagues: your supervisor, fellow interns, support staff, professionals in other departments. Lend a hand when needed. Stay positive and optimistic during stressful periods. Don't fall victim to a "complaint culture." Don't engage in negative chatter about the organization, department, or fellow colleagues - you never know who is listening.
Informational Interviewing - Develop your Network
Conducting on-site informational interviews during your internship is a great way to learn more about the field and organization as well as an effective means to develop your network of contacts. You should facilitate at least one informational interview over the course of your internship, but are encouraged to conduct more if possible. Make sure to discuss this with your supervisor beforehand for their approval. See Informational Interviewing for more information, including sample questions.
Internship not Working Out?
Sometimes, even with the best of planning, problems can arise during an internship: conflicts with coworkers or supervisors, lack of supervision, or incessant administrative tasks after the promise of a substantial project. If you are faced with such challenges, we suggest the following action plan:
- Discuss your situation with an individual who does not work for the organization - UCS counselor, a friend, family member - to obtain an objective viewpoint. Try to pinpoint where the problem lies.
- Brainstorm ways to improve the situation, including ways you can be flexible.
- Meet with your supervisor (or other individuals with whom a problem exists) and explain the situation from your point of view. Avoid accusations and ask the individual for his or her perception of the situation.
- If possible, try to achieve a consensus and resolve the issues. Do not share your concern with others in the organization who were not involved in this meeting.
If you fail to resolve your issues, call Undergraduate Career Services at 203.432.0800 to talk with a career counselor. We can help guide you to your next step.
Finishing your Internship
Make sure you have fulfilled all of your responsibilities and tie up any loose ends. Ask your direct supervisor for a recommendation letter or to serve as a reference (there may be others in the organization that you may want to ask if you have developed a relationship with them). Making this request while still on site will yield a more effective recommendation as your performance will be fresh in your supervisor's mind.
After your Internship
After leaving the organization, send a written thank-you letter to your direct supervisor and any other employees who served as mentors to you over the summer. Your letter should convey your appreciation for the experience, a sense of what you learned, gratitude for any references written on your behalf, and your school contact information. See the sample Post-Internship Thank You Letter .
Lastly, to help provide valuable feedback for others please fillout an Internship Evaluation form.
|
