Summer marks the end of the school year and the start of more learning: internships.
Students embark on this career-building journey and, dare I say, a taste of the real world.
The first week of an internship is mysterious and intimidating. A manual for navigating this week does not exist.
I completed 5 internships during my college career, and every “first week” was completely different from the next.
Well, how does that help me?
It’s simple. An internship is not a one-size-fits-all experience, but there are strategies that can set you apart from the rest in the first week.
1. Leverage your first impression
The first impression does matter. You will meet a lot of colleagues and fellow interns during your first week. It is human nature to form an impression within seconds of meeting someone.
A great way to make sure that you're presenting the best version of yourself is to practice a firm handshake and introduction before arriving.
Trust me, not every manager will take you around the office to meet your team. You might have to take the lead and introduce yourself alone.
Get comfortable with the introduction and small talk. After the first few conversations, you will notice that every encounter gets easier and more enjoyable.
Did you create a first impression that wasn't too great? Don't worry! While you can't always change the first impression, you can change your overall impression by adjusting your behavior.
Learning from mistakes = adaptability. You will impress your manager and team with by showing improvement.
2. Dress the part
Rummaging through your closet to find a presentable outfit is a great move on your first week. You might even feel overdressed compared to the company culture.
While more companies are adopting casual dress codes, I’ve learned that it is better to be overdressed during the early weeks of an internship.
You will be able to safely observe how your colleagues dress, and you can then gauge the proper attire for the remaining months.
I am fully supportive of everyone expressing themselves; however, arriving in a sharp outfit to start is never a bad idea.
3. Dust off your notebook
It’s no surprise that you will feel overwhelmed with information during your first week. For the sake of your own clarity, carry a notebook and don’t be afraid to use it.
I remember meeting new colleagues and excusing myself after to write their names and titles. It sounds very Harriet the Spy of me, but I was a master of names by the end of my first week.
Taking notes will help you remember any key details and project plans. These notes will also serve as the reminders of completed tasks from the beginning of your program.
You will thank yourself later when you can use your trusted notebook to summarize your internship at the end of the summer.
4. Listen and ask questions
The first week of an internship is one of the few times that I urge interns to take a step back from the podium and listen.
Think of yourself as a sponge during these five days.
You will sit through several on-boarding processes, including HR orientations and setting expectations with your manager.
I truly stress the importance of listening and asking the right questions to get your answers. Your inquiries and ability to listen will also leave a lasting impression on your manager and team.
While the processes sound exhausting, it is crucial that you absorb all information to ensure a successful summer.
5. Start networking
Most companies encourage interns to explore and network with others.
This is something that you can start during your first week, as your workload will most likely begin after a few weeks into the program.
Workplace politics can hinder a full-time employee’s ability to explore different teams within a company. Use the first week as an intern to meet as many people as you can.
For example, you're a marketing intern and you discover a new interest in sales due to the learnings you gained from connecting with colleagues.
This is the time for you to take full advantage and start building those connections the moment you step into the office.
6. Enjoy the ride
Here's the fun part: enjoy the time you have as an intern.
You proved yourself as a valuable asset to the company, and that’s why you received the internship offer in the first place. In my opinion, the hardest part of the internship is the interview process you endured months before your start date.
The first week of your internship is an opportunity for a fresh start. Take this time to map out your goals and enjoy the overall experience.
I advise everyone to take an internship if it is possible. You have full control over your professional image in the workplace. Internships are the best ways to test your strategies and build your brand.
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About Nina Monsour
Nina Monsour is a Michigan State University alum. She completed 5 internships and has a true passion for helping others. As a professional, Nina works with entrepreneurs to develop their startups and tell stories that inspire future leaders. Connect with Nina or email nina@duolevel.com for more helpful tips to master your internship and grow in the professional world.
Article originally posted on Linkedin.