| • |
Learn
as much as you can about the company or organization. |
| • |
Know
your job’s responsibilities and duties. |
| • |
Establish
goals/objectives. Sit down with your supervisor and establish
mutually agreed-upon goals so you know what is expected
of you. Make sure your tasks are clearly defined, then
plan and organize them. Pace yourself. |
| • |
Dress
appropriately and always be prompt. |
| • |
Be
conscious of office politics and avoid gossip. |
| • |
Always
keep a positive attitude. |
| • |
Be
dependable and avoid missing work whenever possible. If
you must miss work, call in advance to notify your supervisor.
|
| • |
Understand
that some general office work is part of the job such
as: copying files, answering the phone, etc. |
| • |
Be
respectful of your co-workers' space and responsibilities.
And don't forget, co-workers are a great resource for
learning more about the work environment. |
| • |
Be
a team player. Don't isolate yourself. Ask questions and
observe people and their job functions. |
| • |
Ask
to be rotated through or to have time to observe other
departments in order to broaden your experience with the
organization. Notice jobs that give you additional skills
and experiences toward your career goals. |
| • |
Be
visible by doing your job well. Always be flexible and
willing to pitch in where you're needed. |
| • |
Deal
directly with your supervisor; don't go around him or
her. |
| • |
Introduce
new ideas gradually and avoid trying to change too much
too soon. Ask for more responsibilities. This initiative
will prepare you for better positions in the future. |
| • |
Make
sure you have a final evaluation meeting with your supervisor
when you complete your internship. Ask if you may use
him or her as a reference. |
| • |
Ask
for and give feedback, and don't forget to thank your
supervisor and colleagues for the valuable learning experience. |
| • |
Finish
your projects on time. |
| • |
Don't
burn bridges! |
| • |
If
there are other interns in the office, develop relationships
with them to serve as a support system. |
| • |
NETWORK!
It is important to establish contacts with people
in your career field. These people are valuable resources.
They may be able to help you in your current position
or lead to other contacts for future job opportunities.
|
