Internships are a great way to explore your passions, learn new skills, network with industry professionals, and make valuable connections. But it’s easy to get nervous about the unknown.
“What if I don’t know what to do?”
“What if no one talks to me?”
“What if there are expectations I can’t fulfill?”
You might find yourself feeling overwhelmed and unprepared before you even start your internship. Fortunately, we have some tips for you so that your first internship experience is a happy and successful one.
What to Expect in Your First Internship
Internships are intended to provide you with valuable experience in your field of study. You should always know what you're looking for when applying, but the overarching goal is to gain experience in your industry.
If you're wondering how to prepare for your first internship, here are some things to consider:
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Know what you want out of the internship
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Prepare for anything and everything
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Be prepared to do more than originally expected
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Consider new things you might need to learn
Preparing for Your First Day
If you’re one of the many students who are nervous about things to do on the first-day of internship, don’t worry. We have first-day internship tips. You will likely feel more confident after you’ve had a chance to meet with your supervisor, explain your background, and learn what tasks to expect.
But first, be sure about the following things before you arrive on your first day of the internship.
First, make sure you know where your internship is located. If you need help finding it, get in touch with the company beforehand so that they can offer directions or transportation assistance if needed.
Second, find out when to show up for work. You might find this information in your job description, internship offer letter, or during the interview process, but it's always good to double-check just in case! Be prepared for anything from an early morning call time to arriving at lunchtime.
Third, decide and ready what you should wear on your first day. You may want to follow general office etiquette or wear clothing that makes you feel comfortable and professional.
Finally, always remember to bring any materials given to you by the company (i.e., business cards, offer letters, recommendations). If any equipment is necessary for the workday (i.e., laptop), make sure you carry that.
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How to Get the Most out of Your Internship
Your first day is crucial. You want to make a great impression and show that you’re excited to be there. Here are some tips to help you thrive.
Show up on time—or even early! It’s essential to set the right tone right away by coming to work eager, not drowsy and hopeless.
Dress appropriately—this means dressing conservatively for professional environments, but it also means dressing comfortably for the job. Make sure all of your clothes are clean and wrinkle-free. If possible, bring an extra outfit in case of emergency spills or accidents!
Be mindful of other people's space—it’s polite to wait until someone has finished speaking before joining the conversation or trying to take something from them. Wait for your turn.
How to be Successful in the First Internship
To be successful in your first internship, you need to know what you're doing and why.
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Find out what you're expected to do before starting your internship so that you can prepare ahead of time. Ask if there are any expectations or requirements for the position.
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Think about what skills or knowledge you have that would be valuable for the company beforehand to bring those strengths with you on day one.
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Get ready to network! That means making connections at networking events, meeting people through introductions or other companies, and looking up professionals on LinkedIn who work at the company where your internship is based.
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Do your research about the company before starting your internship so that you can show how invested in their goals and ideas you already are.
What To Do if Things go Wrong
Success in your first internship also depends on knowing what to do if things go southward. Many things can go wrong, including:
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Not knowing how to dress for the interview.
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Not sure about how to behave in meetings.
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Inability to fit in with the work culture.
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Feeling left out, less confident in a team of more experienced colleagues.
Consult with your supervisor and clarify your position; do not hesitate to ask for help. You can also enquire with friends doing their internships. Stay calm and enjoy yourself.
Conclusion
Now that you have a clear idea of what to expect, what’s next?
Your preparation doesn’t stop when you start. Keep your eyes open, your mouth closed and your head up. When you take your internship seriously, your employer will take you seriously; after all, it’s not just about you. It’s about the company that’s invested in you and the opportunity for a future career.
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