It’s summer, and many students are taking on internships. It is one of the few opportunities to really stand out and prove your competence, all the while being fearless and taking on new risks and adventures.
There is much to be learned from an internship. Last summer, for example, I stepped into an amazing position down in Washington, D.C. It was not my first internship, yet it was not until the end of the summer when I realized that I did every job that came before it wrong.
On the first day of an internship and throughout the summer, many worry about their attire. Questions like, “Is this professional enough?” or “Can I get away with flip flops on this hot day?” are overwhelming and can be a source of anxiety. Remember that looking professional and put-together is important, but don’t worry yourself to death over it. Stick to simple rules: clean, unwrinkled attire, closed-toe shoes and nothing too revealing or suggestive, and you’ll be all set.
There were many moments when I had finished my work and leaned back in my chair for a few seconds too long. I had a long commute and was tired, yet it was not until halfway through the summer when I realized that I was not just there for the organization, but for myself. To stand out and help the organization, it is necessary to go above and beyond by asking for more work and taking on bigger projects. In return, this exposes you to a wealth of amazing people and work.
If you ever have a question about what you’re doing, never be afraid to ask. Asking questions and for more work does not come off as if you do not know what you are doing, but that you are actively thinking about the issues you face and the work that lies ahead of you. Many fear coming off as incompetent if they ask too much, but it is about engagement.
Whether you are working in a fan-cooled community center or a big Wall Street firm, no job is too small and no work too mindless. There is much to be done in any organization. Providing a helping hand in any organization – just the simple act of asking for more – goes a long way in building connections and helps push the goals of the organization forward.
This summer, do something different – and next summer, you might be thanking yourself.