Summer internships are a major milestone on the way to beginning your professional career. While there is no guarantee there will be a job offer waiting for you at the end of the summer, here are some tips to increase your chances!

Dress for Success

Your clothes are part of your first, and lasting,  impression – so learn your company’s dress code prior to your first day. Build your wardrobe around a few key stable pieces in basic colors, and they switch up the daily outfits with accessories – ties, jewelry, shoes, etc.

 

Write Everything Down

Whether it’s notes from the morning meeting or your coworker’s lunch order – write everything down. Not only will this help eliminate errors by allowing you to go back and check your information, it will also allow you to go back and better absorb what you heard.

 

Create a Morning Routine You Can Stick With

Mornings are rough – but getting into a set schedule everyday not only makes them easier, but more productive! Whether you start the day with a run, a few minutes of meditation, or simply enjoying coffee and the morning paper – pick something and practice it every day!

 

Invest in a Day Planner

While you’ll have your email-linked calendar, there is something to be said for keeping a handwritten planner. You’ll have all of your appointments, reminders, and notes in one place – even if (gasp!) your smartphone battery runs out.

 

Learn (and remember) Everyone’s Name

Not only is the polite thing to do, it also shows you are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team, even if it is just for the summer. Gestures like this may seem small, but they have a lasting impact and may even distinguish you from the other interns.

 

Don’t be Afraid to Ask Questions

The whole point of the internship if for you to learn and grow as a professional in your field. No one expects you to know everything! Take this great opportunity while you’re surrounded by seasoned professionals to learn as much as you can from them.

 

Come in Early

Early bird gets the worm, and early intern gets the job. We’re not saying you have to be an hour early each day, but even arriving 15-20 minutes before your official start time is definitely going to get people’s attention. Not only that, it will give you a chance to ease into your day without feeling rushed.

 

Leave Late

There’s a saying in the business world that you should never leave your desk until your boss leaves theirs. Trust us, we know how tempting it can be to run out right at 5pm – especially when happy hour is calling! But take an extra few minutes to finish up the project your working on, clear out any unneeded emails from the day, or to get ahead on tomorrow’s work.

 

Pack Your Lunch

Not only will this save you valuable work time, it will also save you tons of money! The lunch rush can be so unpredictable, and what looks like a 5-minute wait could easily become 45. You don’t want to be that intern taking lunches longer than your boss.

 

Enjoy Your Time There!

All work and no play can make for a very boring summer. Most companies set up different events for their interns throughout the summer such as baseball games and happy hours, so make sure take advantage of them! While you’re busy kicking starting your professional career – don’t forget to still have fun!