Preparing for Your First Day

Read, understand and implement the following tips to help you shine on the very first day of your internship.

After countless applications and interviews, you’ve finally landed yourself that coveted internship. Congratulations! Pat yourself on the back for a job well done, but remember, this is only the beginning. As your first day approaches, you can expect to break out in cold sweat and feel butterflies permanently settling themselves in your stomach.

It’s completely normal to get those first-day nerves – it happens to all of us. But it’s still important to make a good impression from the start so you can set the stage for a successful internship experience. Good preparation and understanding a few key workplace basics can go a long way in helping you achieve that.

Here are some tips to ensure your first day goes smoothly! The day before

• Get to know exactly where you’ll be based and where you need to report to on your first day. Check the map on your phone and figure out how to get there, or refer to the company’s website if they provide directions. Don’t get this wrong; it would make for a bad impression if you assume that you’re working from home when you’re actually expected to be in the office. • Remember the name of your reporting officer so you don’t show up at the front desk looking clueless and disorganised. You’ll also likely be reporting in the morning when everyone’s just walking into the office or busy preparing to start their day, so most may not be too pleased to help a new intern who showed up on his or her first day underprepared! • Plan your journey. Give yourself some breathing room in case of bad traffic, MRT breakdowns, or bus delays. If you’re unfamiliar with where the office is, include additional time in case you get lost. If you’re driving, find out where the nearest parking area is. Take note that not every office building provides parking for those without season parking passes. • Revise any specialised knowledge or skills you may need for the job. You can always make up for your lack of experience by arming yourself with impressive theoretical knowledge. • Research and read up on the company. While this may be something you’d already done when applying for the internship, it’s good to tune in to the company’s latest news. You can start by checking out their social media profiles, or read up on the history of the organisation, their vision and mission, or what they’re currently working on if you haven’t done so already. • Ensure you have enough work-appropriate attire. Some companies can be quite uptight about what their employees wear to work, while others are more flexible. If you’re unsure, dress smartly on your first day; it’s better to overdress than underdress in this situation. • Make sure you pack your bag the night before. Don’t forget essentials such as extra money, some snacks and a notebook with a pen. Bring along a blazer or jacket in case the office is cold.

While at the workplace

• Confirm your working hours with your supervisor, and if you need to take your lunch break at a particular time. • Keep your desk neat and tidy. This is one of the easiest ways to make a good impression, so do it well. • If you’re expected to answer the phone, learn how to use the office phone system.

You’ll likely be given a sheet with the names of your colleagues, their designations and extension numbers. Keep it accessible by the phone for easy reference. • Take note of any email protocols to adopt, such as using a particular signature file, salutation or sign-off. It goes without saying that the tone of your email must remain formal and professional at all times. • If you’re invited to attend meetings with colleagues or clients, clarify beforehand whether your input would be welcome or if you’re expected to sit and observe. This is the perfect time to make use of your notebook and pen to take down meeting notes. Regardless of whether you’re involved in the projects discussed or not, use the time to learn more about what the company does. • When briefed on a task, take the time to fully understand what you need to do and ask questions if necessary. Don’t be shy or feel intimidated. This is the time for you to break out of your shell and learn on-the-job with practically zero fallout! • As mentioned earlier, bring extra cash on your first day; you may not know how much lunch costs at your workplace. Even if you do, the extra cash will come in handy if your colleagues decide to take you out to a restaurant or café instead of the nearby hawker centre for lunch. • Check in at the end of the day with your manager(s) to tell them that you’re getting ready to leave. Always ask if there’s anything else they need you to do for the day – don’t just disappear! This is the rule of thumb not just for the first day, but the rest of your internship.

And you’ve survived your first day! What’s next? Continue to listen attentively and learn well during your internship. Use the time to network and gather as much experience as you can. You never know – the good first impression you set may eventually lead to a permanent position in the company!