Making the Most of Your Internship!
University Career Services
What employers look for in their Interns What qualities distinguish those interns who are given full-time offers from those who aren't? Attitude is one of the most important factors Successful interns are proactive Take advantage of networking opportunities Ability to handle ambiguity. Rise to a challenge, and Seek to learn everything they can.
Before the Internship Learn more about the industry – Wetfeet.com – Vault.com Learn about the company – Crain’s Business – Factiva – Company Website Be sure to access resources through either the UCS or NU Library website
Establish a Learning Agenda “The important element that distinguishes an internship from a short-term job or community service is the intentional ‘learning agenda’ that the intern brings to the experience”. - National Society for Experiential Education
Create a Learning Agenda – A learning agenda is an outline of your learning goals- whether they are related to academic, career, skill, or personal development. – Make sure your goals are realistic and attainable in your internship.
Learning Agenda Details
Responsibilities • What you will do daily on your internship • What is your role
Learning Outcomes • What do you expect to get out of the internship? • What kinds of connections do you want to make? • What do you not know about the industry/company that you hope to learn by the end of the quarter?
Actions Steps • What step by step tasks will you accomplish to get to your learning goals? • How will you implement your learning goals?
Evaluation Measures • How will you be evaluated on your internship? • Do you want a midterm evaluation from your employer so you can see how you are doing and how you can improve?
Learning Agenda Details In order to be effective… Evolving document Revisit document Share with supervisor
Professionalism The first step to making yourself a professional is to decide you ARE a professional. A professional learns every aspect of the job. A professional looks, speaks and dresses like a professional. A professional is focused and clear-headed. A professional does not let mistakes slide by. A professional jumps into difficult assignments. A professional remains level-headed and optimistic. A professional uses higher emotional tones (Enthusiasm, interest) A professional persists until the objective is achieved. A professional produces more than expected. A professional produces a high-quality product or service.
During the Internship Be responsible! – Arrive to work on time, work hard and use your time efficiently – Limit the amount of time you spend socializing with other co-workers or other interns
Display Energy & Enthusiasm- Have the Right Attitude! – The most successful interns are those that display an upbeat attitude and a genuine interest or positive outlook in performing their role – Do the best job you can on every project no matter how small, as quality counts
Be Professional – Dress appropriately for work – Even in moments of stress, maintain a positive attitude – If you’re having a bad day, find a way of resolving the issue, or set it aside before you get to the office
During the Internship Contribute – Your suggestions and ideas are important to your employer.
Take Initiative! – If you’re bored, tell someone! – If there is a project that interests you, volunteer to help
Consider Innovation – If you have a particular activity or experience you want to try, don't hesitate to ask if you can pursue it
Be Self-Sufficient – This doesn’t mean you can’t ask questions or get additional help– however, identify resources that can help in answering questions on your own or attempting to.
Don't be Afraid to Ask Questions – While the employer expects to get a certain level of work from you, you are not expected to know everything
During the Internship Be wary of interoffice communication and politics – Observe how colleagues interact with each other, but be respectful of your place as an intern
Pay attention to the “corporate culture” – Ask yourself this: Would I want to work full-time in this environment?
Know and abide by office policies & procedures – Business Conduct, Confidentiality, Non-Compete, Sexual Harassment
Never underestimate an opportunity to learn more – Attend company or industry meetings, conferences, and events; participate in training workshops; and read all company materials – Find out what various departments do – Get to know the organization from the inside: its history, standing market, goals, clients, competitors
During the Internship
Leave with Tangible Accomplishments – One of your goals with any internship is leaving it with some tangible results - both for your resume and your career portfolio (
Get as Much Exposure as Possible – The more you are exposed to new ideas and new people, the more you'll learn
EXPOSURE WITHIN • Informational Interviewing • Networking • Social Opportunities
Gaining Exposure Informational Interviews – An interview YOU conduct with a person who currently does a job you think you might want, or who has specific knowledge about an occupation or career in which you are interested.
Networking? – Establishing relationships with others to help tap into a hidden employment market containing unadvertised jobs and internships – Talking with people in your target field to explore your career options, gather information, and understand how to market yourself to potential employers
The number one job skill of the 21st century is the ability to build and keep working relationships.
Social Engagements Formal - Team Events - Intern Meetings - Lunch and Learns - Departmental Activities
Informal - Join colleagues for lunch - Learn about colleagues lives - Impromptu after-work outings What about dating??? -Strongly discouraged from dating company/organization employees -Know company policies -Be respectful in declining invitations
Trace Paths to Success
You will probably meet someone who has accomplished great things and has a career you find impressive-- sit down and chat with them Find out how they've arrived there What positions did they hold earlier in their career? What areas of expertise helped them get where they are? Suggestions for a young professional?
Personal Reflection Throughout your internship reflect on what you are observing and doing.
Are you meeting the goals of your learning agenda? Analyze what you like or dislike about the work you are doing. Are you excited about the industry or function you are performing? Does this work suit your talent and temperament? Assess how your internship has impacted your career goals.
Where do you want to go from here? Revisit your learning agenda.
Troubleshooting Problems
Assess the situation and your role Determine what you would consider viable alternatives/remedies Speak with the intern coordinator and/or your direct supervisor
Wrapping Up Your Experience
A week or so before you leave, meet with your supervisor to personally thank him/her for the opportunity to be part of the organization and how much you learned from the experience.
Discuss any pending projects you were assigned or assisted with that need additional attention. Complete any paperwork required by the employer.
Return any company/agency property
Don't slack off or skip out early just b/c your time is coming to an end.
Send a formal thank you letter reiterating your appreciation of the experience.
At the end of the summer‌ If you haven’t already gotten a recommendation letter ask your supervisor for one Collect business cards and keep in touch with the people that you met, they may be able to help you in the future Update your resume right away while all the information is fresh and so you have an updated version on hand Upon completion, discuss your internship experience with a Career Services practioner for the best advice on how to present it on your resume, given your career goals
University Career Services Main Office 620 Lincoln Street 847-491-3700 CareerLab Core Reserve Main Library, 2nd Floor North Web www.northwestern.edu/careers Facebook www.facebook.com/northwesternuncs Twitter http://twitter.com/northwesternucs LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=1926036