Today just happens to be your first day at the internship. Not exactly eager?
The internship, as we all know, gives us a taste of the working world. While most of us who have been there, done that can testify to becoming well-acquainted with the photocopier machine at the end of this two- to three-month stint, these few months out in the working world will be, undoubtedly, an eye-opening experience.
We at Next Step have came up with a few must-have tips that will ensure you land on a nice footing from the first day of your internship to the last. Drink it in!
1. Always check out the location of your internship prior to the first day of work. Turning up late for your first day is the ultimate death sentence. OK, so that’s a bit overdoing it, but you do want to lean on a good first impression, don’t you? (please leave messed-up buns, chip-off heels or stained ties at home)
2. Do a little background research on the company. Get familiar with the inner workings of the company, e.g. what drives them. It will help that you know a bit about with whom you’ll be meddling.
3. Check the dress code. Yes, you do want to be dressed for the grand occasion. But don’t overdress or underdress. You don’t want to rub people the wrong way. Check on this with your liaison officer/lecturer-in-charge.
4. Look around. Looking around means you’re increasing your observational skills. What working styles do these people adopt? Are they friendly towards interns? Are they genuinely sincere? Do people get along there? Finding the answers to questions like these will have you adapting quickly.
5. Be enthusiastic! Like the art of Kung Fu, you’ll need to practice aggressiveness with calm restraint. Ask when you need to. Be street smart. Show these people that, young as you are, you are not to be pushed around. Show them what you can do for them. Respect has to be earned. If you have to ask to be given work, ask. Be willing to learn.
6. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Understand that there are bound to be disappointments. Not everyone is going to live up to your expectations. Sometimes, not even you can live up to what you want to be. When you do make a mistake, don’t beat yourself up about it. Live and learn.
7. Make a stand. Don’t allow things to rest easy if your boss pushes you around. Practice tact and good judgement. Remember, being on a job attachment means that you are there to do more than just running errands – you are there to learn the trade. Keep your internship officer-in-charge informed if you’re doing more (or less) than what you’re supposed to do. So there, my dear freshies: Today is your day, and your mountain is waiting. Get on your way already!
Agnes Teh is a freelance writer who lives in Singapore.
