New Intern Know-how: Starting off on the right foot

Today's blog post is offered by one of our Fordham Career Ambassadors. If you're interested in becoming a Fordham Career Ambassador, please contact: Cassie Sklarz at sklarz@fordham.edu. 

You revamped your resume, composed a killer cover letter, impressed in the interview, and got the internship!  So now what?  To get the most out of your internship, the hard work isn’t over.  Starting to work at a new company can be a difficult transition period, but these tips for staying on track can help make the process a little smoother and easier.

One of the most important things to focus on when you’re starting the internship is earning people’s trust.  This isn’t always easy or straightforward, but there are simple ways to show you're assertive and to prove yourself as a great intern.  

First, go above and beyond in the work you are assigned—even the most minor tasks.  Paying attention to detail is an attribute that your supervisors will recognize and value.  In an unfamiliar setting, it can be tricky to figure out the office culture and what's acceptable or expected of you.  Again, paying attention to detail will pay off!  Looking at what other people in the office do or how they behave is a good place to start.  Notice their good habits and make them your habits too.

Another tip to remember is that your fellow coworkers can be great resources and give you insight into the field and their own career paths.  Don’t be shy about asking for advice or asking questions about their experiences with the company.  They can tell you what they’ve found challenging, what they’ve liked, how their positions have changed over time, etc.  As you get to know your coworkers and as you learn more about your own position, another point that's important to always keep in mind is that the work you do affects others too, and not just yourself.  Once you’ve spent some time adjusting to the office culture and getting accustomed to your new position, don’t wait to be evaluated—ask your supervisors for feedback.  Asking what you can improve upon, what goals you should be striving to reach, and how you can grow and develop within your role will impress your superiors and earn you the respect of your colleagues.

Interning is a great way to gain hands-on experience, and these tips on how to continue working hard are sure to put you on the road to success.  Good luck!

Find out more about this topic here.

Do you find these topics interesting? Have you ever thought about writing a blog? If so, join our team! Please send any interests, inquiries, or articles to Cassie Sklarz at sklarz@fordham.edu. We'd love love to hear from you!