Effective Ways to Stand Out at Your Internship

Table of Contents [show]

Introduction

Even though you haven't yet graduated, it is still essential to take time to consider your career prospects and options. During your degree program, you will be quite busy working on your studies and holding down a part-time job as well, so you need to do this now. Over the past few months, businesses and organisations were forced to rethink their internship program in the same way that they have done with remote work and employment. What you must do as a candidate and how will this new normal impact your hunt for an internship?
 

To begin with, the entire interview process is going to be conducted online, so you won't have the chance to impress the recruiting managers in person.Recent graduates and students are no longer limited to applying for jobs in their hometowns. Hence competition may be fiercer for many internship opportunities that will be remote. To distinguish yourself as a contender, you will need to put in a bit more effort and think in depth. To learn how to do it, continue reading what to do during internship.

Creative Ways To Stand Out At Your Internship

There are a lot of ways to stand out, so we have gathered some of the qualities that employers tend to look for in interns. Each intern will have the chance to develop their talents, boost their resume, and network with experts. In turn, it will improve their prospects of landing full-time employment.

1. Prepare For Your First Day By Doing Some Research

 

Do some research on the business when getting ready for the interview. You should review your recollection and conduct more research on the company's history and culture the night before your start date. You will enter the internship with more confidence if you are prepared. Begin your first day by getting a general grasp of the business, the buzzwords that describe it, the organisation, and your boss. Your voice will sound more informed and assured as a result. To keep track of any recent publicity, you can also set up a Google alert for the business, he advises.

2. Show Interest And Continued To Do So 

 

Show initiative by getting in touch with your manager ahead of time and asking if there is anything you can do to get ready for your first day of the internship. Reach out rather than trudging in unprepared on the first day. There might be a project you can start working on, some research you can do, or some skills you can review. Taking the initiative shows your new boss that you are an intern who takes your new role well and is willing to go above and beyond.

3. Treat The Internship Like An Employment

You must treat your job seriously if you expect the employer to take you seriously. Interns should approach their internship like they would any job. You must keep in mind that your efforts will affect the company. Your contributions (and errors) have an impact on other individuals since you are learning in a dynamic, real-world context.
 

Although you can feel like "only an intern," you are an integral member of the team and an employee during the internship.

• • Take notes throughout meetings, pose inquiries, and adhere to due dates.
• • When you have free time, be sincere and respectful and volunteer to help.
• • Everyone working there should be contacted, both inside and outside of your department.
• • Find colleagues with a strong work ethic to emulate. How do they approach their work?

4. Adapt "Mistakes" Into Learning Opportunities

 

Everyone makes mistakes at work, even during the first few weeks of a new internship. But instead of worrying about these occurrences and letting blunders undermine your confidence, try to learn from each one.
Offer reading and correcting your work the utmost importance if you are prone to 'careless' errors like typos or improper formatting. To show to your supervisor that you are ready to learn and develop, address any first areas of weakness or confusion.

5. Plan Carefully

Before beginning your internship, learn as much as you can about the business and the people you will be working with, including the key management staff. It is beneficial to learn about business culture as well. Learn about the company's main departments and the products it sells. Try to figure out the brand's reputation and what makes it different from its rivals. History and its significant successes over the years are also significant. It is a good idea to read the internship position description several times as well. This will assist you to grasp your tasks as well as the kinds of abilities, information, or input required to complete the work well. 

6. Learn About The Working Style Of Your Manager

Each manager has a distinct working method. Understanding your new boss and how they operate will help you fulfil their needs. This will enable you to support project requirements and establish yourself as a crucial member of the team from the start of your internship. Quality in a great employee is to foresee demands before they arise. In advance of being asked, get ready and start working on a project if you know it will begin. Your boss and coworkers will be amazed without a doubt. As your internship progresses, you will become better prepared to support project demands and prove yourself as a crucial team member. This can help you identify areas where you can contribute value, like when you check your strengths and weaknesses.

7. Maintain Your Professionalism

You must, of course, present yourself decently at all times while you are an intern. Consider yourself entering the company more like a regular employee than an intern. Starting with your appearance and grooming, you can project professionalism. Always dress well for the workplace you will be joining, and make an effort to look presentable. If in doubt about what to wear, always go on the side of more formality as you never want to appear too casual.

Along with dressing professionally, other success-related tips include making eye contact when conversing and shaking hands with new acquaintances. Be clear in your written and vocal communications, and pay attention at all times.
Always be cordial to everyone you meet and refrain from arguing with any employees of the business or other contacts, like clients, partners, and investors. Use the chance to network with professionals in the sector regardless of how you may feel. But always be honest about your position within the company. 

8. Make Sure That You Are Familiar With And That The Internship's Requirements Are Being Met

Some interns lament that their experiences during their internships fall short of what they expected or had been told they would be. Before accepting the position, you must conduct research no matter what.
It is up to you to make sure that your internship complies with the job description if the job description for a position appeals to you and you choose to apply for it.
You may need to take on a few easy duties if you find yourself trapped in an internship. Have an honest and open talk with your manager about your original work description. Because no one else is going to speak out for you, you must.

9. On Your Resume, Emphasise The Relevant Experience

Adding your relevant expertise, selecting the appropriate format, customising the content of your resume for each job. Using the right keywords will be crucial to a successful search because recruiters check many resumes every day. 
Include any remote work technologies you are familiar with in your resume to set yourself apart. Your talents might be valuable as some of these organisations are new to remote employment. Include any significant projects you completed while in school in the "Projects" area, along with anything else that could be appropriate. 

10. Ask For What You Want When You Speak Before And After The Internship

Before your internship even starts, discuss with your employer your needs like hours, learning objectives, and money to ensure that you are on the same page. Keep in touch as your internship develops to make sure your needs get taken care of and to resolve any issues that may come up. Review what you have learned, how much time you have spent working, and any more learning opportunities the organisation may offer you after your internship comes to a close.

11. Learn About The Staff Members

Being an intern does not prevent you from getting to know everyone at the company. It implies that you must get to know everyone. Talk to every employee at the business both inside and outside of your department. You never know who knows whom, so building connections is essential to networking. It is a fantastic method to stand out at that specific internship as well. You become a member of the staff when employees from various departments at the organisation get to know and know you.

12. Figuring Out Needs Before They Arise Will Keep You Ahead Of Your Boss

Being able to foresee demands before they arise is a quality in a worker. If you are expected to prepare for anything and you are aware that it is on the horizon, get to work on it before you are even asked to.
Your boss and coworkers will be impressed without a doubt. Be careful not to step on anyone's toes by taking on their tasks. That helps you appear good while making another employee look devastating, which will make you the intern that no one likes.

Internship Advice For Students

1. Get An Early Start On The Internship Search

Keep in mind that some fields and internships have application deadlines. For a summer internship, some businesses might start hiring and recruiting in February. Starting your internship hunt over the winter break gives you more time to find a position before the summer. Before going back to school, it might also provide you with the chance to forge meaningful contacts with alumni or professionals working for relevant organisations. 

2. Consider a range of Internships That Fit Your Career Interests

Make a decision, but don't stress over being too particular. If you are undecided about the job path you want to take in the future, it is a good idea to gain experience in a variety of sectors.
Consider your interests and how you can turn them into a job. Do you like to watch programs about investment and finance? Are you passionate about social activism and changing the world? then search for internships in those various fields and submit your application. These can open doors for you and provide you with a chance to explore cutting-edge professions.

3.Make Use Of All Online Resources

Your college's career services office may recommend internship resources that you may use or subscribe to. You should look far and wide for an internship, using sites like Internships.com and Indeed as well as more specialised ones. 
Also, you can compile a list of deserving businesses and visit their websites to check whether any internships are available. If they don't, try setting up a Google Alert to notify you through email whenever an internship listing appears online.     Make sure to select the correct keywords to ensure that you receive relevant alerts in your inbox.

4.Contact The Employers 

To inquire about summer jobs or internships, you might email, call, or visit nearby employers. Once more, be prepared to deliver a brief introduction that highlights your expertise and outlines how you may be useful. Focus on the available summer employment, and if you are looking to improve your interpersonal and communication skills, look into opportunities at a camp or resort. The work requirements of nearby firms are also disclosed through temp agencies. Make sure to get in touch with companies again to schedule a phone or in-person interview whenever possible.

Key Points 

1. Beginning your search for internship months or weeks before the start date that you expect to have is advised. Deadlines for applications are far earlier than you may expect.
2. To find out if you can get an internship at a certain organisation, network with professionals at school, at events, and on LinkedIn.
3. You can gain the experience you might need through internships to find employment.
4. Behave like an employee and join the group.
5. Make friends with the workers and get to know them.
6. Get input for improving your career
7. Keep a low profile and be open to learning.
8. Be dependable, consistent, and successful.
9. Keep a positive outlook
10. Look for ways to make the most of this encounter.
     

Where Can You Find The Best Internship Opportunities?

You can search for internships on a tonne of websites, including Mediabistro, Glassdoor, Indeed, Monster, and Indeed.com. To locate websites that list internships for which you can apply, use clever keyword searches such as "marketing internships" or "journalism internships." Also, you should search company websites, and career job boards on campus or at your high school, and ask everyone you know if they are aware of any openings for internships.

Go straight to the employer if that is the one you wish to work for! For students and recent grads, many significant organisations have specialised careers pages with chances. For some businesses, you may sign up for a talent pool and create job alerts for openings that match your skill set. 

Our Learners Also Read: 10 Ways to Become an Expert in Python Programming

The Benefits Of Internships

 

The majority of students think about internships because they are a chance to launch their professional careers and add practical experience to their coursework. In comparison to graduating seniors without internship experience, those who applied for a full-time job and completed an internship may receive more job offers. Both the intern and the employer gain from internships. Working on the job helps you put what you learn in the classroom into practice and teaches you critical skills like time management, communication, teamwork, problem-solving and a willingness to learn. You can create connections for employers and train potential employees.
 

• • Network Of Professionals

Your professional network is increased via an internship. Many times, interns are assigned to mid-to senior-level positions. Your career path can be helped by these mentors, who can also provide guidance. Also, you will get to know people at the organisation that have a range of professional contacts and job histories.

• • Application In Real Life

You'll learn new practical and professional skills besides being able to apply the knowledge and theories you've learned in class to your job. For an internship, students need to apply and go through an interview. You will gain knowledge of professionalism, responsibility, and initiative.
 

Self-Assessment Questions

 

You don't have to understand everything! Instead, ponder some of the following:
 

• • Since you spend a lot of time at work to be suitable, it would be ideal if you could find a job that matches your interests. What interests you the most? What topics interest you?
• • What do I value? Do you care about a particular cause, such as ensuring that all people have access to education or protecting the environment? Finding impact-forward businesses whose goals align with yours can be made easier by being aware of your values.
• • What do I excel at? Although internships are a fantastic way to develop your talents, think about what you are already strong at. Do you work well with kids or have excellent programming skills? Are you an expert writer or a master of numbers?
• • Is this how I want to work? Think about the structure you desire for your weekday. Do you want to work with others and be active in the process? Do you tend to work on your own more often? Would you rather be hybrid or remote? 
• • What are my firm stand-points? Take into account the specifics of the internship, such as how much money you will receive, whether you need academic credit and even the location of the job. For instance, are you open to moving for a job?

Conclusion

It pays to learn as much as you can as soon as possible about your desired field to increase your chances of finding a career once you have earned your degree. Getting an internship is a smart approach to do this. Make sure you get ahead of any potential competition for jobs in the future. Getting an internship at a significant company can help you make great contacts in the sector. It adds valuable experience to your resume and even opens the door for full-time employment with the organisation once you graduate. Once you have located the ideal internship for you, it's time to make sure you stand out all over your time at the organisation for all the right reasons. You want to make a good impression and a long-lasting one on everyone you meet. This year, do your internship with the experts from The IoT Academy!
 

About The Author: