Tips for a Successful Internship

Preparation for General Internship

Begin your search for an internship several months in advance of the time you would like to start the internship. Application deadlines for many organizations are typically 3 to 6 months prior to the start date. Beginning early also puts you ahead of the majority of students who wait longer.
Internship opportunities are available for the Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer and occasionally may last longer than one semester. Some organizations offer compensation competitive with most part-time jobs.
Research your field of interest to learn which companies/opportunities would be best for you to pursue. This research helps you write more targeted cover letters and better focus your resume toward your career goal. University Career Services can help you learn how to conduct this research, write an effective resume and compose cover letters that get noticed.
Practice your interviewing skills by attending a workshop, reviewing interviewing tips and participating in a mock interview.
After the internship, write a thank you note to your supervisor. Ask for a letter of recommendation from one or more people with whom you worked closely.
Don’t underestimate the importance of, or lose contact with, the people you met during your internship. They can be of great help to you during your job search.

During the Internship

Basic Do’s and Don’ts:

Do be punctual. Constant tardiness could be held against you.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Do keep a daily journal or unofficial record of your assignments (for your eyes only), how you accomplished them, and what you learned. This will be useful in assessing what you have learned from your experience.
Don’t play on the computer or make personal phone calls. Be sure that your cell phone is off.
Do try to engross yourself in company material or information pertinent to current projects. Be alert and aware of new things that the company is trying to achieve and see if there is a way that you can be of assistance.
Do understand the company culture, and dress and behave appropriately.
Do steer clear from giving your opinion on politics and other sensitive issues. Office politics can be sticky!
Don’t complain or slack off your assignments. You might feel like you are doing unimportant tasks, but if you work with a good attitude, you might eventually get bigger opportunities.
Do take responsibility for your work, even if you make a mistake. Learn from your mistakes and demonstrate that to the person who will be evaluating you.
Don’t take things personally. Assess the situation objectively. Furthermore, if you receive criticism, don’t get defensive. Know when to speak and when to listen.
Do NETWORK. Professionals in a field of your interest surround you. Take initiative and try to learn as much about them as possible by asking or joining them for lunch. Talk to them about your interests and aspirations. Find someone within the organization with whom you may want to conduct your Informational Interview – you may find yourself a valuable mentor!
Do get feedback and take interest in projects around you. This will help you understand how you are doing, and your interest might help you attain similar jobs.
Do remember that University Career Services is here to help. Contact us at (718) 990-6375 on the Queens campus or (718) 390-4438 on the Staten Island campus if you have any questions.

After the Internship

Talk to your supervisor about what you have achieved, and if possible, make a portfolio of the work you did so that you have concrete examples.
Send a thank-you letter to your sponsor and to other people at the organization who made a difference in your overall experience, and try to stay in touch with them on a regular basis. This will ensure your name will stay in their mind for other job or networking opportunities.