NAIL YOUR INTERNSHIP

Follow our tips below and you’ll be the best little slave labourer in the biz.
Or at the very least, you won’t get 100% stitched up.

BEFORE THE INTERNSHIP BEGINS:

1 – Set some boundaries

From the outset you need to negotiate the terms and know what you’re in for, espeeeeecially if the internship is unpaid.

Ideally, you want a set number of hours and/or specific allocated days per week so you can organise it around your life and other commitments. Ask what tasks they anticipate needing your help with and, most importantly, set an agreed upon end date.

Establishing these boundaries will ensure you have a mutual understanding, which will help you maintain a good working relationship. It will also alleviate a tonne of anxiety, as you’ll know exactly what you’re diving into… with no surprises or big exploitation energy down the track.

2 – Do your research

Before you even apply for the internship, spend some time researching the company.

In an interview you’ll often be asked: ‘What do you know about us?’ and ‘what makes you want to work here?’. You want to be able to bring up specific projects they’ve worked on, key people you admire or a bit about the company’s culture that you vibe with.

3 – Nail your introduction

This is a big one. You are about to meet a whole lot of people, all at once. First impressions count.

Really put some time into thinking about what you’re about and how you want to come across. Then seriously work on it.

Practice it. In the mirror. Like a big dummy. Until you’d like professional-you if you met professional-you.

Generally, you want the vibe to be ‘friendly, intelligent, professional and keen-for-whatever-you-throw-at-me. On your first day or in your interview, try to clearly communicate who you are and what about you breaks the mould. One way to do this is something like, “in five years I want to be doing ___.” This shows you are confident and future-focused, and from the outset you’ve planted the seed of who you are in their mind. More than likely, they’ll then assign you tasks that are aligned with your interests and might introduce you to key people.

Remember it’s 2021 and your employers and colleagues are 100% stalking your social media. If your instagram is psychotic, set that shit to private.

4 – Leave your ego at the door

An internship will only help your career if you treat it with the same importance and professionalism that you would any permanent, paid job.

Internships 100% leverage your employability in your field. Frustratingly, despite the fact that most are unpaid, internship positions are often incredibly competitive and hard to get. The all too depressing irony – to GET experience you NEED experience.

If you've scored an internship, check your privilege and remember that your socioeconomic status lends you the opportunity to work for free. There are countless others who are equally (or maybe more) qualified who didn’t even bother applying because it’s not feasible for them. Sacrificing a day of paid work, travel times, caring roles and countless other reasons all impact your ability to intern.

So, treat this exactly like a ‘real job’ (whatever that is). Look and act the part – you are a representative of this company now, and any mistakes you make have consequences. There’ll be a whoooole lotta menial tasks that can feel really unimportant and soul-crushing at the time, but do them with grace and a smile because you are making someone’s day easier. Everything counts!

DURING THE INTERNSHIP:

5 – Network, baby!

99% of the value of an internship is not what you’re doing but the people you’re meeting. It’s important to establish rapport not only with the boss but with the whole team , including other interns!

Be the best version of yourself at all times. That means being super in tune with everything happening around you. Be attentive to the social dynamics and hierarchy: take note of who you can ask a few questions and who to leave alone. If someone is putting in the time to train and guide you, make sure you thank them.

Without being a total psycho about it, if you are really vibing with someone grab their email/number/social media. Make sure you read the room on this one and keep it professional. Nothing more cringe than a friend request 2 minutes after meeting someone.

Lastly, it is absolutely not worth gossiping or complaining to anyone about anything – even to other interns. Never ends well. Do that with your pals/parents/partner when you get home.

6 – Look alive! Focus!

As an intern, typically you’ll take on a lot of the tasks everyone else hates doing or doesn’t have time for. Don’t let this get you down. Try to frame it with a positive mindset.

What you’re actually doing is alleviating the collective micro-stressors from a whole team of people – and trust me, they love you for it. One day, when you are in a full-time position and have someone in to help you, you will TOTALLY understand your value.

What sets apart a good intern from a great intern is someone who doesn’t need to be asked to do the simple stuff. Attentiveness is everything.

Notice that it’s 2:30pm and someone missed their lunch break? Offer to get them something to eat. Getting the same coffees all the time? Write each persons’ order in your phone so you never have to ask again. Dishwasher in the kitchen is clean? Unpack it.
There is always something somewhere that can be tidied or organised. None of this will go unnoticed.

If you smash out your jobs earlier than anticipated, tell someone! Don’t pretend you’re still busy – you’re not annoying anyone by giving an update. You are there to help and they will put you to work.

7 – Ask for feedback

Halfway through your internship, reach out to not only the boss/manager, but anyone you’re working alongside and see if they have any feedback for you. If you feel you can manage more, check if there’s anything extra you can be doing to help. You really want to be part of their team and, most importantly, a team player.

You might be able to set up a formal meeting to check in, or you could be more casual and flick the team an email saying you’re really enjoying yourself and thanks for taking the time to train you and answer your questions etc. Reiterate that if there’s anything additional anyone needs help with, you are there and eager.

AFTER THE INTERNSHIP:

8 – Say thank you

The only thing more important than the first impression is the lasting impression!

On your last day, ensure you go around and personally thank everyone and let them know it is your last day there. Grab the contact deets of anyone you clicked with and suggest a catch up soon. Take the time to write the team a really thoughtful and personalised thank you card and perhaps grab a small gift as a token of your appreciation.

9 – Stay in touch

Elaborating on the above, it’s imperative that you have a contact email or phone number when you wrap up your internship.

Stay on their radar! Set a reminder in your phone to check in and catch up with someone for coffee a couple months after your internship ends. Keep up to date with the company news and shoot them a message occasionally – if a job comes up you want to be at the forefront of their mind!

10 – Get. That. Reference.

Tbh, if you don’t get a pumping reference this has all been a colossal waste of your time on earth.

One week before you finish, ask for a written reference so that you have it before you leave. Ideally you want this from the company head, so consequently they won’t have a lot of time to spend on it and may not be fully across your role and tasks. So make it as easy as possible for them! Send an email with dot-points listing your roles and responsibilities during the internship and any other relevant notes they could be included.

If you feel like it’s appropriate, ask whoever was overseeing your day-to-day tasks if they would mind you listing their number as a reference on your resume for future work.

THAT’S IT! IT’S ON YOU NOW! YOU GOT THIS!

GOOD LUCK!

Words Haylee Poppi