Why Internships are Important to Your Future

Internship, the word that students dread when talking about requirements for graduation. Students usually hear this word and think that they will be getting coffee or shifting through mail for their boss. I’m here to let you know that I survived not only one internship but two and I wish they had lasted longer. Internships are fun and exciting! They let you grow in the field you love and help you really picture what you can see yourself doing in the future and what you may want to stay away from. So, wondering how to make the best of your internship and how to get the most of your experience in such a short time? Here are some tips I wish someone had told me! 

Don’t Be Afraid to Voice Your Opinion! 

I know, when speaking to the person who holds the power over your paycheck or letter grade, it’s hard to not try to be a people pleaser. It’s hard to understand that it’s okay that your opinion is different than theirs. Just remember though, if they wanted to only hear what they think, they wouldn’t have hired you! Stand out, speak up and stand firmly in what you believe. Being an individual thinker is a good thing, I promise! 

No Job is Pointless!

 

Everything you do in this position is a chance to learn, big or small. Don’t look at the task you may not enjoy as a negative thing. Always keep learning and growing, even in the areas you don’t particularly like. Most CEOs of major companies started out by doing the jobs they didn't like and used it to their advantage, will you? 

Dress for the Job You Want!

I know, I know. This is something everyone hears but no one wants to follow. Trust me, I would much rather show up everyday in comfortable clothes too but that's not going to help you get the job you want in the future. When a potential client or boss walks in though I promise you’ll be glad you dressed to impress! I speak from experience when I say, do the unfun thing and dress professional. It’s not a fun but it is a very vital one for your future. 

Network, Network, NETWORK! 

Surely you know that this internship can get you in the door for potential jobs down the road but so can the people around you. When looking at into the future it may come down to what you know AND who you know so always be connecting yourself with those around you. Get to know about their life and them individually as a person outside of the workplace. You never know where that connection can take you down the future. Also who knows, that person may become a great mentor to you! 

Leave Room for Fun! 

Work is important, don’t get me wrong, but so is enjoying what you do! I love making spreadsheets just as much as anyone else but it’s not all the internship can be for you. Make sure you look up from all that boring typing once and a while and enjoy the people around you. Dance to those random songs that play, tell silly jokes, play pranks on each other and most of all make memories! Internships aren't meant to be black and white but, they are what you make them, so have fun! 

Finally, ASK QUESTIONS!! 

When surrounded by people who may be literal Doctors or experts in their field, ask questions! Use their experience and advice to help you grow. Ask the questions you can’t in interviews like what they wish they did more of or what to do in unique business problems. This internship is to learn more than what you would in a regular classroom! Know that, though this is a “job”, you are not expected to know how to do everything! Grow and learn to do more. Practice what you learned in the classroom but then strive to learn more! You need to come out of this job knowing more than when you came in. 

Internships can be amazing, unique experiences that can help you create connections and friendships you will hold to for years to come, but it’s only what you make it. Know that God put you in your internship position for a reason and that everything you do, big or small, matters. I can’t be thankful enough for my internship opportunities with The School of Business at the University of Mobile or Mighty Advertising Agency here in Mobile because without them I would not have been able to find my calling in advertising. So, next time you think negatively about having to do an internship, think about all the possibilities it can bring with it! Like I said, it is what you make it, so make it a great one!! 

Cut Version Published to UMobile.edu on February 5, 2019.