With the internship season starting soon, it is important to know a few things before you start your first day. For me, this will be my first official in-office internship, as I’ve had two virtual internships (including Get Smart!). I can’t wait to get started.

1. Ask questions, ask questions, ask questions: Your supervisors want to see that you are engaging with those around you and want to learn more. Your boss will expect you to be asking a lot of questions too; that’s what internships are all about. It shows you are willing to learn, you are motivated, and you have a genuine interest in your work.

2. Don’t spend your lunchtime alone. Network! Why spend 30 minutes or an hour alone when you could be using that valuable time to network with coworkers or fellow interns? Make a conscious effort to reach out to people in other departments that may appeal to you. You could be asking questions, getting business cards, finding a mentor, asking for new projects…anything!
3. Stay off social media during work hours: It can be incredibly rude and unprofessional to take out your phone and start flipping through social media while you’re at your internship. If you must  check your phone, take it into the ladies room or somewhere private, but looking at it during work hours will not reflect on you well over the course of the program.

4. Be on time and be professional: Show up on time and be prepared to stay late. Showing up on time, especially in the first week, will serve as part of your first impression. Dress for the part. If you learn a week into it that the dress code is a bit more casual, still come in looking one step above that level. It can go a long way.

5. Set goals: This is something that is crucial to having a successful internship. Set goals before your first day to get a better understanding of what it is you are looking to get out of your time there. Work with your supervisor, boss, and coworkers to achieve those goals. Supervisors at internships want to help you achieve whatever it may be that you set out to do while working at a company, so make use of that. Before your last day, analyze how you’ve been doing and make sure you’re on track to complete everything before your program ends.

__________________________________________________________________________________________