Learn as much as you can from your internship experience and focus on ways you can expand your professional skills and contacts. The experience you get now can become the building blocks of your professional development and can help you discover your future career.

1. Identify your goals.
Before you start, think about what you hope to learn and achieve. Approach assignments with initiative and enthusiasm, and seek out new challenges. Always remain open to new learning opportunities. Seek out extra work.  Show your willingness to go above and beyond what’s in the job description for your internship.  Be proactive in asking for more projects and responsibilities.  Look for opportunities to assist co-workers and volunteer for assignments that interest you.

2. Ask questions.
Remember, you aren’t expected to know everything. Ask for help when needed to avoid making mistakes. You may come up with new ideas or ways of doing something. Be sure to discuss those ideas with your supervisor to better understand what your limitations are as an intern, and work within them. People are paying attention.  Your employer is paying attention.  Even the little things matter.  The way that you interact with your colleagues, your willingness to take on the mundane tasks, how well the job gets done – it all matters to the people around you.  You never have a second chance to make a first impression.  Remember that these people will be key advisors and allies in your future job search.

3. Become a team player.
Build relationships by treating everyone you meet with respect and professionalism. Get to know your co-workers to gain insight into how to work well with them. Think of ways you can become a contributing team member. Take the time to learn about other divisions or departments to find out how their function fits within the goals of the organization. Do whatever is needed and do not assume that your education equips you with so much knowledge that executing low-level projects is beneath you. Don’t be the intern that turns their nose up at the “little” jobs.

4. Learn the organization’s/department’s policies and procedures.
Review any policy information you have about the organization. However, realize that some policies are not always formal or in writing. During your first few days on the job, ask coworkers and supervisors about email and voicemail etiquette, break or lunch schedules, office attire, internal communications and other protocols.
 

5. Develop a good working relationship with your supervisor.
Be open to all feedback and clarify expectations with your supervisor. Find out how often you will meet with him or her, and be prepared for these meetings by keeping track of your projects and accomplishments. Ask questions to assess your progress. 

6. Find a mentor.
A mentor can provide practical advice about your transition from college to the workplace. Someone who started out as an intern, or is in their first or second year on the job, may also be able to give you advice about work-related issues and future career paths. A mentor can make a big difference.  Try to develop a relationship with a mentor who can guide and support you in your internship, in your efforts to secure a full-time offer, and beyond.  Ask to take that person to coffee to learn about their experiences and career path. 

7. Reflect on your current internship and leverage it for future opportunities.
At the end of your internship, consider what you learned about yourself — your abilities, skills, interests, values and accomplishments. How will the new skills and knowledge contribute to your future career plans? Remember to ask your supervisor if they would be willing to write you a letter of recommendation. Also, schedule an appointment with a career adviser to update your resume with your latest internship experience.

8. Stay in touch.

Leave on the best possible terms. Always thank your manager for the internship.  If you are interested in working at the organization full-time, stay in touch and ask about openings.  If you have a close relationship with some of your colleagues, connect with them on LinkedIn.