Working a full-time summer internship isn’t easy, especially when all of your friends are back in Gainesville making the most of the humid Drunkfest called Summer C.
The excessive Snapchats of pool party ragers and late nights at Salty Dog flood my inbox day and night as I type away in my gray cubicle. Although it may seem like you’re missing out of the fun, you’re actually taking a leap ahead of many of your peers. So good for you. Here are some tips for surviving the harsh reality of summer internships.
Always dress a step above your peers.
Even though your requested attire calls for “business casual/jeans acceptable,” always try to put in a little extra effort. People notice your appearance as you walk around the office, especially in meetings with your “higher ups”. Not to mention, the experts at Forbes think dressing casually could cause you to feel less focused and alert .
Bring your own coffee.
No matter how hard you try, no amount of cream or sugar is going to make office coffee drinkable. It’s scalding hot, painfully bitter and burns a pit in your stomach after a few sips. I suggest you invest in a Keurig, sign up for Dunkin Donuts perks, make an effort to explore the local coffee shops in your area. Or, as painful as it sounds, slowly wean yourself from your caffeine addiction.
Arrive 10 minutes earlier than everyone else.
Arriving to work 10 minutes prior to the time you’re “supposed’ to be there helps you beat morning traffic, look super eager and productive, and, if your internship is anything like mine, you’ll be able to leave a few minutes earlier at the end of the day. Don’t hit snooze.
Take advantage of work outings.
Whether it’s a work-sponsored baseball game or an internship picnic, GO! This is the best time to network throughout the entire company. If there is alcohol involved, always abide by the 2 drink maximum. (Also avoid using phrases like “turnt” anywhere near a boss.) Plus, it’s way better to enjoy some social time versus being in your cube! Win-win.
Don’t be a loner.
Meet as many people as possible. Make friends with the front-desk lady, the janitor and as many co-workers as possible. If you plan on applying for a job with the company in the future you want to make an impact on as many people as possible. Be sure to always smile and say hello during the awkward hallway passes with strangers. You never know who might be passing you.
Don’t be listless or list less.
Throughout your internship, you will probably be contributing to a number of projects and initiatives. Be sure to keep a detailed list of your responsibilities throughout the summer because you will be able to talk about them in future job interviews and add them to your resume. If you don’t document what you did, you might not remember a year from now which kind of software you learned to use or how many sales you actually closed.
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So, whether you’re investing your entire summer or just a few weeks in the professional world, be sure to make an impact and make yourself memorable to your coworkers. You’ll be thanking yourself later when you’re able to fill up your pristine resume, while your friends are still slapping the bag.
