So, you think it’s time you check out what the “real world” is like? Some of you are looking at getting internships; they’re a graduation requirement, they seem fun and easy, and they would be a great way to get your foot in the door. You are all right!
Most colleges will require their students to have internships in order to graduate. Depending on the company and your boss, at your internship, your boss may give you very minimal work or just as much as if you were an employee of the company. If you do a good job, though, you can receive school credit.
My best friend at the time, Jordyn, had recommended I apply to intern with WPTV news, an ABC affiliate located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. She got accepted into their program the first semester, while I started interning with them in January.
In the 80’s and 90’s, my dad worked as a TV/Film Director for WVCB News 5, an ABC network located in Boston. When Dad heard I got the internship acceptance letter, he was more than thrilled for me, and he gave me great advice and a million tips on what to do and what not to do. Here is my list of 12 internship do’s and don’ts. Take a look!
1. ALWAYS be the 1st one there.
2. NEVER, ever complain.
3. ALWAYS have a smile on your face.
4. NEVER act as if any task is ever below you.
5. NEVER say you “can’t do” something. Figure it out, or ask for help.
6. NEVER bring your personal life to work with you. Make sure your personal business always stays at the door. People will talk about their plans and drama, but do not feed into it.
7. ALWAYS be neutral and drama-free! This is honestly the best thing you can do at your internship. You are there to do your best, receive school credit, and land a job once the internship is through.
8. ALWAYS tell every single person in the office each morning “Good morning” and have a short convo with each of them. When you leave, do the same thing; tell your co-workers “Good night.” This gives other people a good impression of you. Your co-workers are more likely to think highly of you if you are friendly.
9. NEVER call in sick or miss your internship. I have noticed many students do not understand this vital rule. It is so important that you do an outstanding job at your internship, so your boss will eventually say, “Hey, John, you did such an awesome job interning with us these past four months that we would like to offer you a job.” The more you call out or skip days, the more your boss will feel as though you are irresponsible, unreliable, and immature. It is typical for most college students to goof off and not give their internship 110%. It happens all the time, but please don’t be one of those students!
10. ALWAYS be flexible! No one likes a person who isn’t agreeable. If you are easy to get along with, then that’s a win-win for everyone. The more people who like you, the better.
11. ALWAYS bring in breakfast your on both your first and last days at the internship. First impressions are key, and you always want to leave your internship on a positive note.
12. NEVER is “I was partying” a good excuse for being late to your internship. No! That is totally unacceptable.
Let me tell you this: For those of you who say, “Eh, I don’t know if I feel like going to the office at 9 am… I’m so tired and hungover,” you know what your boss would say? “Grow up! Put on your big girl or big boy panties and go into the office.”
I went out with my friends the night before my 21st birthday to celebrate. I set my alarm clock and woke up at 6:30 am for the internship. I wasn’t going to let my poor decision-making alter my entire life dream. I drove an hour to the internship while downing 5 coffees to stay alert and energized throughout the 9-hour day. At the time, I was thinking to myself, “You’ve gotta be kidding me! Working the day after my 21st birthday is so dumb. I just want to sleep all day.” However, sleeping in bed wasn’t an option. I didn’t want to let myself down.
13. NEVER “dip the pen in the ink.” We have all heard this term. But, for those of you who haven’t, it simply means “Keep things with your co-workers business-related.” Do not act on your desires and have a personal fling with a co-worker. This can become extremely awkward and uncomfortable for you if things do not work out. Keep in mind that the intern will be the one who will get let go, not the employee who has been working with the company for several years. There are plenty of other fish in the sea. Just do not make that mistake and date your boss or colleagues.
Working at WPTV was one of the best experiences of my life! I met so many talented people in the industry and really was able to hone my skills further. The most memorable project I was asked to collaborate on was something the creative department was working on. The director asked if I would come up with a jingle that would be featured on Katie Couric’s new show! My jaw fell to the floor as I started at the director like a deer in the headlights. “You want me to come up with a jingle for Katie Couric’s show?” I said. Ever since high school, Katie Couric had been someone I wanted to be just like. I jumped at the opportunity, saying, “I’ll stay until as long as you need!” The lyrics I came up with went to the popular song,“Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen.
Previously published on SocialInspiredLeader.
Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash
