BEST. INTERN. EVER.

Best.Intern.Ever.

In Part 1 of this series, we talked about the importance of demonstrating a positive attitude, not being afraid to ask questions, and listening carefully and taking notes.  Last week, I added a few more tips about how to be a successful intern: Work Hard, Take Initiative, and Network, network…and then network some more!

Here are my final thoughts on what you can do to be remembered as the BEST. INTERN. EVER.

Find a Great Mentor

Finding a mentor can not only help you during your internship, but can also help you position yourself for long-term career success.  So many experienced professionals enjoy sharing their knowledge and insights with younger professionals!  A good mentor wants to help you succeed and can guide you through challenges that you may encounter during the early stages of your career.  So how do you select the right mentor?  This is a very personal decision, but here are some things to consider: Select a mentor that you feel comfortable communicating with, someone who shares similar values with you and is trustworthy.  Find someone who is well-respected in the company and who is well-connected generally.  Look for a mentor who actually has the time and energy to devote to the mentoring relationship.  A truly effective mentoring relationship requires commitment from both the mentor and the mentee.

Enjoy the Experience and End on a High Note      

Yes, through your internship, you want to gain experience and new skills and build your resume.  But don’t forget to take a step back and enjoy the experience.  Engage with your co-workers – you never know when you may cross paths with them again.  Participate in social events coordinated by the firm (but don’t overdo the “fun”, if you know what I mean…).  And finally, end your internship on a high note. Work hard and deliver quality results until the very last day.  Say goodbye to your colleagues, be sure to thank those who were particularly helpful to you, and stay connected via LinkedIn.

Maybe your internship turns into a full-time opportunity, or maybe you secure a recommendation that helps you land another full-time position, but either way, follow these tips and you will be on the path to internship success!

Have you had a successful internship? Or is there anything you wish you had done differently during a particular internship experience?  If so, I want to hear from you…Share your tips and insights with fellow Falcons!

By MaryEllen Ryan
MaryEllen Ryan Senior Associate Director, Undergraduate Career Development, Pulsifer Career Development Center