GETTING YOUR IDEAL INTERNSHIP - Universum

Getting Your Ideal Internship
CHAPTER 1
Internships:
The Big Picture
CHAPTER 2
The Search
CHAPTER 3
Getting Hired
CHAPTER 4
Navigating
Your Internship
CHAPTER 5
real intern
profiles
CHAPTER 5
For Your
Reference
Master the Territory
Delve as deep as time allows into the company and the
industry. Look for relevant information in the news and
in trade magazines.
INSIDEr SCOOP
“The three most important attributes in getting or
keeping a job are attitude, attitude, attitude.”
Ask Questions
You might have a 3.9 GPA, but you still don’t know
it all—and, guess what? You aren’t expected to. Most
managers would rather answer your questions when
you get the assignment than have to fill in the gaps after
you turn it in. If you don’t understand how to go about
an assignment, ask your supervisor for clarification.
Find out what resources are available to you. But use
your discretion; figure out the right people to question
and the right time for doing it. Don’t corner a senior
vice president at a cocktail party and start asking about
the specifics of workflow.
Don’t Be Afraid to Socialize
Sure, you’ll run into annoying brownnosers who spend
more time schmoozing the higher-ups than working.
Even more galling, the tactic can sometimes work. The
lesson? Although getting the job done is of paramount
importance, don’t underestimate the importance of
building important social connections.
Speak Up
It’s fairly safe to assume the employer knows about
your hope for a full-time job offer. But don’t take it for
granted. If you’ve decided you want to come back after
graduation, let everyone know—your boss, your colleagues,
and the support staffers who often have the ear
of the big guns.
Interning Kryptonite
Because interns are usually new to the corporate world,
they’re sometimes prone to make mistakes a seasoned
professional would avoid. Some bad moves can
destroy your chances faster than kryptonite can disable
Superman. Here’s a list of 11 ways to obliterate your job
prospects with a single blunder:
Interning Under the Influence
You have a right to a social life. As long as you’re of
drinking age, you’re free to head to a bar with your
coworkers for some happy hour cheer. But wherever
alcohol and work mix, proceed with caution. Know
your drinking limits and stay well within them. Loud,
lewd behavior will nix your chances at the company.
Loose Lips
Your more experienced colleagues may like to dish the
dirt. But it’s best to turn a deaf ear to gossip. You’re new
on the scene and can’t afford to get caught up in the
crossfire of office politics.
Dream-Weaving
As bad as it is to get caught nodding off in class, it’s
even worse on the job. Doodling or daydreaming during
meetings will attract negative attention right off the
bat. If you have to be brought back to reality during
meetings, there’s no way you’ll be brought back.
False Friends
It might sound
harsh, it might sound
Machiavellian, but
the astute intern
never befriends the
first people to seek
him out. There’s a
high probability
they’re in need of
instant allies.
Stay cordial and
professional, but
not chummy. If you
find yourself the
lunch pal of a guy
who is known for
badmouthing the
brass, you become
guilty by association.
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