The internship could be considered one of the most important parts of your post-secondary education. It’s an opportunity to get first hand, real life experience and gain insight into a potential career path. Some will just find whatever summer position they can, while others take careful consideration into choosing the field and company they want to intern with. But if you’re looking to make the most out of your summer internship, here are important things that every intern should keep in mind.

1. Learn Something New and Valuable
While making some extra money and keeping busy during the summer is great, why not find an internship you can actually learn from? Try thinking of careers you’d like to explore or skills you’d like to acquire and find companies that offer internships that would suit you. Once you’ve found the right opportunity, make sure to let your supervisor know you’re eager and ready to learn and make the most out of your summer — not just getting coffee orders.

2. Grow Your Network
Your professional network begins growing the minute you have your first internship interview. This is why it’s extremely important to make the most out of every interaction with a potential employer. Because you never know who could potentially become a future mentor to help shape your career. You’ll quickly learn that a big key to professional development is having a good set of mentors or advisors that you can seek out advice and knowledge from. If you haven’t already, this is a great time to open a LinkedIn account and get your professional online presence going. Not sure where to start? Check out our article on tips to growing your LinkedIn profile here.

3. Speak Up
Being intimidated as an intern is common, but you this should never get in the way for speaking up and sharing your opinions. Just because you’re an intern, doesn’t mean your thoughts, ideas or questions are invalid. Speaking up will also help you score some brownie points with your employers, as they will appreciate you making the effort.

4. Find Even More ways to Help Out
Once you’ve completed all your tasks and projects it doesn’t mean it’s time to scroll through Instagram. Use this as your chance to ask your supervisor for more tasks so you can gain as much experience as possible.

5. The 8-Week Interview
As much as your internship is a short-term contract, look at it as a long-term interview for future opportunities. Most interns who prove to deliver great results, interact well with the team and contribute to the overall company can find themselves with either a part or full-time position, or even a guarantee for an internship the following summer. But don’t get down on yourself if after your 8-weeks you’re sent on your way, companies don’t always hire interns for a variety of reasons.

Remember, if you’re going to dedicate your summer to a company, try and make the most of it regardless of the position. At the end of it all, the experiences you’ve gained will be a great addition to your resume especially if you haven’t had any job experience previously.

Have you had a successful internship in the past? What tips have helped you succeed? Let us know in the comments below!

Inspiration Image from Vogue

By: M.J. Elle, Toronto, @TheMJElle

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