By Darren Gilbert
This is why you need to know what you’re getting yourself into before you decide to accept an internship. With that in mind, here are three quick tips for you to keep in mind.
Get involvedNo matter what you experience is with PR, as Manz writes above, an internship is all about learning as much as you can. That means that you need to treat every opportunity like gold.
“Don’t have any work to do? Seek people out instead of waiting for a project to be dropped on your desk,” writes
writes Erin Hartwig, an intern at The Hoffman Agency on
PR Daily. It’s not about looking busy but actually being busy. “I would rather be involved with multiple projects and multiple deadlines than be sitting at my desk attempting to look busy,” adds Hartwig.
James Mignano, an intern at Carestream Health at the time of writing his
piece for
PR Daily, agrees: Good interns listen to their supervisors and help with whatever tasks they can. Great interns go above and beyond that.” Aim to be that great intern.
Ask questionsThere are no silly questions. While this may be a cliché, it’s one that always needs to be kept in mind and especially when referring to an internship. “Through the three internships I have had, I have found that asking questions is the biggest key to learning,” writes Manz. “An internship experience is supposed to benefit you and your employer (which means they really do want to help you).”
It’s a point with which Hartwig agrees: “Asking questions shows that you are involved in the process and are eager to learn. No one wants a sponge who just sits there absorbing everything.” This also shows that you are willing to help out, which can go a long way in helping you to open more doors and possibly a permanent position.
At the same time, one can never ask enough questions. As Hartwig further points out – and this is something I believe in too – by questioning your work, you are showing that are not just accepting what is to be done but also critically thinking about it.
Get dirtyWhile this point is similar to the point above about getting involved, there is also a different. ‘Get dirty’ by doing all the tedious work that no one is interested in. As Hartwig points out, while such projects may prove to be hard word, you will be rewarded. “By showing that you can put in the hours and deliver a high-quality product, you will surely receive something more enjoyable and challenging to tackle.”
At the same time, help where you can. Mignano advises that you attend as many meetings possible. Not only will this help you to begin to understand the business but it also shows initiative on your part. And who knows, it might be the different between asking you to stay on or leave once your internship is done.
