With summer on the horizon, do you have an internship lined up? Whether you’re graduating or finishing up another year of school, here are three tips that’ll help you make the most out of the internship, no matter what the industry (although our take is bound to be from an Technology PR agency‘s perspective, of course.)
1. Get Involved
Internships are a great way to learn about a particular industry and the corporate world in general. One of my favorite ways to learn is to get involved. Ask to attend company meetings and brainstorms, which will give you an inside look at the company’s environment.
Also, get involved in social activities, which will help you get to know your teammates on a more personal level. At March, our interns are an integral part of the team and are incorporated into the agency structure from day one. Interns are present in client meetings, calls and agency-wide brainstorms.
2. Ask Questions
If you’re given a task that you don’t fully understand, ask for clarification! Companies hire interns so they can learn the ins and outs of the industry and decide if this is a career path they’d like to pursue. By asking questions, you’ll obtain a better understanding of your roles and responsibilities.
3. Connect
As your internship winds down, connect with your colleagues on LinkedIn and Twitter so you can stay in touch. This is a great way to stay informed of job openings at the company. Another great way to stay connected and engaged is to follow the company blog and comment when you can. This’ll show that you’re not only interested in the company, but also keeping an eye on the latest industry trends.
If you’ve graduated and are looking for a full-time job, don’t get frustrated if you aren’t immediately hired. Work your hardest, learn a lot and your summer internship is bound to be an invaluable experience.
This post was first published by Liz Swenton on March Communications’ blog PR Nonsense.