An Intern’s Survival Guide

All around, you’ve probably noticed employers are looking for interns! Maybe you’re on the fence thinking about it, wondering if it’s worth it. Nevertheless, I would encourage you to try to find one! It’s a great way to gain experience, make connections, and learn skills. While the experience is worthwhile, the process of finding an internship, interviewing, and eventually starting a program, can be intimidating. I know this because I’ve been there! Here are some tips I’ve learned along the way that could help you navigate your internship journey.

Apply Apply Apply 

It may be tempting to think that the right opportunity will walk right up to you; and while that would be convenient, that’s not the reality most of the time. The beginning of this journey requires plenty of dedication through research. Luckily with technology, there are a variety of ways employers are promoting their opportunities. My favorite sites to check include Indeed, LinkedIn, and Handshake. When you’re looking at the positions, visit the employer’s website. See if they have a dedicated page for their internship, or if they post about it on their social media. If an employer has a good program, they won’t be shy about promoting it!

While online postings are valuable, there is also another important source… your CONNECTIONS. For me, the internship positions I've pursued I heard about them through friends, family, or acquaintances. Never underestimate the power of your connections.

My next tip is to be flexible. When I first started applying to positions, I was so focused on finding the one. A position that would perfectly match my skills, interests, and desired experience.  Eventually, I would realize that the perfect internship I envisioned didn’t exist. Instead of fantasizing like me, try prioritizing some characteristics that are important to you to keep you grounded. It may surprise you where you eventually end up. 

Entering the Unknown

Once you’ve applied, next comes the wait. This is one of the most stressful parts because your fate is in the hands of the employer. You have no control over their decision, but you do have control over how the decision affects you. My recommendation would be to think of the worst outcome. 

I know this sounds unconventional, as ultimately,  the worst outcome is being rejected. I know rejection is painful, especially if you wanted the position. I remember the first internship I applied to; I was rejected. My email displayed an automated message that relayed the devastating news that my application wasn’t selected. I had a moment where I was upset, but then I ultimately moved on. I realized being rejected wasn’t as bad as I thought. Sure, it doesn’t feel too good, but at least I got an answer, and I’m still ALIVE and AWESOME. Sometimes it just helps to put disappointments into perspective. 

Mastering the Interview

After surviving the application process, next comes the interview. It's really where an employer and applicant get to know each other, but it can feel overwhelming. To make the interview a more enjoyable experience, come prepared.  Research the company to understand who they are. Knowing their mission, values, and goals will help you understand the company culture and how you can be part of it. 

I would also recommend preparing your responses to some common questions. This helps relieve some of the nerves while building your confidence. Why would YOU be a fit for the position? What skills or experiences do you hope to gain?  Those are some examples of questions you should think about; you can also search online for more questions.  Remember, while the employer is interviewing you, you also can interview the employer. Make sure you have a couple of prepared questions to ask. 

After the interview, my next tip would be to thank the interviewer. I think a personal touch is always nice, like sending a note or email. The idea is to express your gratitude for the opportunity, demonstrating your professionalism and interest in the internship. 

Starting Your Internship

Now assuming everything with your interview went well, you may have a job offer. If you accept, you’re an intern, congratulations! Take the time to celebrate; you deserve it! As you begin your countdown until your first day, there are three pieces of advice I would give.

The first is to embrace the bumps. It’s strange transitioning from being a full-time student to an intern. You’ll have to adjust the new schedule and environment. Although, over the weeks, the transition will become more normal. Also, accept the fact that you’re going to make mistakes. At the end of my internships, I would laugh about how different my work was when I started. It’s all part of the learning process. So, don’t feel too bad when something doesn’t turn out, instead embrace it as a teaching moment. 

Second, have fun! I think having fun is often undervalued. Just think, you’re going to be spending a lot of time at your internship, so you may as well make the most of it. If there are other interns with you, take time to befriend them! Seriously, it will make your experience more enjoyable. 

My last piece of advice is to ask questions. Your colleagues can be the most helpful learning source. They have different experiences and perspectives they can share with you. Most of the time, I find they enjoy helping any way they can. If there’s something you’re curious about, just ask; you may be surprised with the answers you receive. 

I must confess my inspiration for this piece was from my internship last summer. I had the honor of participating in Indium Corporation’s summer internship! The experience taught me so much more than I could ever imagine. Especially last year, when the world was coming to grips with the pandemic, Indium Corporation continued its program and offered a safe and welcoming environment. I would highly recommend this program to anyone!