Summer of Awesomeness

Getting ready, set, and GO for summer internships! Here's some tips for interns to help you make the most of the opportunities & challenges you're about to face: 

Ready?

• be clear about your goals and what you want to learn for the summer
• have an open mind
• you're there to contribute, it's GREAT to share your ideas
• you're there to deliver, understand what their goals are for the summer, too

Set?

• first impressions are SUPER important
• pro-actively connect with colleagues
• be ready to learn
• stay positive

GO!

• take notes, you'll have a lot to absorb at the start of your internship
• ask questions, it's ok not to know!
• practice problem-solving
• look for opportunities to learn and gain experience

Some resources to help you through the start of your internship:

Decoding jargon/buzzwords: an amusing take from the Muse blog here, but seriously, if your hearing words or strings of letters that don't make sense - ASK FOR CLARIFICATION! It's ok not to know, and best to ask the first time you're confused. Pick your moment - possibly not during an all-team meeting, perhaps you can check with your mentor/colleague afterwards. Ahhhh, other humans.... the world would be so much simpler without them. New jobs mean meeting new people. This can be stressful or exciting, or both! You'll have some key relationships during your internship: especially with your mentor/manager. Julia Evans is a great source of tips for anyone new to a job, or working with a new manager. She generously tweets some of her zine content, so here's some gems:

• Some things to talk about in 1:1's with your manager here
• Why you should talk about problems early here
• How to build a bigger support system than just your manager here

 Making a great first impression could be as simple as getting a good night's sleep and having a smooth commute so you arrive in the right headspace.Here's a post with some more tips summarised here:

• do some research
• be on time & dressed appropriately
• ask lots of (good) questions
• connect with co-workers (lunch time can be good for this!)
• take notes
• keep it positive
• check in

Wishing you all the best for a FANTASTIC summer internship! Set yourself up for success, and don't forget to ask for help when you need it!