Here we are, your CV stood out, you followed our interviewing tips and you got the internship you wanted. Congrats!
Now you must prove you are the best intern to get a full-time position in the company.
Here are things NOT to do during your internship.
Arriving after and leaving before your manager
If your arrival time in the office is 9am, it is absolutely necessary to never arrive at 9.10am. So don’t even think to come at 9.30am. Punctuality is a sign of seriousness and professionalism. If your manager is an early bird and arrives by 8.50am, you should be there by 8.45am. Always think about anything that could make you run late, and avoid it to always be on time. If one day, you couldn’t avoid being late, then take some time out of your lunch break to make it up.
Don’t look at the clock and be the first one to leave at 6pm. Finish up first your tasks of the day even if it means staying until 8pm. Remember leaving before your manager is a big no. Seniors and Managers stay longer to look after data or prepare a meeting for the next day. In any case, remember, don’t leave before your manager ever. Start off your tasks for the day after or help someone instead of just going back home. If your manager is nice, they will tell you to go home, but before they do that, always ask if they need help with something.
2) Thinking you know it all
You are an intern, your main job is to listen and learn everything possible. You must learn everything from everyone, hence why being quiet and listening will help you. During the first meetings, listen first to understand the business before making any comment. Don’t appear presumptuous and think you are above your colleagues. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t express your opinion though but, when you do don’t do it as if you were a know-it-all that don’t want to listen to others’ point of view.
3) Not taking notes
Not taking notes is a mistake to avoid absolutely. Even when you think something is not that important, remember that in one month you won’t remind it. Forgetting and being reminded simple things during a meeting won’t be in your favour. That is why you should buy a notebook and put it into use from day one to your last day.
4) Lacking organisation
Not being a manager doesn’t mean you should lack organisation. Organise yourself to keep yourself concentrated while completing all your tasks.
5) Not leaving your smartphone alone
Don’t use your phone when at your desk. No one wants to see workers doing nothing but scrolling and liking pictures on Instagram. If you finish one task, ask if there is nothing else to do. You can scroll Instagram during your lunch break or on your way back home.
6) Don’t always wait for people to tell what to do
Don’t wait on people to tell you what to do. Be proactive and always be the one to ask to support and help even if it is not a project you are working on. After one month, the mechanism and process won’t be a secret for you hence why the earlier you’ll help, the earlier you’ll be familiar with them and you won’t need to ask your manager. You shouldn’t always be asking for people to do something, instead take the initiative.
