So many questions raced through my mind before I began my internship at Who What Wear. What should I wear? Should I go in with curly or straight hair? But now that the semester is just about finished, it's clear to me how minimal those questions were compared to everything I learned and accomplished.
That's right. Interning at WWW offered me countless experiences that prepared me for the real world. While I may have walked into the office on my first day a bit nervous and shy, I am confident that I'm leaving with a brand new set of skills under my belt.
Below, I'm sharing with you the five essential tips I'm taking with me as I enter the working world.
Keep scrolling to read more—and go a bit further to shop intern-ready clothing if you, too, are starting an internship in the spring.
Getting told something once, remembering names, and producing high-quality work are just a few of the many ways attention to detail is important. Reading and rereading an email you received is the most beneficial thing you can do during your internship. When getting introduced to new co-workers around the office, it is imperative that you try to remember their names. When you see this individual around the office again, being able to say their name will show them that you listen and may even impress them a bit. And most importantly, providing superb quality of work is non-negotiable. You were hired to help the team, not bring them down by only giving half of your potential. I will be bringing everything I have learned about attention to detail into the real world with me.
Going on coffee runs, printing hundreds of copies, organizing back closets, and dropping off packages are often passed off as menial tasks. However, in order to become an expert in your field, knowing the ins and outs of every aspect of your business is essential. Starting at the bottom provides the knowledge needed to make it to the top. Every task is a building block to success.
If you don't ask, you'll never know. While asking for help in the beginning seems like a scary and daunting task, it is something that has to be done. If you don't ask when you need help, you restrict yourself from learning and growing in your position. It is also important to remember that your supervisor is there to help you learn, so don't feel as if you are inconveniencing them when asking for assistance. You should also not be afraid to ask for feedback. It's good to find out how you're doing midway through your internship to see what you are performing well at and what you could improve on before you head out into the real world.
When you do ask for feedback, learning how to take constructive criticism will be one of your most valuable experiences during internships. Remember not to take this criticism personally, because your mentors are only trying to benefit you. There is always room for growth and improvement, which is the purpose behind constructive criticism.
Whether this means grabbing coffee with your supervisor, staying after work for a focus group, or reaching out about an assignment you'd like to work on, seeking out new opportunities is extremely important. Showing initiative and being able to network is huge and something I will definitely be bringing with me into the real world.
What's your advice for succeeding as an intern? Let us know in the comments below!