The Do’s & Don’ts For Success In Your Internship Jobs

Posted on October 1, 2013 at 2:57 pm

By Tabitha Makumi,
I know a couple of people who got their first jobs in the company/organization that they were interning for. Heck, isn’t that how most of us get their first jobs?
Maybe not…if you are ‘just’ interning because your learning institution requires you to attend an internship for a period of six months or three as it is the norm with most universities and colleges in Kenya then you will ‘just’ go along and the internship will end and then what?
Striving to be your best at your internship should be a way of life for every graduate who hope to gain experience or a job.
When you are preparing to start your internship consider the follow advice to be successful.
The Do’s (Before Starting Your Internship
a)Research the company or organization you will be working for in order to be prepared for what your environment and responsibilities entail.
b)Complete any required paperwork from your employer’s Human Resources department and ask what documents you need to bring on your first day.
c) Communicate with your supervisor about expectations for your first day (i.e. dress code, arrival time, parking, directions and security information)
The Do’s (During The Internship)
a)Be responsible!
b)Arrive to work on time, exhibit a strong work ethic and use your time efficiently.
c)Limit the amount of time you spend socializing with other co-workers, other interns or online.
d)Display Energy & Enthusiasm- Have the Right Attitude!
e)Do the best job you can on every project no matter how small, as quality counts.
f)Be Professional
g)Dress appropriately for work.
h)Contribute: Your suggestions and ideas are important to your employer.
i)Take Initiative!
j)Consider Innovation
k)If you have a particular activity or experience you want to try, don’t hesitate to ask if you can pursue it.
l)Don’t be Afraid to Ask Questions. While the employer expects to get a certain level of work from you, you are not expected to know everything.
m)Never underestimate an opportunity to learn more.
The Don’ts
a)DON’T dress like an intern…
Tht’s just the way world is…we are judged by how we dress! It really does matter and the way you dress plays into the way you are perceived in the workplace.
You are not in your college anymore where you can sag your trousers and have no one bat an eyelid. Make sure your shirts are ironed and you are always appropriately dressed for the professional atmosphere.
b) DON’T go on social media too long
Sure you are an intern and you may not have a lot to do but try to stay off of social media sites at work unless it is part of your job requirement.
If you’re bored enough to be scrolling through Facebook or Twitter, you clearly don’t have enough to do and people will notice that.
Soak up as much as you can from your internship by looking for more assignments and projects if you are free.
c)Don’t be afraid to make mistakes
Remember It’s OK to make mistakes. Always strive to do your best, but remember that internships are designed to offer a learning experience and even a job at the end You’re not going to know everything, and you’re going to botch things a time or two. That’s expected, and a good manager will recognize this, expect this and be patient. Ask questions and for assistance when you’re struggling, and ask for feedback for how to prevent making the same mistake twice.