Making the Most of the Internship
Starting Out
It is always important to make a good first impression, so plan carefully how you will relate to and interact with your worksite mentor and coworkers.
Dress: On the first day, dress neatly, simply, and appropriate for your job. If you have questions about your dress, consult with your worksite mentor.
Promptness: Arrive at the work site on time. Being late creates a poor impression.
Attitude: Your attitude is one of your greatest assets. After your appearance, it is the next factor noticed. A positive attitude will benefit you as well as your coworkers. Asking appropriate questions shows that you are interested.
Agency Rules: Find out about, follow, and respect the rules and regulations of the organization.
Dependability: Whether you work alone or as part of a team, other responsibilities will come your way if your mentor can depend on you.
You Do NOT Get a Second Chance to Make a First Impression
Orientation
Your business sponsor will have prepared the organization for your arrival and have an orientation program for you. The orientation might include reading office literature, meeting your coworkers, planning your internship activities, and moving into your workspace.
Remember that you are now an active learner, responsible for yourself. Talk to your business sponsor about your needs so that you receive the information listed in the preceding paragraph as well as any other resources you feel are necessary. Generally, internship mentors not only appreciate your asking or reminding them to do things, but they expect it.
Keys to Success
As you begin your internship, answer the following questions with a yes or no.
- Are you a calculated risk-taker? Your business sponsor may ask you to undertake new projects or move into totally unfamiliar situations. Are you willing to try things without full assurance that you will succeed?
- Are you flexible? Can you shift gears easily in the middle of a project or situation? Your schedule will be very different from school. Can you adjust to last minute changes without difficulty?
- Are you willing to persevere when things go wrong? Understandably, adjusting to a new environment takes time on the part of both intern and sponsor. However, the internship is supposed to be a learning experience, so failure can only occur if you give up trying.
- Are you sensitive in dealing with people? One of the keys to success is the ability to work well with people. Another element of sensitivity is friendliness. Are you genuinely interested in other people?
- Are you prompt and regular in attendance? If you have to be late or cannot work because you are sick, you need to call your business sponsor to let him/her know.
- Are you discreet? Can you keep information confidential? Your sponsor will be willing to include you in meetings and conferences, but only if assured that you will not divulge the proceedings to anyone. This includes staff members, as well as fellow interns, friends, family, and sometimes even your certified staff sponsor.
- Are you an initiator? Being an intern will require you to be a self-starter, ready to offer suggestions and accept responsibilities. Interns should not wait passively for assignments. Instead, sponsors appreciate volunteers, particularly those who have ideas about specific contributions they might make.
- Do you have a mature attitude? Being an intern will require a high level of seriousness, stability, and calm, rational behavior.
- Do you understand the purpose of the internship program? You will find yourself having to explain the program numerous times. Look over the objectives of the program listed in this handbook so you can tell others. Even persons who have read or heard about the program will have questions, which are your opportunities to become a goodwill ambassador for the program.
- Are you ready to take notes? Having paper and pen handy will help you in keeping your journal or later in making a presentation about your internship.
Wake County Public School System programs are staffed and offered without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, political affiliation, or disability.