Prepare Yourself for Internship Part1

An internship is successful only to the extent, you prepare yourself for it. Internships provide invaluable professional experience and allow you to test the theories and concepts you’ve been introduced to throughout your college career — not to mention they increase your chances of being offered a full-time job later on.

It’s like a transformation from a worm to butterfly in the life stage of the butterfly.

1.  Make a CV of yourself.  The CV should reflect your caliber and interest in the type of topic area you are seeking to do internship. After reading the CV, one should get the impression that you are having some flair for management, interest in learning particular area in a subtle manner.
2. Read academic rules, guidelines on assessment, reporting frequency, format of final report
3. Discuss with parents, knowledgeable friends and relatives for cue regarding location, company and safe travel & accommodation needs for internship purposes
4. Make 10 sentences about yourself, 5 sentences each about your college and place of domicile/origin. This will enable you speak up when you introduce yourself in a conversation, be it an interview or any other occasion.
5. Read what an internship is and have a mental framework of things that you would like to establish by the end of your internship
6. In the first interaction  with your industry guide make sure to collect full details : Name, Designation, mobile number, email ID and which section or dept he/she is handling.

A check list of things the intern should have acquired at the end of the Internship

Professional communications

Working in a professional setting for the first time can be difficult to get used to. But it is the best way to learn how to navigate the working world through real-life, hands-on experience.

One of the most valuable skills you will gain from an internship is the ability to speak with people in a professional setting. Discussions with bosses or coworkers are different from discussions with lecturers or fellow students,

After your internship, you should have a better idea of the appropriate way to behave as a professional. This will help you a lot when you start interviewing for jobs because you will be more confident and will sound more mature and experienced in a business setting.

Networking skill

Don’t underestimate yourself; make sure you make the most of your internship and take advantage of all the opportunities that come with it.

Also, unglue yourself from your desk every once in a while and get to know other interns. Not only will you end up creating great memories and making friends, but you will widen your professional network.

Be proactive, and if you are invited to work functions introduce yourself to people.

This is the only way people will know who you are and what you’re all about and most importantly – remember you.

Try to meet Dept heads, Business leaders in the relevant dept and collect details like Name, Designation, Mobile number, email ID. Express your professional interests and seek references from them on additional information on related topics, job opportunities, how to prepare for better careers in the industry, information on industry qualifications relevant/unique to the industry  etc..Share your professional CV wherever required so that such influential people may help you get an entry to job market.

Taking constructive criticism well

Naturally, no one likes to be criticised and performance evaluations can be quite scary. You will probably make a few mistakes and receive constructive criticism about your work from both your colleagues and your boss.

Always remind yourself that it’s not personal. It is for your own good and growth and it will improve the quality of your work.

Work hard no matter what you’re doing

Always work hard even if your task is small and seems unimportant. It will help you build a good work ethic, and people will notice the effort you put in.

It’s not nice being told what to do all the time, but your superiors (mostly) know better. Following the rules and instructions they give you makes it easier for everyone.

Independence

Often, we think being spoon-fed is the way to learn, but working independently has proved to be very important. Your internship will teach you to make my own decisions and do things on your own.

Being able to work independently with little guidance is very important in the working world.

Making connections

In addition to the people who will be your references in the future, try to leave your internship with new connections: senior employees, clients, fellow interns, etc.

These people can provide guidance, advice and help you in future job searches. Keep them in the loop on where you are in your career, and offer to help them whenever you can.

To do this, you’ll need to make an effort during the course of your internship to build relationships with people around the office.

You’re more important than you think

Even though you are at the bottom of the career ladder, you’re also needed and your basic work is appreciated.

Intern life can be tough, and you only get a short time to make a lasting impression. However, it is a great opportunity to gain experience, make friendships and learn