8.18.2015

     In order to make the most of your internship, you must be responsible, discuss details, observe the environment, clarify job expectations, and many more. Always arrive early and be professional. This means respecting a dress code and following any rules your workplace may have. Always discuss details of whats expected, a new project, or any other topics where questions may arise. All supervisors and mentors manage differently so be observant and get a feel for whats expected so you can fit in and feel comfortable. It is important to always know job expectations, but it is just as important for the mentor to know your goals. Talk about this so you can maximize your internship experience.
     Always show enthusiasm in a workplace, you never know when you will need a professional reference and you want to do everything you can to impress your mentor. This is also why you should always do your best work, never slack off. Do every task without complaining and act like you are glad to do the what may be a repetitive task.  Immerse yourself in every project or assignment. This is your chance to learn as much as you can about a specific industry to see if you are truly interested. Take initiate on projects and assignments, it will impress a mentor that much more. This is also your chance to network with business professionals. Always introduce yourself and learn about everyone's experiences and what they did to get where they are. An internship would also be a good way to build your career portfolio, always keep an extra copy of every assignment or project to show to possible future employers.
     This article was very helpful especially the "Seven Strategies to Get the Most from Your Experience." It got the point across that everything I do can either help me or hurt me further in life. It is up to me what I do in a workplace and these seven strategies will definitely get me far if I choose to follow them. It also emphasized that even right before I finish my internship, I still need to give it my all. This will leave a good lasting impression on my mentor and provide me with positive professional references in the future when I'm looking for work in my field.