Get That Internship Tutorial: Internship Success Keys 7-9

Get That Internship -- and Excel in it! Tutorial

Keys to Internship Success: 12 Interning Tips

7. Don't be Afraid to Ask Questions.

Always remember that an internship is a learning experience for you. While the employer expects to get a certain level of work from you, you are not expected to know everything. Seek advice and raise questions whenever you encounter something that is not familiar to you. Be open-minded about new ideas and procedures -- remember that you don't know everything and that your professors didn't teach you everything. Hint: Smart people know that there really is no such thing as a dumb question, so ask before doing.

8. Take Initiative.

Employers love employees who dive into tackling tough problems and who think "outside the box" in finding solutions. Just make sure you work with your supervisor(s) so you don't overstep your authority -- and make sure you share successes with her. Hint: There is a fine line between taking initiative and being perceived as a "know-it-all," and for interns especially, it is best to err on the side of caution.

9. Find a Mentor.

A mentor is someone at a higher level in the organization that looks out for you and makes sure you are learning what you need to know and accomplishing what you need to do. A mentor can also shield you from office politics and be a good sounding board for you to discuss ideas, ask questions, etc. Hint: Your supervisor could be your mentor, but it could also be another person within the organization. Read more about mentors in our article, The Value of a Mentor: Students and Job-Seekers... Find Yourself a Mentor.

More keys to internship success...

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