Preparing for your Internship or Full-time Job

Picture this: you’ve received your dream internship or full-time offer! You’ve worked hard to get to this point, doing all the networking, answering all the interview questions, and writing cover letters. We hear all the time about job and internship search, but what happens once we finally land it? Below is a compilation of suggestions of how to make the most out of your new internship or full-time role! 

• Make a spreadsheet/list of all the people you connect with so you can keep in touch

  • Include their full name, email, job title, and maybe one thing that’s unique to them so you remember who they are

  • You never know when it might be helpful to reconnect with them in the future

  • Send them a message periodically to keep the connection; this could range from once a month to once every six months

  • Will help them remember you in the future if any opportunities come up!

• Make the most of your one-on-ones with your Supervisor

  • Come prepared by writing down what you’ve been working on that week and what questions came up

• Record all the things you accomplish during your role

  • Listing every contribution you’ve made can help you to provide evidence when you want a promotion 

  • Also helps with describing what you did in the role for your resume, LinkedIn, etc. 

• Many large companies have free access to LinkedIn learning and other online courses

  • Can get as many certifications as you’d like to beef up your resume 

  • Learn valuable skills to use at the company 

• Have one-on-one coffee chats with each of the members on your team and supervisor

  • Can help you learn more about the company and what their responsibilities are

  • It’s important to meet as many people in the company as you can to help you get a feel for potential opportunities, culture fit, etc. 

  • Ask every person you do a coffee chat with if they know someone who works in an area/role you’re interested in

  • Then ask those people if they know anyone you think would be good to talk to

  • The more people you connect with, the more you can get connected with, the more your network tree will grow!

• Ask other team members or even people not on your team if they need help with anything

  • Helps team members feel supported and spreads the good word about you

  • This could lead to stretch projects that align with your long-term career goals or help you build a new skill

• If your company offers a mentorship program, Employee Resources Groups, or even a softball team, get involved!  

  • A mentor can give you more specific advice and is a designated person to help with any questions you may have over a longer term period

  • This can help with building a community in a new city and making friends as well as general advice on the best way to do things as a new employee

If you want to chat more about making the most of your new role, make an appointment with a Career Peer Advisor to discuss it further.