Internship is Around the Corner

The technical skills I have picked up that will add value to my internship are knowing how to troubleshoot a computer and checking to see if there are any driver errors. I learned a lot about the motherboard, CPU, RAM, and hard drive and how each one has to be compatible with the other in order to have an efficient running computer. We practiced a lot with certain Microsoft software applications such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint which would definitely help during internship. We also learned how to partition a hard drive and install an Operating System on a virtual machine, such as VMWare. Recently, we have spent some hours working on Macs, in which we learned how to change system preferences and learned shortcuts. All of which, will be very helpful and will add value during my time at internship.

There is no doubt that I will be nervous to meet my manager at the company I will intern at. I think I will work well under a nice, laid back manager. A manager that can communicate with me, listen to me and answer all my questions would be a great manager that I will work well under. I would like to get feedback on what I am doing right and what I am doing wrong so that I will know that the manager notices me and wants me to succeed.

Some anxieties that I have about my internship is possibly messing up and not knowing how to fix the problem. I am also anxious about the new experience and what I will learn and the new skills I will acquire. Although I will only be an intern, I am excited to meet the people I will be working with for the next 6 months. I try not to think about what can possibly go wrong and focus on the positive so that I will just have fun learning something new.

I know I am very shy; however, I plan to stand out at my internship by letting my work speak for me, as well as starting small talk with fellow colleagues and my manager. I don’t want to be a “loner” nor have people think I’m weird, so I will definitely step out of my shell a little bit. I will also try to go above and beyond by asking for other tasks and using my downtime effectively and show that I want to be there. To show them that I am dependable, positive, and eager, I will try to take up new tasks every day and ask thoughtful questions. I will be on time every day and show up with a smile on my face and do my work.

Tips =)

1. Network, Network, Network

·         I chose this tip first because I feel that networking is a very important tool. Nowadays, you have to know somebody to really get what you want and you don’t want to burn your bridges because you might need that reference in the future. I plan to meet and build new relationships with people by starting off with small talk and working my way up.
      2. Setting Personal Goals

·         This was my second choice because I feel like you should walk in to a place, already knowing what you want to do or accomplish. If you have goals already set, it would make your work much easier because you would know how you want to approach things. I plan to set realistic goals that I can accomplish one at a time, whether it be day by day or over the course of internship.

      3. Don’t be Afraid to Ask Questions
·         This tip was my third choice because you should not be afraid to ask questions. It is useful to get a better understanding of something than to mess up and still have to ask the question later on. I plan to write down any questions I may come across and ask them to a manager or colleague.
      4. Find a Mentor

·         I chose this tip as my fourth choice because it almost goes hand in hand with Don’t be Afraid to Ask Questions. A mentor is there to look out for you and help you if you need help, so I would take advantage of it. Any questions you may have, you can ask your mentor. When internship comes around, I plan to find somebody and ask them to be my mentor. This would not only break the ice, but it would make me feel more comfortable, knowing that I can turn to at least one person.
      5. Enjoy Yourself

·         This tip was my fifth choice because I feel that you need to enjoy yourself to be able to do your work. If you sit around all day and act like the world is against you, it would not make anything better. I plan to take everything and come with it with an open mind so that I can enjoy myself while working. Time goes by faster that way anyway.
      6. Take Initiative

·         This is my sixth choice because one should be able to take initiative of things, even when they aren’t expected to. It shows that you are dedicated and willing to take on any tasks. I plan to ask for more work to keep myself busy and offer take up new tasks.
      7. Avoid Negativity

·         I chose this as my seventh tip because you definitely don’t want to have any issues with co-workers or manager. Always stay positive and don’t worry about gossip or things that you hear. I plan to build new relationships, but also keep to myself so that I won’t come across a negative issue.
      8. Conquer Tasks With Enthusiasm and a Positive Attitude

·         This is my eighth choice because you should be able to take on any tasks with a positive attitude. Even though you might not be sure of what you’re doing, just make sure you always smile and try and learn new things.
      9. Get as Much Exposure as Possible

·         This tip is my ninth choice because you want everybody to know you by name and face. The more you do, the more you will get noticed. I plan to work hard and communicate with the right people so that I won’t be known as just “the intern.”
      10. Never Shun a Chance to Learn More About the Company’s Industry

·         Although this tip is my tenth choice, it is still very important. You always want to know and learn new things about the company you are working for. This will help you in your work. I plan to ask questions when necessary.
      11. Leave With Tangible Accomplishments

·         This tip is my eleventh choice because when you leave a company, you definitely want to leave with goals that you accomplished. It shows that you worked hard to where you are at. I plan to do hands-on things and learn as much as I can so that I can leave as a resource for other colleagues.
      12. Have Regular Meetings With Supervisor
·         This is my twelfth choice, but also very important. We talk a lot about feedback during L&D and I think meetings with your supervisor will be helpful. It is always good to know what you are doing right and what you are doing wrong. I plan to ask questions and not be afraid to ask for feedback.