Tips for the first day on an internship?
Asked by
StephK (
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January 14th, 2009
I’ll soon be starting an internship with a local, arts-based not-for profit. I’ll be working on a volunteer program implemented for a couple of their performances. Anyone have any general tips for my first day/week?
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12 Answers
Don’t try to stand out too much. You’re new and everyone knows it, so they don’t want the newbie doing anything but newbie work. Keep to yourself and watch everyone first (speak when spoken to, that kind of thing), until they get used to you. You don’t want to get on anyone’s bad side the first week.
Listen much more than you talk.
Grisson and queenz gave great advice. Be eager to help but not obnoxious. Watch and learn and you’ll fit in quickly. Remember, you’re there to help and they’re probably happy for the help. Have fun and good luck!
Remember first impressions stick. Be very careful with your humor and wit at first.
If there are any, get to know the receptionists and secretaries. They know damn near everything.
Wear comfortable shoes, and try to remember the names of people you meet.
Be creative, give ideas :) enjoy and learn
Just don’t play world of warcraft at work
@Grisson The trick is to show all your new co workers fluther.com and then they will all be hooked on it too. So it will be great.
Be yourself, don’t be shy, and remember people are grateful for your help. The faster they get to know you, the better experience you’ll have.
Keep a notepad & pen handy so you can write down names & titles of people (with a physical description, if you’re horrible at names like I am) as well as notes about where things are kept, processes to follow, tasks assigned, promises made, etc. The other tips above are all good: be friendly, wear a smile, do your best even on the trivial tasks, chip in wherever you can, ask how else you can help, ask if you can learn about [something you’re interested in but haven’t been told to do], at the end of the week, ask for feedback on how you’re doing & how else you can help. Non-profits love motivated, energetic people who are really trying to make a difference. This could be an important job reference for you, so keep that in mind (especially when you get asked to do something that seems very minor…the attitude is more important than the responsibility at this point).
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