Quick Tips for Your Internship

11/21/2019 - By Stacie Everhart

Internships are valuable experiences that every up and coming professional should take advantage of during the recruiting process. While obtaining my degree, I took part in two different internships; both of which gave me valuable learning experiences for my career. One thing I learned is that while technical skills are important in an internship, soft skills are just as important and can give you an advantage over the competition. Below are a few tips that helped me stand out from the rest:

KEEP A SUNNY DISPOSITION

Learning a new job takes time and patience. Unfortunately, as an intern, no matter how much training you undergo, it can be still overwhelming. Part of winning the battle is maintaining a positive attitude, even during stressful times. Your teammates will be drawn to your attitude and will be more open to helping you succeed.

GET INVOLVED

As an intern, your employer will encourage you to get involved with the firm, but it can be daunting. Ask your staff or seniors out to lunch to discuss the project you are working on. Invite a shareholder or manager out for coffee to learn about the path that led them to where they are today. Many companies have opportunities to volunteer on service projects, join committees, or attend socials. These are great ways to step out of your comfort zone and allow you to get to know your teammates and understand the culture of the firm.

RAISE YOUR HAND

Internships will teach you as much as you want to learn. Offering to take on extra work or making yourself available are little things that will get you noticed. Becoming known as the “go-to” person for a certain task is one way to ensure that you are adding value to the team. This could be anything from setting the weekly meeting, taking group pictures or conducting research. Learning how to recognize tasks that you can absorb without being told will help you stand out.

I encourage every intern to put a variation of these tips into practice! Making the most of your internship will not only help you get recognized, but it will give you insights into the firm so you can make an informed decision about your career path.

About the Author | Stacie Everhart
Stacie is a staff auditor in the Audit & Assurance Services Department of Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund. Her areas of expertise include providing audit and assurance services for a variety of clients. Before joining Saltmarsh, Stacie worked in accounting for local firms in the Tampa, Florida area.