Dear Student Intern, 

You have landed an internship for the summer, which is undoubtedly a difficult process. You should be so proud of yourself. Now, as you head into the summer, you must start to think about how you will show up for this experience and what you want to take away from it. Review these 6 useful tips to see just how fun it can be to maximize your internship experience and finish with a new perspective!  

❓Know your WHY

• Why did you seek this internship? Are there specific skills and competencies you’d like to gain? How does the company’s mission and values fit into your personal brand?  
• Be sure to discuss these goals with your internship supervisor so you can manage expectations throughout the summer. 

📋 Get involved outside the job

• Don’t just wait for something to be assigned to you; Seek out opportunities to work on a specific project or collaborate on a team that allows you to tailor the experience to your goals. Working alongside others will also give you the space to learn from professionals and hear their first-hand industry experiences. Leverage any opportunity to network with colleagues and other interns. 

👩‍💻 Find a supportive mentor 

• Having a mentor within the organization will make the experience so much richer as you can discuss growth opportunities and goal development. 
• It does not have to be your direct supervisor, although, in many cases, it will be.  

📈 Track your success

• Be sure to note any specific projects you worked on and skills/certifications you gained. 
• Quantify your contributions (e.g., increased efficiency by X%, completed X projects). This will be incredibly important as you update your resume to reflect your internship experience. 

🔗 Share with your network

• Stay connected with your colleagues from the organization via LinkedIn and email.  
• Showcase your internship experience on platforms like LinkedIn and Nova Network, highlighting the most meaningful aspects of the experience and newly acquired skills. 

🤝 Pay it forward

• Offer to meet with students who are considering an internship for next summer and provide your unique insights from your experience. 
• You have the incredible opportunity to serve as a mentor for someone! Take advantage of that and be willing to engage. 

If you would like additional support with making your internship experience a meaningful one, come and see us in OUS! We are here for you and we are excited to cheer you on!