Ace That Internship: How to Gain the Most from Your Internship Part 2

Here is the second part of Ace That Internship: How to Gain the Most from Your Internship! Check out the first part here! This part is all about the people you meet and work with. These tips will hopefully help you make lasting connections and make it a little less awkward.

1. Schedule Lunch/Coffee: Throughout the duration of your internship try and schedule lunch or coffee with almost everyone you work with, your boss's boss and even upper management in the company. Simply send an email or stop by their office and ask if they would be willing to sit down with you to discuss their career journey.

2.Follow Up: After that coffee or lunch, make sure to follow up with a thank you card for their time. Make sure to stop by periodically to check in with the, and don't be afraid to ask follow up questions if they seem to be open to it. You'll have to read their body langauge, and even ask point blank if you would be able to follow up with them. Time is precious, but many professionals are open to mentoring!

3. Connect on LinkedIn: Send a personalized message to your co-workers and supervisor, as well as anyone that you had lunch or coffee with. Connec with other interns as well! In your message include who you are, and something personal you may have connected about. They're a lot more likely to connect with you that way!

4.Remember Details: Do they have a kid? What about their favorite sports team? Make an effort to remember one thing about every person you have a conversation with. It's one of the easiest ways to get to know people and build relationships!

6.Keep a Contact List: Depending on who you have contact with during your internship, keep a list of people you've met. This can be done in an Excel spreadsheet. It's a lot easier than you think! A little googling or using the business card they gave you should give you the information you need.



Remember not to force relationships, sometimes you might not just click! But don't be afraid to reach out to people, always be polite, and work your hardest!

What do you do to make the most of your relationships? What do you do to go above and beyond at your internship?


xoxo

Here are the links to my other Ace That Internship Posts!
Ace That Internship Part 1: Find the Right Internship for You
Ace That Internship Part 2: What to Wear 
Ace That Internship Part 3: Interviews 
Act That Internship Part 4: The Follow-Up 
Ace That Internship Part 5: During Your Internship 
Ace That Internship Part 6: How to Gain the Most From Your Internship Part 1

The Case for Diverse Internships

College is about having diverse experiences, and experimenting. This is true in all parts of college life, including which type of internships that you apply for. As you start to apply for internships, look at the description, the place, and the type of company.

Where? 
Are you from a small town and looking for big city job? Try both. Take a summer internship in a smaller town, or a semester internship in a town near to your university. Then take an internship in a bigger city and compare. The great thing about college is that your decision isn't permanent, and moving costs are low.

What? 
While entering an agency after graduation is a great choice, consider working in a non-profit or for a company. If you like sports look to working for a sports team. Don't just automatically look to a public relations agency either. Look at ad agencies that have client services departments or teams, they often have similar opportunities.

Which? 
Don't just look at public relations internships. Look at media planning in ad agencies, or marketing internships. They aren't pure public relations, but they have similar tasks and will diversify your resume, setting you apart from others.


In college you have at least 6 semesters, and two summers of possible internships. Use them to build your resume and help narrow down what you might want to do after graduation. You will also have a diversified portfolio and skill set that can be applicable to more jobs then one.

Don't despair if you don't receive an offer for the coveted agency internship. Think if it as a way to expand your capabilities and become a more well rounded public relations professional when you enter the real world.


What types of experiences have you had that set you apart from your peers? What do you do to expand your portfolio and skill set?