How to Be a Successful Intern (Most Include Stuff You Already Know!)
Baruch has prepared you for the day you land an internship to a full-time career. Take what you have learned in your coursework, group projects, and class assignments and apply them to your work life.
Identify Your SMART Goals:
- Specific– Make sure your goal is clearly defined and straightforward as possible.
- Measurable– Your goal should be able to be measured to see if you have progressed or not.
- Achievable– It should also be realistic, not something that you are not capable of achieving.
- Relevant– Your goal should be relevant to your career plans and future.
- Time-bound– Set a deadline for a clear window on when to achieve the goal.
For example, “I will be a successful intern at Anix by completing my work on time, asking questions, taking opportunities, and gaining certifications by the end of the spring term.”
Be Proactive- Take initiative with your internship role. Don’t always wait to be assigned a task, take that time to do extra research or bring up new ideas to your supervisor!
Network- Create lasting relationships with the people at the company. Those people may help you further your career in the future!
Be Reliable– Always meet deadlines, do the tasks right, and maintain solid communication with your coworkers and overhead. You want to make it known that you are capable of doing this role as you may be asked to stay in the company after the internship period ends.
Be Open to Feedback/Criticism: Use your internship role as a learning opportunity, to see what it’s like working in the corporate world. Ask your supervisor what you can improve on and what you are doing right. Listen to that feedback and apply it to your role.
Characteristics of a Good Intern
Companies look at interns as potential full-timers. Make a good impression and have the chance to be a part of the company in the long run!
Reliable: Companies want dependable interns, who don’t need to be told over and over again what to do, and who get the job done right and on time. This person is responsive, consistent with their work, punctual, and takes accountability.
Eagerness (to learn): The intern must be someone who wants to learn more about the industry and company. This person is curious, takes up opportunities, and seeks feedback from supervisors to thrive in this role.
Adaptable: The intern should be adaptable to uncertainty, and have the ability to work under pressure and in different departments.
Enthusiastic: Companies want interns that feel they are part of the work family. They come to work with a positive attitude and eagerness to learn. They don’t want you complaining about the workload or environment.
Professional: This is a given but the intern should act professionally, dress accordingly, have good manners, arrive on time, and treat everyone with respect.
Takes Initiative: Sometimes interns shouldn’t have to be told what to do and take initiative. It’s okay to ask questions but try not to have your supervisor holding your hand the whole time.
How to Be a Successful Intern at Anix USA
Research the Company/Industry: It’s okay if you never worked in this valve industry but research is key for this role. As an intern, you are required to represent Anix thus you should know what they are all about. Take the time to research the valve industry, the types of products they sell, company culture, and competitive analysis.
Actively Communicate: Whether it is a Marketing and Communications role or not, communication is extremely important for an intern. You are new to the company and should be communicating your work progress, any questions you have, and what you can do to land a full-time role at this company.
Learn New Skills: Anix is full of experts that are willing to share their knowledge with the next generation of workers. Next to research, reach out to the team to learn more about the products and how they work and are installed.
Have a Positive Attitude: In any internship role, you should be proactive and have a positive approach to the workload. Be open to new experiences and tasks, take on challenges, and break out of your comfort zone.
As an intern at Anix USA, expect challenges, room for growth, gain knowledge, and overall have a good time. The tasks you will be given help you expand your knowledge and skills. The people you will meet will help you along the way to strive in this industry. And you will gain the necessary skills to thrive in the corporate world. Anix USA is not only committed to providing high-quality products but providing guidance and mentorship to interns getting a taste of the real world. The internship experience is rewarding, and innovative, and provides you with the skills you need to be a successful asset at Anix USA.