Making and Maintaining a Lasting Impression

The following post is by our past president Deborah Neffa and can be found HERE

Starting a summer internship can be an exhilarating experience, especially when you work for a top organization/employer and live in a city you love (even if only for a few months!). The opportunities for the summer months may seem endless, and your planner may already be filled with ambitious “to-do” lists. However, it’s important to save some of that energy for your commitments as an intern and ensure you are trying just as hard in the workplace.

Making a great impression at your internship the first week or two may sound like an easy feat—smile at everyone you meet, say “Yes” to all assignments thrown your way, and stay a few minutes after everyone leaves (they’ll notice, right?). But you may eventually find yourself losing steam and giving up on some of the efforts employers likely noticed, and loved.

Don’t fall prey to a lazy summer attitude at your internship—establish and maintain a positive, lasting impression with these tips:

Over-dress and never be late (or leave too early)

Although the employees may follow a more casual approach to dressing for work, they no longer need to impress the bosses with dress to get the job. Your appearance as a professional is one of the best tools you have to make a great impression, so use it! Also, do your best to roll out of bed on time in the mornings and try never to leave earlier than you must. One of the main reasons employers recruit/hire interns is to use them when they need them, so be reliable and available as much as possible.

Check in frequently, even if only to say “Hello”

Avoid being a ghost intern, or the intern who never goes away. Check in with your supervisor at least once (but never more than twice) each day to let him/her know you’re there, to ask for assignments if you’re feeling unproductive, or to simply ask how his/her day is going. Making your presence felt will surely help those in the office know you’re eager to be there and ready to work (always memorable qualities in an intern).

Keep Web surfing, texting, and (personal) emailing to a minimum

While we cannot avoid technology at work, avoid scratching the itch to use the Internet and your cell phone for personal use when you’re not on your lunch break or taking small breaks between assignments. The one time you pull out your phone to check your messages will be the one time your supervisor/boss walks past your work space and catches you. Avoid leaving a slacker impression.

Take advantage of happy hour mingling offers (if you’re 21)

Yes, I said it. Take advantage of happy hour mingling with co-workers and interns. Although a bar environment may not be the most professional, happy hours will help co-workers see the non-work side of you and will help answer the question: “Could I see myself getting along with this person?” Being well-liked by your co-workers may one day determine your chances of getting a job, so show that you can be likable both on and off the clock. But please, keep the drinking to a minimum.

Keep the communication flowing, both during and after

Getting noticed by your co-workers may be easy while you’re at work, but an essential part of maintaining a lasting impression is making them remember you after you’re gone and have been replaced by dozens of other interns. Make the effort to keep in touch with a handful of employees since you will likely want them to remember how wonderful you were when the hunt for jobs or other internships comes around.