This Time with Spirit! Conducting Yourself in the Office During These Last Weeks

There’s getting the internship: the research, the applications, the follow-ups, the interviews, the rejections, the acceptances, the decision, the housing, the paperwork ... then there’s working it.

As the summer winds down, and I start on my last two weeks of my internship at the Washington Post Express, it’s interesting to look back on the work I’ve done in not only this position but my two other internships.

While each position has been unique in its duties, I have found one overarching theme in the way in which I should conduct myself: to be positive, spirited and grateful no matter how mundane or trying the tasks may be.

Your job as an intern, at its most basic, is to make your editor’s lives easier — this is a goal to live by. In return, your editor will offer you opportunities to be published, a behind the scenes look at the workings of a publication and invaluable feedback and assistance that will help build your skills.

The following is a list of things I’ve found you SHOULD do in these last weeks. Challenge yourself as the summer ends to stay optimistic and spirited because believe me, in a standard 9-to-5 day of craziness, any dose of positivity to your editor makes all the difference.

• Embrace EVERY task. Your editor asks you to produce a web story. You’ve just done eight, and you’re itching for something new. Sometimes it can be trying when the tasks seem to be the same at work, but the worst thing any intern can do is grumble about it. Smile, do the work and proceed. Your diligence even in the most mundane tasks really does stand out, whether you receive a ‘you worked really hard today’ from your editor (translation: you’ve done good) or at the very best, an early dismissal for the day.

• Pounce on downtime. In my three internships, I’ve only ever had downtime in one: my latest at Express while waiting for web stories to produce. What to do during this break? Don’t treat it like one. Use this time to go above and beyond and ask your editor if there’s anything you can do for him. Ask if he needs any research, transcription or fact checking done or if anyone else in the office does. Your editor won’t forget your initiative or consideration.

• Don’t be afraid to ask. Like researching? Have an idea for a story? Dare yourself to make suggestions to your editor, especially after you’ve been at your internship for a while. At USA Weekend, my second internship, my editors encouraged me to pitch more ideas after my first month because they saw I could do the basics well. When I mentioned I liked fact checking to them, they gave me more assignments of that nature. Your editor is looking out for you as well and by speaking up, you help them give you the most fulfilling experience possible.

• End sweetly. With the end of summer internships approaching, don’t hesitate to tie your ends nicely. Write a handwritten thank you note to your editors for giving you the opportunity to work for them this summer. This personal touch truly shows you were appreciative of them and will keep that good impression of you in their mind for months (and recommendations) to come.