My Top 5 Tips!

#1 – Show Initiative

This is by far my most important piece of advice. You are in charge of how much you want to learn and takeaway from your internship experience. While you should focus first on your assigned tasks, it is crucial to show initiative. Examples of showing initiative include, suggesting a project, offering to help a co-worker with a task, asking if anyone needs help with anything, proposing meeting times, etc.

Trust me, this will go a LONG WAY, and will set you apart from other interns who are doing the bare minimum just to add this job to their resume. Showing initiative can help you make a great impression at work, and will help you build long-lasting connections.

#2 – Manage Your Time Really Well

Just like with school, manage your time well and avoid procrastinating. Your team at work will greatly appreciate quick turnaround time on assignments. It’s better to get things done and then have free time later, instead of procrastinating and then stressing to meet deadlines. Use the time management skills you use during the school year to stay organized at work, and I promise you will be less stressed and anxious.

#3 – Network, Network, Network

I know, I know this is very cliche. But this goes back to my previous point that you get out of an internship what you put in. Take advantage of these new connections with people who are older and more experienced than you. This can be a little hard virtually, but ask people you work with if they have time for a quick Zoom coffee chat! People LOVE talking about themselves, and these conversations and connections will help you grow professionally. And when you finish your internship, add everyone from your work on LinkedIn. Also, stay in touch with people you get along with well or look up to, because you never know what could happen if you maintain those relationships.

Not only can you network with people at your job, but you can network with a broader network as well. Whether this is connecting with companies/ organizations your co-workers have previously worked at, or attending virtual events with other organizations. Take advantage of the opportunity to connect with people working in the field you are hoping to enter after graduation!

#4 – Socialize… But Keep it Classy

So this one is also a little hard virtually, but socialize with people at work! Whether it’s a virtual happy hour or an in-person meetup, always take advantage of time away from the office to connect with people. HOWEVER, it is absolutely crucial to keep it classy. Do NOT be the intern who is posting inappropriate things on social media or getting too drunk at happy hour. And know which topics are not appropriate between colleagues. This varies based on where you work, but err on the side of caution.

#5 – Know When to Be Quiet

As a legal intern, most of the work I’m doing is confidential. And most of the conversations I’m a part of are confidential. This is so critical not to forget. My general rule of thumb is to never say anything about my job that I wouldn’t want all of my coworkers and supervisors hearing. Whether I’m on a walk and talking to my mom on the phone, or talking to my boyfriend about my day, it doesn’t matter. Don’t talk about things you know are confidential, no matter how much you trust the people around you.

This also applies to etiquette during meetings. There is a time and a place to speak up, and there are also times where it is best to stay quiet. Just remember to be respectful and remember that as an intern, you’re here to learn, and you can learn SO MUCH from listening. It’s the same advice I give for speaking during class: ask yourself why you’re talking and if what you’re saying will add value rather than distract.

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