Become a Great Intern

Look for an internship in your field of study while you are a senior in college. Begin your search at least a month before your final semester is scheduled to start. Go to the department office that represents the area you are majoring in to look at internship listings. If you cannot find a suitable internship, consult with the person who handles your internship program at your school.

Preparation is essential. Travel to the site where you want to intern before the day of your interview to avoid arriving late if the place is hard to find.

Making a good impression is important. At the least, you should attend an internship interview dressed in a business-casual manner. This means you should wear a collared shirt, dress shoes, dress socks and slacks or dress pants. Never attend your interview or internship position with a tobacco smell. If you must smoke or chew tobacco in the morning before going to work, you must take a shower, wash your hair, freshen your breath and put on fresh clothes afterwards. If you do not smoke, stay away from those who do. Send a thank-you note after your interview.

Always arrive at your assignment smelling good. Take a bath or shower on the night before the day you are scheduled to work. Put on a fresh shirt after bathing. Never wear a sweater more than once before washing it.

Discuss everything your internship advisor requires you to do with your internship supervisor. Follow all the guidelines set by your advisor and supervisor.

Pursue duties at your assignment that are related to your area of interest. Ask your supervisor if you can work in a particular department that interests you. Perform any task you can that will help you develop a marketable skill.

Seek permission to do tasks that involve a computer. When I did a practicum in the membership department at a radio station in St. Louis, Missouri, I was allowed to update the membership database. I replaced the old information on members' files concerning their addresses with the new information.

Keep tabs on your work. Maintain a log that reveals the days and hours you work as well as the duties you perform. Ask your supervisor to sign it.