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Thursday, September 16, 2010

Intern Survival 101

A new semester of school has started.  For our K-12 students, parents across the country are shouting "Huzzah!" as they no longer have to find things for their offspring to do as the parental units are working.

Alas for the collegiate student, for some classes are starting and for some internships are starting.  To the newly Interned, Admin Gal as a few choice words of advice for your survival in the corporate arena.

  1. The Admin is not there to do your job for you. - Just because you think the Admin is a flashback to the halcyon days of Mad Men, think again. We have our own responsibilities, deadlines and projects.
  2. Be on-time to everything meeting, this will get you noticed in a good way. - If a meeting gets held up because you can't remember that your lunch hour is only an hour, then you will find yourself out of an internship and sitting on your parents sofa without an income.  They, your parents, will not be pleased.
  3. DO NOT be late on any deadlines. -  You can not talk you way into a better grade in the corporate arena.  Missed deadlines mean lost revenue.  Don't make the corporate world sacrifice you to their deities.
  4. If you screw up, under no circumstances blame the Admin.  - The Admin has been watching you and documenting your performance.  They will have the documentation needed to bury you.  Be responsible, admit your mistake and learn from the experience.
  5. Make nice with the Admin. - Making their life easier will go a long way to making your corporate experience better.  When you get back to the academic environment, you'll have a greater appreciation for your department Admin who deals with hundreds of students with little appreciation on their part.
If you, the Intern, can abide by these simple guidelines, Admin Gal can guarantee you that at least the day to day part of your internship will go smoothly. She can't guarantee how much you learn.

Good luck Interns.

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