|
Making the most of your Internship
Orientation
- Your organization may offer a formal orientation
or may show you around and make introductions. Take
advantage of the opportunity to get to know more
about the company. Observe the culture of the
company. How do people dress? Are they formal or
informal when they approach each other? How do
people communicate? What are their work habits? Does
your supervisor work through lunch, and then stay
late?
During orientation expect to be introduced to the
top officials; meet other interns; learn about the
history and mission of the organization; and cover
organizational policies on absenteeism, use of
property, sexual harassment, safety practices, dress
codes, and specific policies.
If there is no orientation offered, read about the
organization to find out about the history and the
mission. Ask to attend meetings with departments and
to have a tour. Arrange to meet key people in the
organization. Take advantage of workshops or
seminars.
Tips
-
Listen more than talk.
-
Show respect for all people.
-
Show an interest in and commitment to attending
organized sessions for interns.
-
Come prepared for work.
-
Come dressed in appropriate professional
clothes.
-
Show support for colleagues by attending social
functions.
-
Treat your co-workers as you would want to be
treated.
-
Help out willingly when asked.
-
Establish credibility by performing your job
competently.
-
Ask good questions; avoid asking questions about
skills that you are expected to know.
Avoid
-
Criticizing people, policies or procedures.
-
Working on homework or other school tasks or
surfing the internet.
-
Spending so much time getting to know others
that you are unable to perform the tasks
assigned.
-
Acting like a know-it-all, but failing to
demonstrate competence in your area.
-
Criticizing your supervisor, or going behind
his/her back to get something.
Some Basic Work Requirements
-
Report when scheduled.
-
Notify your supervisor if you can’t be at work.
-
Keep your supervisor informed about what you are
working on.
-
Take appropriate safety precautions if working
around people and equipment.
What happens if problems arise?
You are encouraged to talk directly with the person
with whom you have the problem first. If the problem
is with a co-worker and cannot be resolved, then
talk with your site supervisor. You are encouraged
to address the issues, come up with solutions and
reach an agreeable solution. If that cannot happen,
then approach your faculty supervisor for advice.
Try to maintain good communication, respect others,
and understand the expectations. |
