Within the first month of my internship, more than one colleague used the phrase “feast or famine” to describe the typical workload of an intern.
Understandably, there aren’t always projects or tasks that can be completed by a newb intern. I wouldn’t exactly leave it up to the new intern to pull a Don Draper at a client meeting during their first week, either.
I have learned that whether assignments are handed to you or created by you, gaining experience during an internship is what makes it valuable.
“We learn by example and by direct experience because there are real limits to the adequacy of verbal instruction.”
― Malcolm Gladwell, Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking
When I do have free time, I prefer to fill it with things that matter. So my advice is pretty clear. Whether it’s for yourself or the company, fill your time at the office with work. Finding a job is a full-time job. Try to make the internship feel that way, too.
The beauty of an internship is that you can take advantage of many of the same resources as full-time employees, but without the same level of commitment or responsibility.
Some of the benefits include:
- Networking with colleagues and industry thought leaders
- Building professional experience and developing interpersonal skills
- Creating a thicker portfolio
- Getting a more tangible glimpse into the real world
It may be easy and tempting to spend your free time aimlessly surfing the Internet, but here are some more-productive ways to fill the gaps between projects:
- Update your résumé
- Network on LinkedIn
- Create an online portfolio using Weebly, a website that can help you create an online presence
- Research the market and companies where you would like to work
- Ask if you can shadow colleagues to better understand their responsibilities
I have also learned something important: If you have ideas you can implement yourself, speak up!
What did you do when you had free time as an intern? What was your experience like? Looking back, what would you have done differently?
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Great post. Now get me some coffee and get back to work.
Thank you sir … cream or sugar?
You don’t already know how he likes his coffee? #badintern
Great post Craig – wonderful advice.
Tammy
Recruiter and WineOH
Haha maybe that’s a blog post in itself, the things #badinterns do (or don’t do).
Thanks for the comment
Hi, Craig!
The Cynical Girl sent me. She says you’re awesome. Based on this post, I see she’s right.
When I hire interns the key thing I want is initiative. Always be on the look-out for how you can help. When you have a suggestion for improvement, be diplomatic. (Something I wasn’t always great at when I interned.) Yeah, we middle-aged folks may not know about the latest technology like younger professionals, but we don’t want to see the superior eye-rolls that accompany your suggestions. Pitch it with professionalism and an “I want to make it better” attitude and your idea will be well-received.
Best of luck to you!
Hello! Thank you for the compliment, and thank you even more for the advice! I agree that knowledge of the latest technology will only get you so far if you don’t practice respect of those with more experience and wisdom. Thanks again for the feedback!
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