INTERN SERIES: DEAR FUTURE INTERNS

You don’t know as much as you think you do, but its okay.

TO INTERNS (AND POTENTIAL INTERNS EVERYWHERE),

Listen when superiors are talking and ask questions.

Unfortunately, your degree does not mean you know how the real world works. Think of this is a challenge, not something to mope around and complain about. Getting an internship is a very exciting and good thing. It means that you have performed well enough in your classes for someone to take notice. Whether this is a teacher who wrote your recommendation, or during an interview at a job fair. It is a privilege to be chosen for an internship, most likely you were chosen over someone else.

Now it is time to prove you are worth hiring. So show up on the first day and wow them with your knowledge right?? Not exactly.

Your book knowledge is important, and is absolutely essential, but it is rudimentary compared to the real industry knowledge possessed by everyone at your company. The most important thing you can do is to realize this quickly and become a sponge. Soak up all the “real world” knowledge you can, and ASK QUESTIONS! If I had a dollar for every question asked I could go straight in to retirement. People appreciate you asking questions, it shows you are willing to learn and that you have a good work ethic (which is really what your degree proves).

Have fun, listen when superiors are talking, and ask questions.

GOOD LUCK,

SPENCER SHEETS

(ex-intern)

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