Tips for Internship and Job Success
As a young person embarking on your journey into the professional world, it’s important to remember that each internship and job provides valuable opportunities to gain experience and build a successful career. Here are some valuable internship tips and job tips to help you jumpstart your career:
Looking for an Internship or Job
Here are some things to keep in mind during your internship or job search:
- Do your homework. Conduct thorough research on industries and companies of interest, tailor resumes and cover letters to each application, and leverage personal and professional networks for referrals. Consult resources like these to help you get started.
- Be persistent in seeking out opportunities. Use resources like online job boards, career websites, and job fairs. These will give you a sense of what kinds of roles exist within your desired industry.
- Prepare thoroughly for your interview. Seek out interview tips online, at your school career center, and from relevant nonprofit organizations. During interviews, showcase your enthusiasm, relevant skills, and a strong work ethic. Always follow up with a thank-you note afterward.
Working in an Internship or Job
Once you land an internship or job, do the following to make the most of either:
- Set clear goals. Before starting your internship or job, define specific objectives you want to achieve during your time there. This will help you stay focused, motivated, and on track throughout your experience. Create short-term and long-term goals, and regularly assess your progress to make necessary adjustments.
- Take initiative. Employers value proactive workers, so take the initiative in seeking out tasks, projects, and learning opportunities. If you complete your assigned work, ask for additional tasks or offer to assist colleagues with their projects. Doing so sends a clear message about your enthusiasm, leadership, and team-mindedness.
- Be a good communicator. Practice active listening, ask clarifying questions, and be receptive to feedback. Be clear and concise in all forms of communication. Good communication fosters strong working relationships and ensures that you understand and meet expectations.
- Build a strong professional network. Attend industry events, connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn, and participate in company-sponsored activities. Building a robust professional network can lead to mentorship opportunities, valuable insights, and potential job offers.
- Be punctual and reliable. Arrive on time for meetings and assignments, and meet deadlines with high-quality work. This helps to earn the trust and respect of your colleagues and supervisors.
- Collaborate effectively. Be a team player by actively participating in group projects, respecting diverse perspectives, and contributing constructively to discussions. Show appreciation for your colleagues' efforts and be willing to assist others when needed.
- Be adaptable and resilient. Embrace change and demonstrate flexibility in handling new tasks or responsibilities. When faced with setbacks or obstacles, maintain a positive attitude and persevere to find solutions.
Set Yourself Up for Career Success With On Point for College
On Point for College helps traditional and non-traditional students in the Central New York region overcome the barriers to higher education and careers. We support our students from application through graduation and beyond, empowering them to fulfill their dreams and achieve their potential, which ultimately benefits both individuals and our community.
Our Career Services team provides a range of services designed to help On Point students and graduates find career opportunities and employment that align with their skills and education. Join us to get help with internship and job applications.
Ready to become a part of On Point for College? Fill out our new student interest form here.