Comments on: How to be an Awesome Intern

By: Royce

Royce — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:39:42 +0000

This is fantastic advice. In particular asking questions is key. And straight up, as an intern your goal is just to learn and improve yourself as much as possible. You might as well take advantage of the resources at your disposal, which in all cases is going to be the experts you are working for.

Two other things I found helpful as an intern: (1) don’t complain, EVER; and (2) don’t talk about your personal life except in pleasant generalities – that is, tell someone you “went to the football game” over the weekend but don’t go on about your drinking habits or the club you went to or any of that.
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By: Patrick Ambron

Patrick Ambron — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:56:54 +0000

I’m a little late and everything has been covered but this is a topic I feel especially close to, so I’ll comment anyways.

If you want to get the most out of an internship and turn it into a full time position, it is very simple: Treat it like a full time job. Even if it’s unpaid. Care about what you do. Be proactive. Ask what else you can do to help. Make suggestions, then volunteer to implement them.

Make yourself indispensable. Become so involved in the framework that, at the end of the day, your superiors realize they simply can’t afford to NOT hire you.

By: The Importance of Networking for Interns

The Importance of Networking for Interns — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:53:07 +0000

[...] week I read a post from one of my favorite bloggers, Ryan Stephens, who wrote a piece called “How to be an Awesome Intern”. My long ass response to his post suggested that networking is critical for the intern. This [...]

By: Sydney

Sydney — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:41:58 +0000

So I’m way behind on this but you nailed it. Keep networking, keep working hard and never say “I don’t know”. It’s fine if you don’t know – but ask about it, ask for help, seek guidance – don’t use “I don’t know” as an excuse for not finishing something.

You pretty much touched on everything, Ryan. Good work.

By: admin

admin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:24:34 +0000

Couldn’t agree more Danny! This is something that is unfortunate, but I suspect way more people encounter ethical/moral issues than we’d like to imagine. I don’t think it’s ever okay to sacrifice your integrity for an internship/job or otherwise.

By: admin

admin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:22:45 +0000

Point #1,4,5,6: YES
Point #2: Yes, with the same concern I expressed to Kristen
Point #3: I agree, but I WILL say this in addition. If you stay late on Friday you will stand out. But just because you’re an intern doesn’t mean you have to let a company take advantage of you either. This is especially true if you’re an unpaid intern.

By: admin

admin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:04:57 +0000

Good stuff Rich. And I really appreciate your long, intuitive responses. Keep them coming. No worries.

A LinkedIn in account and connecting with co-workers, coupled with periodic pinging is a great way to stay top of mind.

I have lots of business relationships and I read ALL THE TIME so if I see something that reminds me of someone I’ll forward them the article and ask them how things are going. It demonstrates that I know what content is potentially interesting and valuable to them, and that I value our relationship.

By: admin

admin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:58:08 +0000

To that I’ll add speak up strategically. Pick your spots and always make sure you’re adding value to the conversation. I’ve witnessed interns speak up just because they thought it would show they were assertive. It’s easy to tell when someone has thought a lot about something, and when someone is just trying to remind us they’re alive.

By: admin

admin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:56:31 +0000

I’ve always thought asking questions (and taking the time to formulate good questions) shows a desire to learn. As someone who’s been on both sides of the fence, I can attest to the fact that I’d MUCH rather you ask me then A.) not do it or B.) do it wrong.

By: Danny Brown

Danny Brown — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:23:30 +0000

Great advice, Ryan, and nice hat tip to Jackie – he’s one smart cookie.

I’d also suggest remain true to yourself – don’t sell out ethics or morals if the agency does something that doesn’t sit well with you. Bring up your concerns and if it’s still a sticking point, consider walking and finding another internship.

It’ll only serve you better in the long run.
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