Making the Most of your Experience

Your co-op or internship is an opportunity to achieve personal and professional goals, and learn new ideas and skills.  In addition, this experience is a great way to network! Many full-time job offers come from co-op and internship experiences.  Think of the semesters in which you work as a prolonged job interview, and act accordingly.  Here are some ways to make the most of your experience. 

Be positive, enthusiastic, and a problem-solver.  Nothing will hurt you more than to have a negative and complaining attitude.  A "can do" and willing attitude is always noticed.  When you point out a problem, always have a suggestion on how it can be resolved. 

Be realistic and be willing to take on less-than-glamorous tasks.  Not every assignment will lead to glory, but the task may be important to your employer.  Being attentive and giving 100% will be strong indicators of your work ethic and will lead to greater responsibility.

If a project comes along that interests you, ask to be involved.  Demonstrate your organizational skills and initiative.  Begin to develop new levels of responsibility by noticing the tasks around the office that need to be done, and asking your supervisor if you can take on the challenge.

Ask questions, but know when to listen and observe. In the beginning, you may notice processes or procedures that do not seem to make sense.  Prior to criticizing, be sure to ask questions like "why is it done that way?" There may be history you do not know about. 

Be willing to accept feedback and criticism.  This is one of the hallmarks of a true professional.

Keep your supervisor informed.  "No surprises" should be the motto here.  If you have to arrive late one day, call.  If you need more time on a project, ask for it.  Keep the lines of communication open.

Seek out mentors and learn from colleagues.  A mentor is someone who you feel you can learn from, and may or may not be your supervisor.  If you think someone‘s job looks interesting, ask them how they got to that point in their career. 

Dress for the position you want, not the position you have.  How do your supervisor and colleagues dress? 

Make a point to learn business etiquette.  This includes standing to shake someone‘s hand who enters a room, not forwarding jokes using the company email system (even if someone forwarded it to you!), and using the right fork and spoon during company lunches.  If you are unsure, find someone to watch and emulate.