Many have now begun their summer internships – and some have already formed opinions on the company, their mentor, the opportunity, their co-workers, and their potential for contributing and learning.
For many, the answers are clear. For others, not so much.
How do you know if your summer internship is going well? Or, if you haven’t started yet, how can you make sure it will go well – at least within your ability to influence?
Use these five critical points to give your internship a “grade” – and to decide what improvements you, and your mentor, may consider implementing so both you and the company can receive an “A” at the end of your learning experience…
1. The Learning Environment
Since your internship is all about a smooth transition from classroom to the real world, the first judging criteria must be your ability to learn transferable (soft) skills – and those relating directly to your chosen career field.
A = Not only a high potential for learning, but I’ve already learned a critical skill in Week 1 or 2
B = I haven’t learned anything yet, but the potential is there; I am optimistic
C = Not a strong learning environment yet, but I’ve discussed with my mentor
D = I’ve spent a lot more time at the shredder and filing cabinet; but I haven’t given up
F = No chance in hell (can’t talk; gotta’ run to Starbucks)
2. Mentorship
Key to many successful internships is developing a mentor relationship, perhaps even a reverse or bi-directional mentorship, with an influencer or dynamic personality who takes an active interest in our careers.
A = My mentor has already made a huge impact on me; I can’t wait to show up for work
B = We’re just getting to know each other, but my mentor is an influencer – high potential!
C = I would call her a “supervisor” more than a mentor, but I am still proving myself
D = This guy is going through the motions, but seems decent – I’m hopeful
F = My sloth-like boss didn’t know I was coming – and has the charisma of a wart (help me!)
3. Culture
Some old school recruiters get tired of the “C” word (“culture”); perhaps correctly, they say you can’t quantify culture; we’re all expected to just all get along. For many interns, however, this is a case of “I know it when I see it” – and our ability to fit in a specific culture is a huge issue.
A = I love this place… they can’t make me leave!
B = I maybe haven’t become one of the gang, this is a highly open, friendly, helpful organization
C = Seems to be “all business” here, but is a welcoming and safe atmosphere
D = I am Whoopi Goldberg and my boss is Bill O’Reilly – but we’re trying to get along
F = The CEO of this company makes Bernie Madoff look like Santa Claus (I need out, now)
4. Communication
If you can’t communicate in an open and collaborative manner with your fellow interns, co-workers and mentor – the internship is not exactly destined for success (particularly true with virtual internships, for obvious reasons).
A = From the CEO down, dialogue is open, welcome and constructive – they should write a book!
B = Communication and feedback is timely and productive, but I’m not yet ready to be adopted
C = Sometimes I have to reach out for feedback and to get direction, but it’s working out okay
D = It’s not that they don’t want to communicate, but an “intern” is not a high priority
F = The only thing more deafening than the screaming is the silence that follows (just like home!)
5. Relevancy to Your Career Choice
Many internships start slow until trust is gained and introductory “tests” are passed – so this may be a difficult area to assess early in your internship. Sometimes, however, the best thing we learn from an internship is what we do NOT want to be when we grow up – so it’s always good to keep this critical factor in mind.
A = I LOVE this internship, and have validated my career choice – color me happy!
B = I do NOT love this internship and realize I’m NOT interested in this work (changing major!)
C = While this internship hasn’t been the best so far, I’m comfortable with my career path
D = I’m learning at this internship, but I’m still unclear on what I want to be when I grow up
F = I haven’t learned an Effing thing (I wonder if Wal-Mart is still hiring)
Now, make yourself a report card and consider the following:
- What areas require immediate improvement?
- What solutions and suggestions will you proactively bring to your mentor?
- What areas are going very well, and how will you provide that feedback to your employer?
- What have you learned so far about your next internship or job search?
Finally, compare your “grade” to your expectations going into the internship, the “pitch” presented by the employer and – most important – your offer letter. How close is current reality to your expectations – and theirs? (You did get an offer letter, right?)
It’s never too early to grade your internship experience. Get started now – and help make sure your internship is a productive learning experience – for you and the employer.
This post by YouTern CEO Mark Babbitt was originally posted by our friends at Classroom to Cubicle.
More from YouTern…
- What NOT to Do on Your First Day at Work
- How to Stay Motivated in Your Internship
- I Want You to Quit Your Internship!
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