How to Make the Most of Your Summer Internship

Follow these steps to leave a lasting impression.

Be Enthusiastic - Internships are great ways to familiarize yourself with the workplace and discover the best career path for you. Follow these tips to leave the best impression and receive the most rewarding professional experience. By Patrice Peck One of the best things an intern can bring to the table is a great attitude. Whether you’re transcribing an interview for your supervisor or conducting research, showing enthusiasm for your tasks goes a long way. (Photo: JOSE LUIS PELAEZ, INC./Image Source/Corbis)

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Be Enthusiastic - Internships are great ways to familiarize yourself with the workplace and discover the best career path for you. Follow these tips to leave the best impression and receive the most rewarding professional experience. By Patrice Peck One of the best things an intern can bring to the table is a great attitude. Whether you’re transcribing an interview for your supervisor or conducting research, showing enthusiasm for your tasks goes a long way. (Photo: JOSE LUIS PELAEZ, INC./Image Source/Corbis)

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Be Enthusiastic

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Dress Appropriately

Create Ultimate Goals - Only you know what you hope to get out of your internship. Once you’ve figured out exactly what that is, speak honestly with your manager so that he or she can tailor a program best suited to your interests. Even if you’re not assigned much “real-life work,” you’ll be kept in mind when it comes to overseeing certain roles and attending meetings. (Photo: Sean De Burca/Corbis)

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Create Ultimate Goals

Be Social - Don’t worry, introverts. The best intern isn’t necessarily the chattiest one. However, it is important to get to know your fellow interns, your managers and your colleagues, especially young staffers. Asking your colleagues how they got into their careers and how they’ve overcome past professional challenges are great starting places. Sharing too much personal information, on the other hand, is not.(Photo: Klaus Vedfelt/Getty IMages)

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Be Social

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Don't Gossip or Whine

Be a Proactive Problem Solver - Completing your assigned tasks is key. But once you’ve fulfilled your obligations, go above and beyond by showing initiative. Instead of asking what you should do next, try pitching several relevant suggestions to your manager in order to show your value. Show everyone that you can think on your own without needing to be micromanaged each day. (Photo: Andrey Popov/Getty Images)

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Be a Proactive Problem Solver

Ask Questions and Listen - As an intern, it’s okay not to know everything. In fact, humbling yourself to become a better listener and learner is a great way to ensure that you get the most out of your internship. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t speak up, but remember that this is a learning experience. Welcome constructive criticism, admit to making mistakes and embrace this experience.(Photo: mother image/Corbis)

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Ask Questions and Listen

Write a Review - We’re often quick to take to the Internet when a company has upset us, but how often do you do it when you receive great service? Take a few minutes to leave a positive Yelp review for that black-owned smoothie shop that always remembers your order. It could do wonders for their business!  (Photo: Image Source)

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Keep Up with Current Events

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Report Abusive Employers

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Keep in Touch - Schedule wrap-up lunches and handwrite personal thank-you notes to your managers and supervisors. Send gracious goodbye emails to others who helped you out during your internship. Keeping in contact with these people from time to time once your internship has finished can sometimes make or break future job prospects. (Photo: Minerva Studio/Getty Images)

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Keep in Touch