Starting Your New Job Strong
This post was written by Peer Career Ambassador Jaclyn Gaines ’16.
So after all of those arduous applications and interviews, you finally secured an internship. The hard part is done, right? Well actually, your journey is just beginning. We all know that first impressions matter, so one of the most important things you can do as you enter your new role is get off to a strong start. Here are some steps you can take to make sure you start your internship off on the right foot:
- Set goals and keep track of them.
What do you want to get out of this internship? How many new people do you want to meet? What skills do you hope to acquire? Write down all of your goals when you start your job, and keep track of whether you have completed them or not. This will help you see your progress and know what areas you need to still work on.
- Produce excellent work.
Think of your internship like a sprint – You’re in your role for a limited amount of time, so make sure you put your best foot forward and go full speed ahead. This is your chance to show your company what you’ve got, and there isn’t much time to do it! So take on those difficult projects and show initiative and you will be sure to stand out in the crowd.
- Keep a positive attitude.
It’s no surprise that no one wants to be around a grumpy employee. And, you definitely don’t want to come across this way as a new hire. Rather, look at your internship as a chance to grow and learn. So even if you are given a project that doesn’t seem like the most exciting thing in the world, keep a positive attitude and turn it into a meaningful, worthwhile experience.
Keep these tips in mind when starting your next internship and you’ll be sure to get off to a strong start!