• By Disha
• Posted July 04, 2017

How to get the internship you want

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.” – Steve Jobs

Internships are opportunities that companies give to students who are interested in gaining work experience in a particular field before they graduate. Students learn how their course of study is applied to the real world and build application skills that make them stronger and confident candidates for job opportunities in the future. Internships help students learn new skills by giving them opportunities and teach them how to face the new and challenging real world. Sometimes college students do internships for earning some money for their own expenditure and not being dependent on anyone; especially parents.

The organisation understands that you need to learn and be trained when you join your internship. The only thing you need is a learning mindset and positive attitude.

Here are a few things you can do to get that internship

• Read newspapers: - You don’t have to learn every word by heart, but it is important to be up to date on world events. No matter whatever work you are doing or which field you are interning in, you should know the current affairs. Staying up-to-date on major world events is imperative. This way you will always sound professional and be informed of the common things when talking to other people and reading newspapers will help you strengthen your general knowledge.

• Familiarise yourself with the company you are working in: - Understanding the company’s mission and the office hierarchy are the important aspects of your job. Consider this as your first assignment, and try to get familiar with the company before you begin your internship. It is important to confirm to whom and where are you reporting. This will show your dedication towards your work and the company you are working for.

• Learn office etiquette: - Coming out of your own world and comfort zone to the real world requires more etiquette than you are usually used to. This includes being polite, replying to e-mails and maintaining decorum. Your behaviour can put your supervisor off or make him appreciate and respect you as a learner more. Try to behave properly during your work at your workplace. Be diligent and courteous at all times.

• Doing paperwork: - The real world has tonnes of paperwork, and there is nothing you can do about it. Always be prepared to fill out paperwork while you arrive at your office. Keep all necessary documents handy like your resume, valid ID proof and passport size photographs.

• Bring a notebook: - On your first day, you will meet a lot of co-workers explaining to you ins and outs of your workplace. At that time, you will require a notebook with you to write down all the important details of your office as you cannot keep everything in mind at one time. So, carrying a notebook will help you keep a list of all things necessary. Also, to-dos at work are endless, invest in a planner cum notebook for noting everything necessary!

• Be pumped: - When the company is offering you an internship, it’s their way of saying they believe in you. So it is important to have an unbeatable attitude for the internship. The best way is to smile and be friendly and approachable throughout the day.

• Show up on time: - Do your best at work always and remember to be on time. Set your internship guidelines, your timeliness is a direct reflection of your attitude and passion towards your work. Always be on time to avoid a bad impression on the company and co-workers.