Intern etiquette: Turning credit hours into paid hours
Simple things students can do to reach success
Kyle Griffin
Issue date: 4/2/08 Section: Entertainment
ENTHUSIAM
Coming to work with a good attitude and a smile on your face is one of the most important aspects of making a good impression. Having a desire to learn and do whatever is necessary will make the people you work for appreciate what you do. Take note that it's unlikely your supervisors will shower praise all of the time, however, that does not mean they're making mental notes themselves of your willingness and enthusiasm. They'll remember that when it comes to recommendations or if a position opens up. As hard as it may be sometimes, try to leave your personal life at the door. While being friendly is a must, and there will undoubtedly be some days that you'd like to just curl up in a ball and stay home, not letting that affect your performance or coworkers will benefit you. If you have a bad attitude at work, even if it's only once or twice, some people will remember those few occasions out of the months you worked more than any others. Don't forget, though, that this is not a real job. Just because you should be open to doing whatever you can, including getting coffee every now and then, don't let people take advantage of you. If you know your duties consist of tasks A, B, and C, but someone else is suddenly trying to get you to do D and E for them, make sure it's appropriate with your supervisor at work and at Saint Rose.
POLITENESS
Politeness can be closely related to enthusiasm, but there are some important nuances to stress. It may sound cheesy, but a smile goes a long way. If you have a friendly aura and people believe you're a nice person (even if you aren't), you'll likely become friends with your supervisors, and can do so fairly quickly. Taking the time to ask people about their night or weekends, saying please, thank you, and your welcome - they all make good impressions on people. When it's appropriate, you should also address people, especially bosses, as sir, madam, or miss under the right circumstances. Using your manners throughout the day is easy and it makes a big difference in how people approach you and how they will remember you. Addressing emails or notes in similar styles is also beneficial. When the internship is over, or when a big project finishes, remember to write thank you notes to the people who helped you along the way. A small gift may be appropriate for the really large players, such as your direct supervisors. These small notes of appreciation will stick in people's minds a long time and they, in turn, will appreciate that you recognized all of their assistance. Offer to keep in touch with them throughout your endeavors and you'll also have some good contacts when you need a reference.
Coming to work with a good attitude and a smile on your face is one of the most important aspects of making a good impression. Having a desire to learn and do whatever is necessary will make the people you work for appreciate what you do. Take note that it's unlikely your supervisors will shower praise all of the time, however, that does not mean they're making mental notes themselves of your willingness and enthusiasm. They'll remember that when it comes to recommendations or if a position opens up. As hard as it may be sometimes, try to leave your personal life at the door. While being friendly is a must, and there will undoubtedly be some days that you'd like to just curl up in a ball and stay home, not letting that affect your performance or coworkers will benefit you. If you have a bad attitude at work, even if it's only once or twice, some people will remember those few occasions out of the months you worked more than any others. Don't forget, though, that this is not a real job. Just because you should be open to doing whatever you can, including getting coffee every now and then, don't let people take advantage of you. If you know your duties consist of tasks A, B, and C, but someone else is suddenly trying to get you to do D and E for them, make sure it's appropriate with your supervisor at work and at Saint Rose.
POLITENESS
Politeness can be closely related to enthusiasm, but there are some important nuances to stress. It may sound cheesy, but a smile goes a long way. If you have a friendly aura and people believe you're a nice person (even if you aren't), you'll likely become friends with your supervisors, and can do so fairly quickly. Taking the time to ask people about their night or weekends, saying please, thank you, and your welcome - they all make good impressions on people. When it's appropriate, you should also address people, especially bosses, as sir, madam, or miss under the right circumstances. Using your manners throughout the day is easy and it makes a big difference in how people approach you and how they will remember you. Addressing emails or notes in similar styles is also beneficial. When the internship is over, or when a big project finishes, remember to write thank you notes to the people who helped you along the way. A small gift may be appropriate for the really large players, such as your direct supervisors. These small notes of appreciation will stick in people's minds a long time and they, in turn, will appreciate that you recognized all of their assistance. Offer to keep in touch with them throughout your endeavors and you'll also have some good contacts when you need a reference.
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