7 Ways to Treat Your Internship Like a Real Job

By Lorena Roberts on July 18, 2017

The best possible thing to come out of an internship is a job once you graduate. That’s what we’re all looking for when we sign up to make copies and coffee five days a week. But what we’re all hoping is that the big cheese will really like our coffee and our copies and he’ll offer us a ridiculously well-paid job, beginning at the exact right time we need it to start paying off those student loans.

It’s not easy to walk into an internship every day (especially if you aren’t getting paid well … or not at all) and remember that people are watching and this could be the door to success. It’s hard to treat it like a real job. But you should. 

Here are seven ways to treat your next internship as if it was your real job (because after all, don’t you want it to be?).

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1. Arrive on time

You may think it’s just coffee, but there are many people waiting on that coffee. The worst thing you can do to yourself is to show up late. It’ll sabotage you from the beginning. Being late does not make a good impression, and people will definitely remember all the times you weren’t there to get the pot going.

If you want this internship to turn into a real jobact like it’s already your real job and show up on time. Every. Single. Day. Don’t slack.

2. Dress to impress

Nobody likes a slacker. And nobody likes someone who shows up looking like a slacker. You’ll be judged from day one by the way you look. If you want them to treat you like your coffee is worthless, show up in a wrinkled polo and khakis that aren’t the right size.

Even if all you’re doing is making coffee, show up dressed like you’re running the business meetings. The way you train yourself in this internship will serve you well when you do get the job. Because you will. You make awesome coffee.

3. Look for solutions to problems they didn’t even know they had

Real employees are expected to find solutions to problems. Even if those problems haven’t been brought up in the latest staff meeting, every employer wants employees who can problem-solve on a dime. Treat your internship like it’s your job, and look to fix the small problems in the company. Keep your eye out. The big guys will appreciate your attention to detail. They’ll remember you. I promise.

4. Prove yourself every day

More than likely, this is a short-term internship. More than likely, you aren’t getting paid. But also more than likely, this was an extremely competitive position — and you got it. Remind them every day why they picked you to fill that spot. Because who knows how many people they turned down just to have you. Don’t sell yourself short. You’re definitely worth it. But make sure you remind them of that every time you walk through those doors.

5. Don’t get involved in workplace drama

Save the drama for your llama. It’s not necessary for you to get in the middle of everyone’s business. Restrain from workplace drama and gossip. Go in, do your job, exceed expectations, and go home. There’s no need for you to ever stir up any kind of nonsense in the workplace.

6. Show your appreciation

For your coworkers, your boss, and the staff that help make all your days easier. This isn’t the time to act entitled and deserving of the position they’ve bestowed upon you. If anything, you want to be overly gracious for the opportunity they’ve given you. Showing your appreciation will, in turn, make your coworkers appreciate you more, and they will be more willing to help you out when you need it.

7. Act like it’s the only shot at a job you’ll ever have

Seriously. Work your butt off. If you go in every day and work as hard as you can, you’ll be prepared for whatever is about to come at you. Plus, they’ll probably offer you a job.

Follow these seven tips and I guarantee you that your boss will be happy with you at the end of your internship. Show up every day like you want to be there (whether you really do or not) and work your butt off while you’re on the clock. Without letting anyone take advantage of you, show how appreciative of the opportunities and responsibilities you are. When you are given a new task, complete it to perfection. Pay attention to detail and ensure that you’re constantly turning in your best work. Keep your head down and don’t cause any problems.

I hope you’re offered a job at the end of it!

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