Section

How to Land One

• Apply for more than one. Ask your guidance counselor to help you set up interviews with a number of possible employers.
• Do your research. Learn as much as possible about the organizations you've applied to.
• Send a carefully worded and proofread resume or application along with a cover letter.
• Polish your communication skills. Carefully proofread any written materials you send to your prospective employer. Think about how you will answer questions they are likely to ask at interviews. Speak clearly, correctly, professionally, and tactfully (and don't chew gum!).
• Make a great first impression. Dress for business, not for playtime. Even if it's a casual workplace, employers expect your appearance, speech, writing, and overall behavior to be professional.
• Consider any offers very carefully, cataloging the details of each.
• Send your acceptance in writing, even if you've agreed verbally, and list the terms of employment as you understand them.
• Be courteous and professional in declining any offers; you may meet up with that potential employer again someday.

How to Make the Most of It

• Be clear. Make sure you and your boss are on the same page about what you can do and are expected to do. Get it in writing. Every internship will include some "grunt" work. Do it cheerfully.
• Be observant. Ask a lot of questions at the beginning. No one expects you to know everything. Learn everything you can about how to dress for that workplace; how to behave at work, how to interact with clients. Conform to the expectations of that particular workplace, even if it's different from your last job.
• Be there! Show up every day and be on time. Be mentally ready to work when you get there. If you must be late or absent, call ahead!
• Communicate. Call if you're going to be late or sick. Ask for an explanation if you don't understand your assignment. Let your supervisor know if you need something else to do.
• Be professional. Don't bring your personal life to work through phone calls, drama, or complaints. Be pleasant, helpful, and polite. Be cautious about language or topics that may be offensive to others. Always err on the side of caution.
• Be a team player. It's about getting the work done, not about being a star. Listen respectfully to others' input or opinions. If you have new ideas, offer them gradually and respectfully. Help out wherever you can.

What to do when it's over

• You don't stop benefiting from an internship when the job ends. Take just a few more steps to make sure the experience continues to pay off.
• Ask for an exit interview with your boss to learn what you did well, what you need to improve. Ask for a letter of recommendation.
• Keep in touch with your supervisor; he or she will be more likely to keep you in mind when permanent openings are available.
• Take some time to reflect about what you gained. Did you meet your established goals? Go beyond them? Learn new skills? See areas where you can improve?
• Update your resume with a summary of your work experience. Describe (concisely) your internship, your responsibilities, and your accomplishments.

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