Caveat is that I’ve only been in academic and nonprofit work settings but I hope this is generally useful:
If someone asks if you want to get involved in something, say yes! Even if you Don’t think it’s quite up your alley. Worst case, you confirm it’s not. Best case, you gain new skills/connections. An internship is a great time to try stuff on.
Other advice: take notes. Write down what you’re trained on (if possible), write down your questions, write down things that get mentioned that you want to know more about. If you have formal supervision, prepare a bit in advance— bring your questions there!
Good luck, I’m sure you’ll do great.
May 31, 2025
Related Recs
👔
asking questions + paying attention: It will often start with no one explaining you anything. If you don't ask questions, you won't learn. So start making notes of things you don't understand, and then LATER when your manager has time asking them. And then take notes on the answers too. People like explaining things, but not multiple times.
being curious: take an interest in how the work gets done, what people other than you do every day, how what your group does plays into the larger picture, etc. it'll help you do your job better.
being preemptive: looking for work and picking it up instead of being idle and waiting to be assigned because no one gave you anything to do. Assigning work to an intern can be tricky because people feel it has to be a not too easy not too hard goldilocks. Show that you're made of sturdier stuff.
Overall, interns are not infrequently more work for employees than they're "worth". Don't feel self conscious about this at first though (they knew what they were getting into) but make it clear and obvious that you're doing your best to learn the ropes and to become net positive helpful before the end of the whole thing. You'll gain more respect by being humble and being seen doing the work than being boastful about your skills. That'll also mean you might get an offer to come back as a full time employee.
As long as you're roughly following these, there's no need to be stressed. And you'll ensure that you're maximizing your experience, which is worth more in the long term than whatever measly pay they might be providing, because it'll help you get your next gig.
I'm sure you'll do great! Good luck!
5d ago
😃
be early, dress like business casual until you know what the vibe is, ask people to get coffee with you and tell you about their jobs, bring lunch but maybe don’t plan to eat it. you’re going to do great
May 31, 2025
💼
Tbh I feel like finding a job you like is mostly self awareness and knowing that it’s still going to feel like a job
A few questions that Might help:
1. think about past work experience - who has your favorite supervisor been? Why? Same for least favorite - what did they do that you absolutely could not stand?
2. Think about morals - do you want to find ~meaning~ at work or is it more important to have stability and freetime?
3. Think about past coworkers - do you like working alone? On a team? Is it important to be around people during the work day?
4. Think about what you get satisfaction out of in your personal life - is your grocery list organized by aisle? are you the mediator in your friend group? While hobbies might play into this, try and think beyond them
try and translate some of your answers into something you’d find on a job description. Maybe this exercise won’t be helpful but thinking about work like this has helped me land in a job I like
Myself as example: I like organization, having autonomy, having my voice heard, and ~believing~ in the work I do. I also get bored at work quickly. This originally led me to social work where I quickly got burnt out With 24/7 work. I’m in continuing Ed administration where I work a 9-5 ~10 months of the year and have 1-2 very hectic months and that works really well for me.
Feb 16, 2024
Top Recs from @lynnnnie
Jun 15, 2024
🏨
Put on the robe, turn on adult swim or whatever, crank the ac, eat a late night snack in one bed and sleep in the other. The freedom of impersonal liminal space.
Oct 21, 2024
🥰
That’s What it’s all about baby
Jan 25, 2025