Make the most of your internship
Impress your boss, and be the best intern
Everywhere we go we are confronted by the big word ‘unemployment’, the youth in Rustenburg are faced by this monster, but there’s only one key to avoiding this is by making the most of every little opportunity that lands in our palms.
Reaching the top of the mountain isn’t as fun as going down, to make it in life you’ll have to start by serving your manager with a cup of French Vanilla coffee jut the way he likes it. Take your internship as a stepping stone and make the most of it.
Don’t get too comfortable in your own skin, observe and learn different characters in the work environment. The best you can do is to reserve yourself, knowing when and what to say is crucial. Bare in mind that you’re there to work and not to make friends. This doesn’t mean you should not be social, it simply means there should be boundaries between friends and colleges. No matter how comfortable they may make you feel, be careful not to spend the entire time lollygagging around, talking to people about non job related issues using either your phone or the one from work, and don’t brag about anything at all, not even about who you are. Nobody cares about who your mother or father is, create a brand of your own and prove that you’re somebody regardless of your family’s social status.
Being helpful should go without asking, though it’s pretty difficult at times. Unpaid internships are easy to come by, and organisations will always stock up even when there isn’t enough work. Be ready to spend a lot of time sitting on the desk and reading, and sure there will be days where you’d do absolutely nothing. When this happens, don’t do nothing about it, stand up and ask if anyone needed anything you could help with. Most often you’ll be required to do a job that has nothing to do with your career path, for instance managing mails or cleaning a closet. Employees like people who are hands-on, those who have no pride, and will assist in any work they’re instructed to do no matter how low or dirty it may be. Suggesting thoughts, ideas, engaging in discussions are all good signs of determination to work.
People are difficult so the first thing you need to learn is to know the people you’re working with. Some people will see you as help, while others as a threat to them. A good energy and enthusiasm maintains a positive attitude that identifies appreciation of the position. You need to learn who the latter are, but you shouldn’t avoid them, rather make sure not to step on their toes. You may very well be competition, but they don’t need to know that as yet. Remember to have some fun, enjoy yourself and to take constructive criticism as a building rather than breaking mechanism.
The only way to show your eagerness to learning is by asking questions. Seek out advice and ask questions whenever you encounter something that is unfamiliar to you.
It’s better to ask if you don’t understand something than doing a job that isn’t appropriate.
Despite what you may have heard, your employee must see the prepared and eager side of you. The answers you’ll get will give you much than just another line on your resume. Make sure that you aren’t only physically available but avail yourself emotionally as well. Being attentive will help you be more interested thus asking questions if you need clearance. An internship is a learning experience and you are not expected to be perfect or to know everything.
Not to say that graduates are immature, but truth be told, unlike your class mates at tertiary, you cannot amuse your colleagues with tales of how you woke up next to the toilet with “HOMO” written on your back. This is a space where you need to prove your ability to reason, talk, suggest, and to make mature conversations.
Compiling portfolio fillers will not only add experience to your resume, but it’s also a good way of providing completed tasks, positive performance evaluations, and letters of recommendation for future employers. Samples of the work you’ve done will serve as a way to sell yourself to other employers and to give you a chance to show off your abilities.
Article: Tshireletso Malapile
Other links you might find interesting – Job searching in Rustenburg – the challenges