An internship is a great opportunity to learn more about an industry and get real hands on experience. Like most things in life, the more you put in the more you are bound to get out. My short time as a PR intern has taught me some valuable tips about how to make the most of an internship. Although I got my experience in PR, these tips can work in all kinds of internships.

  1. Find a Good Fit. Whether an internship is paid or unpaid, the most valuable aspect is the experience. The pay in any internship is usually small compared to what you will be making in a few short years. So look for an internship where you will be able to work on more projects over one with higher pay.
  2. Prepare for Office Life. Coffee is not a substitute for a good night’s sleep. Trust me. The transition from a high school or college schedule to an office atmosphere can be difficult. Invest in a work wardrobe, prepare for traffic, and get to sleep at a decent hour. Nothing shows you how much sleep you need like a four-O’clock meeting.
  3. Do Your Research. Know as much as you can about the company you will be working at. No one will expect you to walk in as an expert on everything; you’re there to learn. But, you will be expected to have some knowledge of the nature of your work. Utilize the company website, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook to research as many aspects of the company as possible.
  4. Take Every Assignment Seriously. I am lucky enough to get the chance to do assignments like blog writing, award nomination drafting, and meeting presentations. That doesn’t mean I haven’t done my fair share of filing and phone answering. Every single assignment is a chance to show your passion and work ethic. Not everything will be fun and interesting, but everyone pays their dues; and just because it’s boring doesn’t mean it isn’t important.
  5. Ask Questions. If you don’t quite understand what you’re being asked to do, ask. It is better to ask questions and do it right than stay quiet wasting time and energy. General questions can be a great way to learn about parts of the company you may not be working on. Most of your coworkers will be eager to share their insight and passion.
  6. Take Notes. Questions will do you little good if you can’t remember the answers. While questions are encouraged, repeated or unnecessary questions can be annoying. Even if you feel you’ll never need the information again, it’s better safe than sorry.
  7. Make Friends. Internships are not the place for politics. It’s like elementary school. The sixth grade may have more and less popular kids, but if you’re in first grade then all sixth graders are cool. Everyone can teach you something. So take the time to talk to people and hear what they have to say.
  8. Make the Most of Your Coworkers. In addition to great career advice, the people you work with can offer information on schools, the job market and achieving good balance. They are also a great source of information for restaurants that are shady but delicious.
  9. Be Honest. If you don’t know how to do something, tell the truth. If you are late to work because you forget your shoes, you must tell your boss. Even if you will forever be the shoeless intern. Things are just more efficient when everyone is on the same page.
  10. Appreciate. The people you work with are taking their time to teach you important skills. Sure, they will get some papers filed and a few less assignments on their own plate. But, they are really doing you a favor. Always make sure they know how much you appreciate their time, effort, and advice. Following my own advice, I must thank the PR department and M/C/C in general for this wonderful opportunity. Jennifer, Clayton, Kate and Ambur have all made this experience so much more than a typical internship. I have learned so much from everyone. I cannot imagine a better way to have spent the last six weeks. Thank you to everyone who took the time to talk to me and pass on their advice. I will remember all of your helpful and encouraging words, and I promise the next time you see me I will be older, wiser and wearing shoes – bowling shoes.

As Public Relations Intern at M/C/C, Stephanie fine tunes her PR skills by writing blogs, pitch ideas and providing general support to the PR team.  Creativity and building relationships are her strengths, which she uses to craft witty yearbook comments about her peers (watch out seniors)! Don’t plan on hanging out with her Thursday nights at 8 p.m. CST; she has a rolling appointment with Jim Halpert and Dwight Schrute on “The Office.” But, whatever you do, refrain from playing the “Michael Scott Burns his foot” clip, you won’t get her to stop laughing.

When Stephanie’s not kicking with the M/C/C crew, you might catch her windsurfing or watching movies, but only the “terrible ones,” she says. “Like romantic comedies, low budget horror films and odd documentaries.”

P.S. We’ll miss her.