HOW TO BE AN INTERN EVERYONE REMEMBERS

Tip 1: Always be doing something

It’s not always easy to find work for interns, so you may find that your mentor has no jobs for you. So, as a rule of thumb, if you wait for five minutes with nothing to do, go up to people and ask if there’s anything you can help them with. You can use the list you made in your notebook (see Tip 2 and Tip 3) to help you with this. But remember, if people don’t give you enough work, they will remember you as the intern who didn’t do much work, not the intern who did exactly what they were supposed to do.

Tip 2: Don’t go to a meeting without a notebook

Get a notebook and bring your notebook and a pen to every meeting, even if it’s just an informal check-in with your mentor.

• You will never regret taking notes in a meeting. You will only regret not taking notes, when you forget what it was you promised to do!

• If you’re working somewhere where carrying a notebook is inconvenient (for example working outside) get one that will fit in your pocket.

Tip 3: Get to know all your colleagues EARLY

In the first couple days, learn your colleague’s names, what they are responsible for, and how you might be able to help them. Write this information in your notebook like the example below:

Tip 4: Show up on time (or early) for everything

When you keep people waiting, you are indicating that you think your time is more important than theirs. This is not a good look.

Tip 5: Dress more professionally than you think you need to

The sad truth is that if you dress the same as your colleagues, you will look less professional than them, because you are a teenager and they are adults. This is not fair, it’s just the way it is.

Make up for it by dressing a bit more professionally than your colleagues.

And finally, bonus advice from your peers at High Tech High Media Arts: