INTERN SPECIAL ...................5 WAYS TO - Stand Out at Your Internship

5 WAYS TO - Stand Out at Your Internship





An internship can be an excellent way to spend time and learn in a real corporate environment, network with the industry and sharpen your professional capabilities. Interns receive a hands-on experience of the professional atmosphere and exposure to skills that could never have been learnt in a classroom setting. Brinda Dasgupta brings you suggestions from experts on how to excel at your internship.

1 First Impression

The first day of the internship is crucial. Be a quick learner, who is inquisitive and adaptable to the corporate culture, and align yourself with the overall corporate objectives. “Demonstrate that you can be a good brand ambassador for the company and show critical analytical thinking skills to add value to the project you have been assigned,“ said Githa Heggde, senior associate dean at WeSchool in Bengaluru.

2 Show Passion

A good intern is one who displays enthusiasm along with a sincere and professional attitude. Being new to the field, you are not expected to have faultless knowledge, but employers like working with individuals who are eager to learn. “Don't be afraid to ask questions, soak up as much as you can and offer a helping hand to other employees. Show flexibility and go the extra mile; this will show you as passionate and reliable,“ said Pallavi Jha, chairperson of Dale Carnegie Training India.

3 Good Attitude

Conduct yourself just as you would in a full-time job. Simple things like doing your homework prior to meetings and assignments, and being on time to work can make a big difference.“The impression you leave on the company you're interning at will be of utmost importance when you're finally hunting for a full-time job, either to get rehired by the same organisation or to receive a solid recommendation from them,“ said Jha.

4 Do Research

Be sure to read up on the company to understand the business and the industry. “This shows that you're well-informed and that you're taking the internship seriously, increasing your chances of being given more responsibility, and thereby, more exposure,“ said Jha.

5 Be A Learner

Chalk out some key areas that you need to learn about and some skills which you would like to sharpen. “Orient yourself to use the know-how and insights gained during the period for decision-making and substantiate a chosen career path,“ said Heggde.

ET22APR16