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The Secret Value of Your Internship

If you are one of the lucky few to have the opportunity to participate in an internship, you have a serious advantage.  The value of your internship isn’t just visible through job-specific activities, it’s the less obvious day-to-day functions that can often benefit you the most. Here are some of the areas you should pay close attention to during your internship as you approach your professional career.

1)  Learn Outlook.  – How do you send an email, reserve a conference room, and create a meeting invite?

2)  Be aware of your wardrobe - If you aren’t sure what is or isn’t appropriate for a specific setting, ask someone — don’t assume!  However, a good rule of thumb is, if you have to ask… you already know the answer.

3)  Observe your surroundings and adapt accordingly – You can learn a great deal by simply paying attention.  When you are in a meeting, look around the room and take note of what others are doing.  Chances are they aren’t playing on their cell phones or sleeping. 

4)   Ask Questions – People want to know that you are interested in what you’re working on or being taught.  Asking questions is one of the best and easiest ways to demonstrate curiosity and expand your knowledge.

 5)   Network, network, network! - You never know when an amazing opportunity could come your way.  Say hello to everyone you see.  Introduce yourself.  Ask them about their jobs.  Get to know them.  The more you make yourself visible and network, the more doors you will open.

If you truly want to get the most out of your internship, think outside the box.  It’s not just about learning how to perform your job, but acquiring the professional skills you need to be successful in any setting.

Sarah Duncan is an Account Executive at Moroch. Follow Moroch on Twitter at @MorochAgency.

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