Intern Like a Pro: Tips to Shine This Summer
Summer internships are more than just a line on your resume, they're a chance to explore potential career paths, build connections and develop real-world skills that will carry over into your future. Whether you’re interning in-person, remotely or in a hybrid format, here are five key tips to help you make the most of your experience this summer.
1. Set Clear Goals from the Start
Before (or early into) your internship, identify what you want to get out of it. Are you looking to improve your specific skills? Understand an industry better? Make connections? Communicate your goals with your supervisor. It shows initiative and helps them support your growth.
2. Stay Organized and Communicative
Internships often come with a variety of tasks and learning opportunities. Use a calendar or task tracker to manage your responsibilities and stay on top of deadlines. Time management apps like Google Calendar, Notion or Todoist can help you prioritize your tasks efficiently.
Also, don’t underestimate the power of professional communication. Check your email regularly, give updates on your progress and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
3. Be Proactive and Inquisitive
Show genuine interest in your work and ask thoughtful questions; it helps you learn and shows you care. If you finish a task early, offer to help with something new or ask for feedback. Take advantage of collaboration tools like Slack or Trello to stay connected and up to speed with your team. Your curiosity and willingness to contribute will stand out.
4. Network, Network, Network
Get to know your coworkers and fellow interns! These relationships can lead to mentorships, job referrals or future opportunities. If you're remote, schedule brief virtual coffee chats. If you're in person, make time for casual conversations. Either way, these connections matter. Bonus tip: Learn a few keyboard shortcuts to navigate emails, calendars and tools more quickly. It may seem small, but it can boost your productivity and make collaboration smoother.
5. Keep an eye on NoleNetwork
As you gain experience this summer, don’t forget to check NoleNetwork, FSU’s job and internship portal. It’s a valuable resource for discovering new opportunities, applying to future internships and connecting with employers who want to hire Seminoles just like you. Logging in regularly can help you plan your next step well before the semester begins.
Whether your internship lasts six weeks or the whole summer, what you put into it will directly impact what you get out of it. Remember, you’re gaining valuable experience that will help shape your career path.
Be sure to check NoleNetwork regularly for upcoming internship opportunities with FSU ITS!
