Good Internships Are Like Broadway Productions

You're ready to start your internship but you may be asking, "How do I make sure I have a great experience?" Well, internships are similar to Broadway plays. Like a successful stage producer, you must pay attention to the players, scenery, finale and reviews. Here's how to ensure your internship steals the show.

Know the Players and Their Roles

The Intern (That's You)

• Always be on time for work, meetings and assignment deadlines. Use a calendar to keep track of each.
• Discuss your responsibilities with your supervisor so expectations are clear.
• Discuss the days you'll need off in the beginning. Include your school vacation and exam schedule. If you are planning to be away, your boss needs to know.

Your Supervisor

• Know your boss's preferred method of communication -- email, written notes or phone.
• Ask specific questions about a project rather than risk completing it incorrectly.
• Is your boss a morning person who needs coffee before focusing on the day's work? Does your boss travel on certain days? Knowing these factors will facilitate communication as well as your working relationship.
• Will your boss include you in meetings and client conferences?

Your Coworkers

Get to know the people with whom you are working. Invite them to lunch or ask about the pictures on their desks, but don't gossip around the water cooler. You don't have to be best friends with them, but it will certainly make your work environment more comfortable and enjoyable.

The Office Manager

A good relationship with the office manager will make your stage a more productive arena, because he is the go-to person when you need something. You may also perform some administrative duties under the office manager's wing. This person's input will likely affect your final evaluation and, potentially, future employment prospects at the company.

Notice the Scenery

Your office should be comfortable, but don't count on having an office with a door or mahogany desk. Realistically, you will probably work in a cubicle or open space. Be flexible.

When It's Time to Exit Stage Left

Leaving the stage is hard after the audience has enjoyed your performance.

When your internship has ended, good-byes can be difficult, but remember:

• The best way to say good-bye is with personal thank-you notes to your supervisor or other coworkers. This is a great way for them to remember you, especially when a new entry-level position becomes available.
• Get a letter of recommendation from your boss while you're still an intern. If you ask after you leave, your boss may forget or have changed jobs.
• Ask for feedback about your performance. If you are conducting your internship for credit, you will likely be required to have your supervisor write a formal evaluation as part of your grade. If not, set aside time with your boss, well in advance, to receive feedback.

Exiting is easy when the audience just didn't get the punch lines.

Everybody's a critic. It's always best to part with grace and dignity if your internship didn't work out, or your relationship with your boss or coworkers wasn't what you'd wanted. Thank your employer for the opportunity, even if you'd feel more comfortable doing so in a letter.

Resist the temptation to exit with a few choice words for your boss. Burning a bridge with an employer or coworker can burn you in the future. You never know when or under what circumstances you may see this person again.

After the Show Is Over, Write a Review

Write in a journal at least once a week to help you reflect upon your experience and decide what's important in your next internship or job. It will also prove invaluable when you update your resume or go on future internship or job interviews.

Be sure to write about your duties, but also consider:

• What duties did you enjoy most? Least?
• What new skills did you develop?
• What was your most important contribution?
• Would you recommend this internship to others? Why or why not?

The stage is yours. Make the most of it.

© 2008 MonsterTRAK