There are many different ways to expand your knowledge when you’re at the beginning of your career. A common option for young professionals is through an internship with a company specializing in their field of study. Most internships are short-term, and help you gain hands-on professional experience before joining the workforce. As for myself, I was already half a year into my marketing career and having difficulty finding my “niche” within the industry. After numerous conversations, endless research, and networking, I was put in contact with Muse about a Public Relations internship. For the last three months, I have worked alongside the Muse Group and can proudly say that I’ve found my niche and passion within the marketing industry. With that being said, here are 6 ways I maximized my internship experience:

Make sure you set clear and concise goals

When you begin your internship, have an idea of what you want to get out of it. Discuss your goals with your mentor and come up with a plan on how to reach those goals. 

Be proactive

This is KEY to remember during your internship. Don’t be afraid to take initiative and complete a task that’s been given. Remaining confident in your abilities, volunteering for projects, and working as a team during your internship are going to tremendously help you out in the long run. 

Networking

As a young professional, it is so important to make connections with anyone and everyone. With that being said, when you meet someone new, treat it as though it’s an interview. This person could very well be your next boss, friend, mentor, or even connect you with someone who can help you and your career. Start now and build up a strong network that can help you secure future job opportunities and overall knowledge within your industry.

Consistently educate yourself

I learn something new nearly every single day that I can apply to my career and everyday life. When you push yourself every day and attain knowledge, you also gain the power to achieve many great things. Use this not only for your internship but in your everyday life.

Ask for feedback

Receiving feedback will help you understand what you are doing well and what you can improve on. Your internship is meant to help you, not hurt you so don’t stress about the constructive feedback as it’s given to help you succeed. 

Document your achievements

When you’re just starting out in your career, you most likely don’t have much work to show your future employers. Keep a record of your projects, achievements, and skills to showcase in your resume when applying for future job opportunities.

There are so many great ways to maximize your internship opportunities. These six are personally the ones that helped me the most when it came to my digital marketing internship here at Muse. Always remember that what you give into something is what you’re going to get out of it. Go into your internship eager and ready to learn, follow these 6 tips, and I guarantee you will complete your internship feeling confident and ready to for the next steps in your career as a young professional.