By: Summer Cabrera

Internships don’t last a lifetime, and if you’re actively looking for one, here are a few tips on how to make the most of your experience.

BE PRESENT- Sometimes it’s hard to leave the past in the past and let the future be in the future. Focusing on the present day/week is one tip that will keep you grounded and focused on the now. To prevent yourself from getting overwhelmed or stressed, work day to day and focus on how you can make today a positive one.

BE A TEAM PLAYER- Whether you’re interning for a big company or small, it is important to go into the internship with the mindset of always being a team player. This can be coming in early, grabbing coffee for the team on a stressful day, going to events outside of office hours, or on your downtime offering assistance wherever it may be needed.

GO TO EVENTS- With any Public Relations internship, an easy and fun way to get connected with your clientele is to go to the events that your company helps them plan and promote. The events are always fun and are a good way to begin networking and showing your agency that you’re a team player, even off the clock.

ASK QUESTIONS- Internships are all about absorbing all of the new information you’re learning. NEVER be afraid to ask questions. One of the biggest takeaways from interning is discovering what you do and don’t like to do. So get out of your comfort zone, try new things, and whenever you don’t understand something…simply ask.

NETWORKING- In this field, you are always meeting new people. It is a blessing to be able to talk and connect with so many people with diverse backgrounds. Take advantage! I have landed all of my internships by having a conversation with someone, who knows someone, who knows someone, who’s looking for an intern. Word of mouth can present the best opportunities.

ALWAYS BE SEARCHING FOR THE NEXT OPPORTUNITY- Internships don’t last a lifetime, so always stay on your toes, searching for that next opportunity. Learn from your current internship what you may want to focus on in your next. And just keep on growing!