By: Aubry Hawks, Account Coordinator

Let’s face it, getting your internship took a lot of work, tons of emails and endless amounts of networking. Now, you’ve finally made it! Nothing can stop that uncomfortable feeling you get when walking into your first day at your new internship. We’ve all been there. Your hopes are high as well as your nerves. You wake up an extra hour early and try on what seems like 300 hundred outfits. On top of all your anxiety, the secretary politely tells you that you’ve parked in the boss’s spot. Go ahead and slap that sticker across your head that screams, “I’m New.”

Relax, it’s only your first day and no one expects you to be perfect. It takes time to get the hang of everything and soon it will feel less overwhelming. From my personal experience, you’re either the only intern in the office or you could be one of a 100. So, what can you do to stand out in your new internship? Here are four tips that I’ve come up with that will help you become the MVP intern of the office.

  1. Be active and take initiative- Once you feel comfortable with your daily tasks, you should always ask your superiors for new projects or additional ways to help out. By asking for more tasks, you will appear trustworthy and reliable.
  2. Don’t let your title as ‘intern’ hold you back- Just because you’re underpaid or unpaid doesn’t mean you should only do what’s in your job description. When you prove yourself to be valuable to a company they will recognize your commitment to them. Keep in mind that what you do during your internship can have the potential to inspire your boss to hire you.
  3. Take notes- Whether it’s your first day or your 150th day, be sure to write everything down when your co-workers, boss or clients give you directions. This will let them know that you take their assignments seriously and that you respect their valuable time. Your ability to take notes can help you stay on top of the game. I always carry a notebook around with me and re-type my notes into a Word document, which helps me stay organized.
  4. Network- Utilize every meeting with outside companies to promote yourself. A good tip is to bring your business card, have an elevator speech about yourself prepared and bring your A-game. The way you hold yourself and who you connect with could potentially lead to a future job.

Nobody likes the feeling of being new, but don’t let that stop you from reaching your full potential. What you do during your internship will carry on with you for the rest of your professional life. Your first day might seem scary or overwhelming, but if you consider adopting my four tips, you will be on your way to becoming the MVP intern. You can do it!