Getting your first internship definitely ranks as one of the most important events in your life. Suddenly, you’re a proud member of the end-of-the-month credit-alert-expectant WhatsApp group.
An internship is much more than just earning a salary though, so we’ve compiled the expo you need to crush your internship, just because we’re your guys and all that.
Dress the part
Oh, you thought Mark Nsukka bread was your boss? Please find out if there’s a dress code and prepare accordingly.
Be prepared to do more than your job description
You might be great at doing more than one thing, so you become the one everyone calls upon for any and everything.
Intentionality is everything
An internship is a learning opportunity, so you need to seek out opportunities to learn. Don’t sit down waiting for someone to teach you because it might never happen.
Bring the right energy
Don’t let the new pressure of adulting get you discouraged. Bringing the right energy to work is almost as important as actually doing the work.
Build a network
Good professional relationships don’t just fall on people, so use the internship as an opportunity. Offer to help that sales guy on your team or talk to the marketing lady during lunch.
Don’t take on too much at a time
Learn to pace yourself, so you don’t take on too many tasks at once and then fail to deliver on any.
Have fun
You’re already on your way to building a fulfilling career, so make sure to enjoy yourself along the way as well.
Pro tip: It’ll also help you interact better and actually become lasting friends with your colleagues. Remember that bit about networking?
Ready to start a fulfilling career? We’ve got you covered.
The Youth of Enterprise (YOE) Internship Programme, sponsored by EnterpriseNGR, intends to help young Nigerians build employability skills to land great career opportunities and provide them with real workplace experience. You’ll actually get paid to do important work, not spend the whole time buying amala for senior colleagues.
SIGN UP FOR FREE to join the YOE Internship Programme to get the professional competence you need to kick-start your career.
