The Internship Warehouse....

If you've had me in class or as your advisor, you've heard me say "internships are the most important aspect of your college life." At least, I wish it came out like that. In class I probably swore a few times, and cussed about the "industry". In any case, for those of you who are doing internships right now -- here are a few things you'll want to think about in the midst of the internship experience:

1) Am I happy doing what I'm doing right now?

This is a big one because frankly, what you're doing in your internship is probably what your first job would be like at the place you're interning. If you don't like it, it might be time to think about interning at a different place for your next internship.

2) Am I getting out of this internship what I wanted to?

Again this is another big one. Think back to when you first started your internship. Did you think: I REALLY want to get coffee and make copies constantly. If you did, than read no further. If you didn't, than you need to let your site supervisor know that you are feeling under-utilized, and that you really were hoping you could help out with whatever. As I said in a previous post, many site supervisors are also a reporter/producer/editor, etc... Sometimes they don't have all the time in the world to figure out stuff for you to do that would be beneficial for you. Be upfront and honest with your supervisor, without being snotty or arrogant. Remember, in a newsroom, you are the lowest form of life right now. Be gracious in everything you do.

3) Talk to your site supervisor about your goals on a weekly basis.

This also means asking for advice and listening to your supervisor's war stories. Believe me, it helps to listen and learn. These people (for the most part) know what they're talking about. As an aside, I've noticed that students in college right now rely so much on e-mail, etc... to settle everything. One of the most important skills to learn in an internship is "people skills." Learn how to manage situations with those you work with in a face to face, upfront manner. It can be tough to do, but it is SO much better than e-mail. And those in the woking world right now, who are my age or older expect face to face talks about sensitive things. Never e-mail a complaint, it shows that you don't know how to stick up for yourself in person.

Okay... deep breath -- back to the topic at hand. If you chat with your supervisor each week, tell them what you want to be doing. "Hey, I'd really like to sit in on the morning meeting" or "I would love to learn how to edit!" whatever it may be, let them know so they can help you achieve your goals.

4) NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK

Probably the most important thing you can do at an internship. Since you've honed your people skills at this point, you've had a few drinks with co-workers, and you truly feel like you're part of the team it's time to kick it into overdrive. As the end of your internship nears, you've got to start trying to make a relationship that will last longer than just the summer.

Get e-mail addresses, but also get work phone numbers. It's important to keep in touch with these people. If there's one thing journalists love, it's gossip. If you network with these people, and keep in touch, and tell them about your career, and the newspaper or TV station you're working for now, they'll eat it up. You would be AMAZED at how many people your site supervisor knows. They will help open doors for you if you keep in touch with them. One of the best things I can do for students, or people starting out (and it's the same for site supervisors) is help get them that first job. We were all in that position once, and know how hard it can be. Using your site supervisor as a resource is the smartest and best thing you can do as an intern.

As always, write to me... I love to get mail. Anything happened at your internship that you're not sure to handle? Have a funny story you want to share? Send it along and we can talk about it.