Fall 2024 Internship Etiquette: Q&A

If you’re actively seeking or preparing for an internship, you may already have an idea of just how valuable the experience can be—not only in building your resume—but in solidifying your post-graduate steps. It’s not uncommon for students to tell me they finally declared a minor or decided to add a double major (!!) after completing an especially impactful internship. With more and more students realizing their importance, landing an internship can be quite competitive. How can you stand out in a sea of applicants? And what does it take to shine in your temporary role? We’re answering these questions and more in today’s post. Keep reading for our Fall 2024 Internship Etiquette Q&A.

Q:

I’ve been applying to internships for several months now with no luck. What can I do to get an interview?

A:
You’re not alone! Carolyn Kleiman for ResumeBuilder.com writes, “The competition for the most desirable internships is steep and learning how to stand out when it’s your first time entering the job market is hard.” If you’ve already covered the basics, such as updating your resume and cover letter, researching the company, and applying in ample time, Jennifer Lotito for Forbes recommends using Skillsyncer or Jobscan to “help identify missing keywords so you resume doesn’t get buried in the applicant tracking system.”

Q:

My internship begins Sept. 1st. How can I best prepare to have a great first day and a positive experience?

A:
Congratulations on landing an internship! You’ll want to look your best and arrive on time (with some wiggle room for parking and finding your station). Hopefully, you were provided information about the dress code, or you have a good idea based on those you interacted with during the interview process. Next, you’ll want to continue researching the company and gain a better understanding of the team dynamics. Finally, your positive attitude, creative spirit, and open mind will help your name to travel to the right places.

Q:

I’m excited to begin my internship, but others have cautioned me about the workload. Do you have any tips to manage?

A:
Starting an internship can be thrilling and at times, overwhelming. Getting comfortable with their preferred project management system or process will allow you to break things into tasks and set deadlines for yourself to stay on track or ask for help. Especially if you’re assisting more than one person in a department, it can be tempting to take on too much. Get in the habit of sharing what is on your plate and asking for clarification on the top priority.

Q:

I really want to take advantage of networking opportunities during my internship, but I’m not sure where to begin. Any tips on getting started?

A:
You are a smart student to recognize the role networking can play in your future career! One simple place to start is by introducing yourself to colleagues in different departments. Don’t shy away from attending company events, workshops, or lunch and learns to connect with others in a more casual environment. Practice a short introduction that emphasizes your skills and goals, and don’t hesitate to ask for advice from more seasoned professionals. Connect on LinkedIn to maintain relationships and remember that networking is ongoing and worthwhile.

Q:

I feel like I didn’t learn enough in my previous internship, and I want to be more proactive this fall. How can I make sure I am being challenged?

A:
I can understand how disappointing a slow internship must be, and I am certain that was not their goal. Sometimes team members are too overwhelmed or perfectionistic to train or delegate, but neglecting to do so leaves them in an even tougher spot. Advocate for yourself by speaking with your supervisor, and sharing that you’d like to take on more responsibilities or additional projects that align with your goals. Keep your eyes open for opportunities to shadow colleagues cross-departmentally; sign up to attend training sessions. If you’re still feeling left out, propose a project where you can play an active role.

An internship is great practice in taking self-initiative—you won’t regret being proactive and approaching each day with gratitude and a desire to grow.

You may also like Virtual Internship Etiquette. 

For more information about working with Diane, America’s “Go To” social and professional etiquette authority, please visit The Protocol School of Texas. 

See what Diane is up to by following her on Instagram and Facebook and find etiquette inspiration on her Pinterest account. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, refer to her posts on Inc. and HuffPost.