| Tips from the Intern Queen |
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| Written by Lauren Berger | |
| Tuesday, May 22 2007 | |
 Our resident intern expert, The Intern Queen, offers wise words and timeless tips on how to impress in the workplace and get the most out of your summer internship.1. SHOW SOME CONFIDENCE On your first day, show them what you are made of – shake hands with everyone (if you are a girl, you better learn how to give a firm handshake. You want to match the other person’s grip). Look people in the eye. Introduce yourself to everyone you meet. Make sure they know your first and last name. You want them to remember you. Speak clearly and don’t mumble (cause that’s a fumble). 2. ASK QUESTIONS The biggest mistakes I’ve made in the workplace have stemmed from making assumptions about how people want things done. Each employee will have a different work style and a different way they want things done. Ask as many questions as you need to and make sure you have a clear understanding of what the task is and what is expected of you. 3. DRESS THE PART Show up to your internship dressed for the job you want. If you want to be a top executive - dress like it. Don’t appear sloppy. Don’t wear flip-flops, and if everyone else in the company isn’t wearing jeans – keep your denims at home. Appearance does matter in these situations. Remember, you are representing the company. FOR GIRLS: Remember that work and clubs are two separate things. Hooker shoes, low-cut shirts, and low-slung pants should be left at home. FOR GUYS: Although I’m a fan of the “scruffy” look – that doesn’t mean employers are. Go to work clean-shaven and press your shirts. Learn about your local dry-cleaner, and don’t dress like you’re going fishing. 4. DON”T SCREW AROUND Myspace and facebook are very cool and very addicting, but they just aren’t cool to play on all day at work. People notice the interns that complete their tasks and don’t have their instant messenger icon open all day at work. Don’t let yourself get distracted. Focus on completing your assignments – that will impress your superiors. 5. STICK AROUND Don’t be the intern that comes in late and asks to leave early. As an intern, your hours are more than likely shortened already. Arrive on time – if not a few minutes early – and stick around. Don’t let yourself get obsessed with leaving at a certain time. Make yourself available to help out, and when others don’t volunteer for an assignment, raise your hand and get to it. 6. MAKE CLEAR COPIES This might sound silly BUT as an intern one of your number one tasks will be MAKING COPIES. Possibly one of the most boring tasks I can think of, but you have to do it correctly. Make sure you make straight copies (make sure the paper is even on the face of the copy machine). Make sure you make the right amount of copies and, if you are collating pages, that they are properly collated. I can’t count the amount of times where I was yelled at for my copies being crooked or some pages being missing off a script. Double check your work to avoid these mistakes. For more helpful hints and tips on the perfect internship, visit www.internqueen.com Happy interning!! Comments
(16)
I used it
written by Sarah H. , June 13, 2007
This may sound stupid but half the stuff in the article is great advice - and I read her last article also... I didn't know how to go about interning - this has really helped. thanks.
Intern Queen
written by Jared Brenamen , June 13, 2007
Why do people care ? The girl helps people get internships... what is wrong with that ? And her advice is good..
Okay
written by Mona , June 08, 2007
Anyone praising the holy name of the Intern Queen is a liar. Sorry, but it's true. And the Intern Queen has to be the lamest name and position on the planet. I'm glad everyone seems to take such offense to the truth though. Keep denying it, if you want. Maybe I'll give you a job someday.
...
written by Meg , May 24, 2007
I went to the same university as the Intern Queen, and she helped me get an internship in DC and now I have a job at the White House. But Jonie I am sure things are going good for you too.
Negative people are unhappy
written by Carrie B. , May 24, 2007
I just want to say that I completely agree with Bethany and James on, one, how insightful and helpful this column is, and, two, how great the Intern Queen is as I've read about her as well and have heard about all that she's accomplished thus far. Perhaps you negative people are hating on her because you wish you were intern kings and queens yourselves, but too bad, there's only one, and she's fantastic. You go Intern Queen, keep doing your thing!
at least
written by Kate Hanley , May 24, 2007
at least Migs has a sense of humor - jonie is just silly
Great Tips Lauren.
written by Michelle , May 24, 2007
For the record, she does have a grown-up job and pretty good one at that. Pretty sure she got it from making contacts during those internships.
Interns Rule
written by Migs , May 24, 2007
I hear that the intern queen actually is a huge bitch in real life. In fact, I heard that this one time, she was crossing the street and passed by a little kid and just kicked him in the face for no reason. Seriously...Jonie C., I think you're got this one pegged.
Interning
written by Kate Hanley , May 24, 2007
I'm interning at BROWSER PUBLIC RELATIONS in Denver this summer. I will try hard not to play on facebook! haha
Really?
written by Samantha Greenberg , May 24, 2007
Is all of this fuss over interning ? I like the advice
HOT
written by Pete Manchurch , May 24, 2007
I kinda like this girl...
Smart Comment
written by James G. , May 24, 2007
I like Bethany.
Bitch?
written by Bethany B. , May 24, 2007
Wow Jonie C. , you're quite harsh! Not sure where the "Bitch" came from. As you may know, interning is pretty important as far as getting experience in the work place. I think that interning while they are in college IS a full time job, don't you think? It is interning that brings careers... Perhaps Jonie C., if you interned, you could learn to communicate a little better, rather than spitting out "bitch" at the end of a sentence. Not sure where that gets you in life!
Glad my name isn't Jonie.
written by James G. , May 24, 2007
I read this article and thought she had a lot of great things to say. I also read about her in Seventeen Magazine last year. Obviously she is doing something right.
Not so Nice
written by Tracy Shelling , May 24, 2007
I happen to be a fan of this article - I think the tips are great and I will take them to my summer internship with me - this Jonie person is probably jealous - I also found the Intern Queen Blog on www.womenentrepreneur.com really cool. Thanks Lauren!
Enthralling
written by Jonie C. , May 24, 2007
This article is about as inciteful as a puddle of mud. And I don't mean the band. I actually mean an actual puddle of mud (hence, the single d at the end). Perhaps instead of being a full-time intern, the Intern Queen could step up and actually get a real job? Bitch...
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