Nine common mistakes by interns

But there may be some mistakes that you can make during your internship that should be avoided at any cost. Here the author will be listing nine common mistakes by interns.

The business environment is different from university and hence it is important that you understand this and avoid common mistakes that interns normally make during internship. Here are some tips on how to avoid the top nine internship mistakes and make the most out of your internship experience.

Have you set the Expectations?
Setting the expectations about the internship: both the employers and yours. It is a good idea to agree upon your job responsibilities in writing before you start on the internship.

Have you taken advantage of Orientation?
Most organizations give you some orientation to adjust to the new environment. Use this time to at the beginning of your Internship and ask lots of questions. You are not expected to know what is going on right away, but the faster you learn the ups and down of daily life on the job, the better off you’ll be.

Are you taking regular performance feedback from your guide?
If you are not taking regular performance feedback during your internship - you are missing valuable feedback to correct yourself midway of the internship. Sunil K - leading internship expert and publisher of Internship in India website www.indianinternship.com says - “Meet regularly with your supervisor to ensure that both of your expectations are being met. This is a right way to get feedback on your performance and helps to keep you on track with current and future Projects.”

Have you made a very good First impression?
First impression is everlasting. First impressions are very important and are as important as maintaining good ones. It is important for you to dress, speak, write, and generally behave like a professional. Shake hands, make eye contact, smile, and be friendly and confident. Remember the first impression that you create on the first day of your internship will be long lasting in the mid of your supervisor.

Are you a good observer during internship?
You have to be a good observer and you must be observant and ask questions frequently about appropriate behavior at the work place. Different organizations have different expectations regarding employee behavior and it is important that you learn about and conform to the corporate culture. This can include issues such as appropriate clothing, demeanor with customers, personal phone calls, and where to park your car. If you aren’t sure ask first. When in doubt, err on the conservative side.

Are you working on communication skills?
When on internship you have to focus on your communication skills, both written and verbal. Proofread your written work carefully. When communicating with your coworkers choose respectful, tactful, and professional language at all times.

Are you Punctual?
Being punctual is one of the most expected quality that supervisors look for from interns. You have to show up to work on time, when you are expected. Call if you are going to be sick or late. Don’t be sick or late often. Choose your sick days with care; it will be noticed if you are not at work on important days.

Do you maintain good relationship with Your Co-workers?
Have you established good relationships with your coworkers during your summer training? Are you friendly, polite, helpful, and sensitive? It’s good to talk with your coworkers and get to know them but beware of gossiping and complaining. Be careful about bringing personal business to work, and be sure that what you do discuss is fit for public consumption.

Have you taken the recommendation letter?
You have worked hard and have done good work in your summer internship. Now why you should not take a recommendation letter? When you leave, be sure to ask your supervisor for a letter of recommendation after submitting the internship report and keep in touch so that you can call upon him/her later when you are in need of a reference. This will also help your supervisor keep you in mind when future opportunities arise.

So before you take the plunge onto internship use the above tips to avoid the nine internship mistakes that interns normally make.

About Author: Sunil K writes regularly on topics like Summer internship and Career Management. Sunil regularly contributes to websites www.indianinternship.com and www.careercola.com