10 Tips to Help with Your New Job/Internship
Starting a new job or internship can be stressful. Learning the names of your new coworkers, getting your work done on time, and impressing your boss all at the same time is hard! It’s important to remember that your job or internship isn’t only about the impact you have on others. It’s also about the impact it has on you.
Making the most of your experience is an essential way to learn and grow in your professional life. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your job/internship:
- Research your company. Before starting a new job/internship, research and read about your new organization to help you better understand its values and work culture.
- Never be late. If your job/internship requires you to commute, make sure you leave with more than enough time to get there. This can help with unexpected occurrences like traffic, your favorite coffee shop being swamped, or car troubles. Always stay in touch with your employer if something goes wrong; do not go M.I.A.!
- Always do your best work. This is especially true for an internship role. Sometimes, internships can lead to a full-time position. When you approach each day with genuine curiosity and a willingness to grow, you’ll leave a lasting impression on your employer. This will help you grow your professional network and build your references list.
- Connect with past Miami interns. Whether you have questions or just want to have a meaningful conversation, seeking advice from students who previously held your position can give you a leg-up. Use Miami Alumni Connect, LinkedIn, and Handshake to form these connections.
- Respond promptly to every email you receive. After onboarding, you should respond as soon as you can to any emails from your employer. Not responding to your emails is the number-one way to annoy your coworkers. Plus, this is the perfect opportunity to showcase your professionalism and organization!
- Keep in touch with your coworkers, past or present. Use LinkedIn as a sort of “career Instagram.” It’s a great way to keep in touch with previous and current coworkers. These connections may become mentors or even references in the future.
- Get out of your comfort zone. If you’re not nervous, you may not be setting yourself up for lasting success. Getting out of your comfort zone is the only way to learn new skills and grow your confidence. Even when an opportunity seems like too much, approach each day with a growth mindset, a positive attitude, and a drive to help yourself. You’ll find you can accomplish much more than you think!
- Ask for clarity. For both full-time and internship positions, asking your employer questions is a great way to grow. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you don’t know how to do something; remember, everyone was new once! Also, if you have questions about what happens after your internship, don’t be afraid to ask your employer for clarity about your next steps, such as if you’ll have a chance to interview for another internship or a full-time position.
- Meet with your career advisor. Don’t forget your Miami career advisor can help you at your job/internship every step of the way! You can schedule a virtual meeting with them at any time (outside of university holidays) if you need additional support or guidance.
- Have fun. A job/internship is a fantastic way to figure out what interests you or what roles you enjoy performing. Pay attention to what makes you feel fulfilled.
All of these tips are great ways to set yourself up for success in the long run. It’s easy to fall into the habit of wanting to impress others, but at the end of the day, really consider what a job/internship has done to impact you and your future as a professional. Good luck with your new role!
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Lexie Schulze | Class of 2025