
Being a good intern (that is, one who’s likely to get great references or, even better, get offered a full-time job) requires a lot of attention to detail. But generally speaking, you’ll succeed if you work hard and ask the right questions. And for those stickier situations, we’ve got your back. Read on for our time-tested solutions to tricky internship issues. read more. webcomputerworld
How do I improve my relationship with my boss?
First of all, if you feel like your boss doesn’t love you, please don’t take it personally. Your boss is a busy person, and the situation likely has nothing to do with you. Just like other employees, supervisors get stressed by work deadlines, personal issues, and their boss. That being said, here are a few tips to improve your professional relationship with your boss:
Complete all your assignments quickly and accurately. Get to
work early, stay late when needed, ask to attend additional meetings, and make
it clear that you’re a dedicated intern. Then, ask your boss what else you can
do to help them—or, better yet, identify ways in which you can streamline
processes or support current projects. Perhaps the two of you can collaborate
on a project; working together is a great way to improve your professional and
personal relationship.
Show your gratitude. Saying “thank you” can go a long way.
Be sure to thank your boss for the internship opportunity and let them know
that you appreciate their mentorship and support.
Take the initiative and set up a meeting with your boss to
discuss your concerns. Now, this doesn’t mean waltzing into their office and
moaning, “Why do you hate me?” Instead, set aside 30 minutes on their calendar.
Ahead of the conversation, prepare an agenda that covers your most-pressing
concerns. Then, present the agenda to your boss before the meeting, ensuring
that they have ample time to reflect on the questions.
At the meeting, ask specific questions to ensure you stay on track. Listen respectfully, refrain from interrupting or making excuses, and take notes as a sign of your commitment to change. Before the meeting ends, ask your boss to help you draft revised expectations, so you have a clear way to assess your performance going forward.
How do I graduate from getting coffee?
It’s the classic internship stereotype: You work your butt off to get an internship and end up picking up lattes and making copies. But before you say no to getting coffee, let’s look at a few factors.
Reread the description of your internship, checking
carefully to see if being a runner (that is, a worker who provides assistance
wherever it is needed) is included. If not, you have the grounds (we had to
throw in a coffee pun!) to ask your supervisor if certain unskilled tasks are
your legitimate responsibility. They may be unaware that you’re doing daily
coffee runs and can arrange to have you reassigned to more instructive
projects.
If coffee runs fall under your scope of responsibility, use
it as a networking tool. After all, it’s a good opportunity to get to know your
coworkers and build your relationships. Someone has to get the coffee, and if
you’re the most junior person in the office, it’ll probably be you. You might
as well smile, be pleasant, and get to know who likes cream and sugar. When you
deliver that next caramel macchiato to the CFO, strike up a
conversation—everyone likes to chat over coffee! You could find yourself asked
to conduct research for that next big project as a result.
Take into account whether your internship is paid or unpaid.
If it’s paid, you probably don’t have a strong case for refusing to get coffee
unless your work description specifically says so. After all, even full-time
employees get coffee sometimes! Rather than finding the duty demeaning or
discriminatory, consider it a rite of passage. It can also be a test to see how
you fit in with the company culture. Are you a team player or not? Chef Thomas
Keller, of the acclaimed restaurant Per Se, has been known to clean dishes when
things are backed up.
Research alternatives. Perhaps there’s a self-service option or a delivery company in the neighborhood. Look for a new high-tech coffee machine that would be fun to use, allowing everyone to make their own coffee. Present your ideas to your supervisor, who will decide how to proceed.
How should I handle work social events?
We get it: You want to have fun, relax, and unwind at work social events. But remember, a happy hour with your colleagues is still a work event. The atmosphere might be chill, but you need to keep things professional. Here are a few tips to stay calm, cool, and collected during work social events:
Dress for success. When you’re out with friends, wear all
the plunging necklines, eye-catching prints, and statement accessories you
want. But this is a work function, so dress conservatively.
If you aren’t 21, don’t have that glass of wine. If you are
old enough to legally drink alcohol, limit your intake. And if you’re a ligh. read more. healthnutritionhints