Even in well-run internship programs, you may have down time. This is when you should volunteer yourself to do things. Don’t just wait to be assigned things. Motivation dwindles quickly when you’re not being challenged. So, create opportunities to learn, grow your skills, and make the most of your experience.
- If you’re in a meeting where some next steps are being decided, offer to get things started.
- If you notice someone is particularly busy, identify tasks you can take on to lighten their load.
- Come to meetings having done previous research and/or getting up to speed about the project.
- Ask around and see if there are some side projects people have been meaning to do, but haven’t gotten around to. Make sure to frame it as “I’d love to help…” rather than “I have nothing better to do, so…”
Seek out opportunities
Especially if you will not be in an established, formal internship program, there may not be a ton of structure. So, take control of your situation and do what you can to reach your summer learning goals. Ask to sit in on meetings, attend brainstorming sessions, or participate in the company’s core work. Propose ideas. Ask to attend speakers or take advantage of professional development opportunities.
