Lessons from the Intern Queen

Earlier this week, I read an article (tweeted by Duncan) about the Intern Queen, Laura Berger.



Laura had 15 internships during her 4 years of college. The highlights? Internships at MTV, FOX, BWR Public Relations, and NBC.

Now, she's the CEO of her own online company, Intern Queen Inc., that "helps students find and apply for internships while also educating them on how to make the most of their experiences". She also goes around and speaks to students on campuses across the US. (I think we should bring her to RRC).

The site has been so successful, she was recently listed number 5 on Business Week's Young Entrepreneurs 25 under 25.


She's got some great blog posts about how to get internships, but since our class will be coordinated with our final internships, I decided to share her post on how to behave on your internship. Enjoy!



What To Do and What NOT To Do During Your Internship

During the first week of an internship, you should arrive on time. An email should be sent to your hiring manager asking about parking, food, dress, etc one week prior to your first day at the job.

If you are sitting at your desk with nothing to do you should approach your employer and ask if there is anything you can do to help. If they don’t need help ask if there is anyone else in the office you can help.

Whenever you meet someone in passing, you should introduce yourself. If you are in the breakroom with others don’t be afraid to extend your hand and meet everyone around you. When you go back to your desk write down their name. If you aren’t sure of their last name try to look on your company directory and figure it out. Once you know the person’s first and last name, try to get their email address. Keep this information stored so that at the end of your internship or job you have all of your contacts properly stored .

Whenever your boss calls you into their office, go in with a pen and paper. NEVER go in their office without a pen and paper. This shows that you take your job seriously and that you begin each task with a sense of urgency and importance.

Don’t sit on Myspace, Facebook, or LinkedIN while on the job. Make it a point to keep your personal social activities separate from work.

Don’t give close friends your work email account. Have them email your personal account. This will help you to separate your work from your play.

(Photo from mixergy.com)