12 Dos and Donts For Interns

By Lorra M. Brown | Posted: March 9, 2012

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When the semester began in January, I was busy sending credit verification letters to internship sites for my students. It is timely to include a short list of tips for student interns. Here are some dos and donts for interns: Dont ever enter a meeting, even an informal drop by from your manager, without a notebook and pen. Dont be afraid to tell your manager youd like to be busyask for more work. Dont be a social media or text addict, checking your status and phone can wait. Dont leave for lunch or at the end of the day without checking with your boss or peers to see if they need help with anything before you go.

Dont decorate your cube with college party pictures; you are a working adult now. Dont party. You may be at a fun work function or event, but you are working (regardless of how much fun your bosses may seem to be having). Do proofread everything. No matter how mundane the task or email may seem, attention to detail and pride of ownership will pay off. Do take initiative and come up with ideas for projects, pitches, organization, etc. Show your value. Great ideas can come from anywhere, including the intern. Do ask questions and ask for clarification if you are unsure of an assignment. Asking your manager to help you prioritize is wise, too. Do provide short check-in emails or updates to your manager regarding the status of projects. Do solicit feedback and ask for areas in which you need to improve. Do treat this as a job audition. Most companies are looking at you as a possible future colleague. Lorra M. Brown is an assistant professor of public relations/professional communication at William Paterson University in Wayne, N.J. She serves as the internship coordinator and advisor to the Student Public Relations Association. Prior to her faculty position, she held senior-level positions at Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide and Weber Shandwick Worldwide.