How to make the most of your internship

Think of yourself as a smug graduate with a fresh degree in hand ready to tackle the problems of the world, rush up the corporate ladder at breakneck speed and enjoy the good life that is part and parcel of being the bossman. But problem is every future boss, be it a Fortune 500 CEO or a master craftsman, has to start at the bottom as the apprentice – the novice Karate Kid on his way to become the future Mister Miyagi if you will. You learn the tricks of the trade and the ways of the real world that you never knew because you were too busy singing We Don't Need to Education in class. The day arrives for your entry to the real world and with neatly parted hair and a new shiny suit you enter your internship. 

As Tasnima Haque Orin, an IBA graduate and Management Trainee, HR from BAT sums up neatly, "For a fresh graduate about to finish his studies, internships can mean prospect at jobs, working with experienced professionals or just a look at how the industry they're interested in works." To make the most out of this opportunity, whether you want to stay back as a regular employee or buff up your CV for bigger prospects, here's a few things to keep in mind.

Do your homework

You do not want to be the new guy in the office who walks in completely clueless, no idea about what it is you are supposed to be doing there. Before your internship, talk to the company – ask questions about the company, what is expected of you, how much you can contribute. This not only gives you a mental preparation of the days ahead, you also come across as someone genuinely interested.

Before your internship begins, spend time knowing more details about the company – on busy days, before your co-workers even know you, it is unlikely they will take the time to explain everything in great detail. Better to be prepared.

To Sajid Ali Khan, an engineering major who interned at a generator assembling company, the proper homework is very important.

"You will be assigned to a particular department in the organisation. When you go home, try to gain some knowledge from books or the internet on your specific internship area, so that you can make the most out of this."

“Man who catch fly with chopstick accomplish anything.” If initially you are not given major roles, do not slack off

Yes, you are expected to work

Paid or not, the internship for the most part is an opportunity for you. If you treat it like a play-job, show up whenever and browse Facebook all day, don't expect the company to go out of their way to give you a good recommendation.

You are there to find out how the environment works, to be a helping hand and get to know organisation culture.

"There have been many bright people who've come to BAT, liked what they did, got an insight into how the industry works and joined us," says Orin. If initially you are not given major roles, do not slack off. Show up in time, act professional like a proper employee and show interest in your work. You will learn the most from the experience when you are in a role that resembles what you would hopefully be doing full-time in the future.

Find a mentor

Shadid Rahman, an IBA student and currently an intern for a major telecom company, speaking of his experience says that at first the interns would just go and sit around, waiting for work. When he was assigned to the marketing desk, he managed to develop a good relation with his supervisor.

This is important. When you have your own personal Mister Miyagi, chances are they will take an interest in your work, guide you and put you in rewarding roles. The effects of this last even after the internship ends – your mentors will be able to guide you throughout your career whether you are in the same organisation or move on.

Take initiative

It does not really matter how big or well-known the organisation you are interning for is – employers will look at what you did and learned in the internship. When looking for new candidates, employers will see if you "were you involved in a new project or just spent the afternoons lazing around," according to Orin.

Be respectful of the work that you are given and to your supervisors. But at the same time, take initiative and if you have any opinion then share it. Shaer, an economics student from DU while interning for a major think tank, saw the lack of proper PR activities and suggested they take out a monthly publication that could be shared with clients. His boss loved the idea and soon he was the intern who was given a paid job of bringing out the whole newsletter. His initiative not only led to a paid job, but he was able to make a position for himself in the organisation that was largely unfulfilled.

Don't be the guy who sulks in the corner

You are not there only to learn about the work involved – getting familiar with the work environment is just as important. Interact with the employees, develop connections as you would in any place you work. This will help you to form a better network and chances are your co-workers will be able to teach you a lot more about the industry from their experience.

"Starting from the production manager to diploma engineers, everyone helped and guided me in my work. Each and every day I learned something new from the employees of the company," says Sajid.

No knowledge is wasted

The concept of an internship is sadly lost on some organisations in Bangladesh. You might be given unnecessary work to keep you busy or random clerical work that makes you question the importance of your degree. Don't. No knowledge is wasted – even if you're not drafting the next quarter's plans, you will still be in the environment. This in itself is a learning experience. Be a good observer and learn all there is to it.

Fahmida, another engineering graduate interning at a telecom company says, "Learn and take in every single thing that you are taught. No knowledge is a waste." Or as Mister Miyagi would say to the bashful novice that is you: wax on, wax off.

Writer is Online Journalist at The Daily Star and a junior at the Institute of Business Administration, University of Dhaka