The right way to start an internship

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T.O.T.D.: Starting Strong 

RoadMap’s “Tip Of The Day” – this time on how to start a new job or internship with intention

If you have an internship lined up for this summer, you might be feeling a mix of relief, excitement, and nervousness. That’s normal – funnel your nerves into preparation, and remind yourself it’s about learning, not about being perfect. 

One other thing it’s about: setting goals. Especially if you have a time-bound internship – like a summer or a year – make sure to outline exactly what you hope to accomplish when your time with the company wraps up. 

Here’s what to do now: 

• Outline your goals using the SMART framework * – make goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-based. You might want to consult your manager or school internship coordinator to figure out goals that are ambitious but realistic. 

Now that you know what you’re aiming for, you can use your time interning in a much more intentional way. 

Numero Uno: 

In this section, we ask a hiring manager for the most important skill or attribute they look for. 

Today’s numero uno comes from a director-level product executive at a major retailer. 

“The most important [characteristic] is curiosity and [an] eagerness to learn. I don’t expect an entry-level candidate to know how everything works already – but they need to have the ambition and desire to learn how everything works.” 

Here’s what to do now: 

• Practice ways to convey curiosity in job interviews. Follow up on information interviewers tell you about the company, rather than quietly nodding along. For example, if an interviewer mentions an upcoming expansion, you could ask, “What’s the timeline on that project” or “why did [company name] choose to expand into that particular business segment?” 

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