How to Make a Lasting Impression at Your Summer Internship

With the school year coming to a close, you're probably starting to figure out the logistics of your summer internship. While figuring out how to get there and what to wear on your first day might seem pretty important, you'll also want to consider what makes a good intern. Read on for Something Greek's top ten tips and you might just find yourself with a post-graduation job offer. 1. Be on time. And by that I mean be on what I like to call "sorority time." If you're on time, you're late; if you're 15 minutes early, you're on time; but if you're so much as a minute late people are judging you. 2. Ask questions. If something you were told to do wasn't clear, ask until it is. Being curious makes a better impression than messing up and having to redo a project. 3. Accept that you're the lowest man on the totem pole. This should be easy, you were a new member once right? Don't complain when you're asked to go buy water bottles for a meeting. 4. Put your phone away. Yes, everyone above you is probably texting away at their desks, but that doesn't mean you should be. 5. Be creative. Often times when the same people stare at the same projects for months on end it's hard for them to think outside the box. Your fresh perspective can be very helpful. 6. Take detailed notes. When you supervisor asks you to come into their office to explain a project to you, always bring paper and a pen. While asking questions is a good thing, you don't want to constantly ask questions that were already answered. 7. Save your projects. Okay, this one might not help you get a job in the future, but if you end up at the same company in a different department like I did, it's very possible that you'll end up wasting time re-doing work that you did months ago. 8. Be nice to everyone and network. You never know when a connection will help you get a job in the future. 9. Make a list of what you learned. This way when it comes time to update your resume, you won't be staring at a blank computer screen trying to remember what you did. 10. Smile. A good attitude--no matter if you're making copies or working on an important project--makes everything much more enjoyable. Have you had an internship before? What are your top success tips? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter! -Michelle Giuseffi