My only internship during college was during my final semester at a local TV station.  The experience was very rewarding.  I received hands on experience working in a news room and in the community.  The field experience was great– I remember meeting many notables including the Kathryn Baker Knoll, the Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania, president hopeful John McCain, and many local community leaders.

The experiences I went through during my internship where not something I could have learned in the classroom. I had people chase me to tell me their stories about a corrupt county organization that was keeping children from their parents.  I waded through flood water to get a scoop. The emotions and learning associated with these experiences were very powerful and I will always remember them.

My regrets regarding internships is that I did not pursue one sooner.  The staff at my college did not push having an internship or even talk about it. I would have taken more internships if I had more time.  I worked full time through college so my focus wasn’t on non-paid opportunities. Students should take internships– paid or unpaid– because the experience is so valuable.  They should do it early in the college career– not at the last minute.

I graduated in 2004– and internships are on my mind today because my company uses their intern and co-op pool for hiring millennials.  If you perform well during your internship, you will most likely get an interview.  If you nail your interviews and had a good performance record, you have a better shot at getting hired after graduation.  Here are a few tips for new summer interns who want to get a job after college:

- Exceed Expectations.  Don’t do the minimum amount of work– always look for ways you can exceed your manager’s expectations.  Don’t wait for someone to give you an assignment.  Actively seek out work that will help you grow, give you experience, and contributes to the betterment of the company.  Take initiatives and don’t expect someone to hold your hand.

- Follow the rules.  Don’t be late.  Don’t leave early.  Even if you think no one is watching, they are.  If you can’t follow the basic rules, you can’t expect to be hired.

- Be mindful of your image.  If you dress sloppy because it’s your style, people are going to think you are sloppy and lazy.  Dress for the job you want.

- Don’t gossip.  It doesn’t take long for rumors and gossip to get around even the largest of offices.  Don’t contribute to gossip.  Don’t share sensitive information you may over hear.  Don’t talk about how your intern buddy got hammered or about how your boss is going to get fired.

- Be mindful of alcohol consumption.  If you’re over 21, use proper judgement when going out. Don’t get trashed, dance on the bar and tell everyone you’re working for Company X. If you’re not 21, don’t drink on company property or company sponsored apartments.

- If you make a mistake, it’s okay.  It’s okay if you make a mistake because you are new on the job and are just learning.  Admit your mistake and learn from it.  Don’t lie.  Don’t make excuses.  Find out how you can do it better next time.

- Treat your assignment as an on-the-job interview. Every day, act as if you are in an on-the-job interview.   Always perform your best.

- Critique the company. Not every company will be right for you.  Really think about how things appear to be run.  Is this something you want to deal with day-to-day after college?  At the end of your assignment, critically think.  Is this the place you want to be after school? Can you learn?  Can your grow?  Do you enjoy the culture?

Fast forward to 2008.  I don’t work in TV.   I loved the experience but I’m in a different industry with more growth opportunities, more money, and more stability.  From my experience, I learned a few things. I handle stress very well.  I work well under pressure and deadlines.  I don’t like the sense of entitlement some TV personalities and staff have.  I believe respect is a mutual relationship between two people and to get respect you have to give it (of course, that comparison could be relevant at any job– not just TV).   I got my current position by working my way up as a contractor.  The tips I am suggesting for interns are the same tips I would offer to a contractor looking to obtain employee status.  I hope that you find these tips helpful.