Signs You're That Awesome Intern
You’re one of the lucky few who secured an internship this semester. You’re really working your hard to make sure you make a good impression. You’re taking on tasks that require background research, you’re teaching yourself all these new software tips and tricks, and you’re even showing up on time in well-put-together outfits!
You feel like you’ve totally got your life together. But how do you know if your coworkers and supervisors are noticing? Here are some signs you’re that awesome intern.
You’re asked to take on more responsibility
Stereotypically, you may think that getting a lot of tasks can make you stress or even think that your boss hates you. However, this is actually not true. If your role has evolved and you're taking on greater responsibility, it's a sign you've proven your value to your boss and can be trusted to handle bigger projects. It's important to demonstrate to your boss that you're capable of more than busy work. If you've already done this, it's certainly a step in the right direction.
However, If you’re getting overwhelmed and stressed, reach out for help. You don't want to burn out, after all! Any company worth your while understands the importance of team-based efforts.
They ask for your opinion
After just sitting in to listen for weeks, someone turns to you and says, “What do you think about this?” This is a great sign, and also a test. Take the opportunity to show you’ve been present, listening, and brainstorming all this time. Under no circumstances should you utter the phrase “I don’t know.”
Your boss starts introducing you to people
Colleagues, upper management, clients, friends, anyone that belongs to the Human Resources department… if you’re getting any of these introductions, then good for you. Your boss doesn’t hate you! Appreciate it, and for take advantage. Follow up with people, make the connection, show your boss you’re worth it.
You never know just who else the person you've met might know and could connect you with that could provide unimaginable opportunities! Even if you’re not being introduced to prospective employers during a job fair, informational interviews with career professionals always help.
Or your colleagues endorse you
Receiving public acknowledgment and sincere recommendations on LinkedIn and otherwise are auspicious signs that you could be receiving a job offer down the line.
From colleagues to executives, when others are willing to risk their professional reputations by publicly endorsing you and giving you more responsibility, you’ve begun accruing the social proof required to take your career to the next level.
So, do you notice the signs above? If yes, keep up your good work! You sure want to make the most of your internship and leave a great impression to the company you’re interning. But if you haven’t notice the signs above, worry not, slow down and start doing your job wholeheartedly. You’ll be that awesome intern eventually.