After having such a fantastic internship experience at the beginning of the year myself, it became clear to me that there is a lot you can do to make the most of such a great opportunity. I found myself sharing tips and giving little pep talks to friends on a regular basis. So I hope reading this will add a little fuel to your fire and motivate you to go out there and ace your internship!
1. Soak it up!
This is an incredible learning opportunity for you to grow and develop your skillset, so get ready to be a sponge and soak it up!
2. Be memorable!
You are one of approximately 500 other interns who are trying to leave their mark on the company. Be creative, personable and just unique – there is only one of you after all!
3. Get chatty!
Networking is key! Get to know your team well and utilize your lunch breaks and coffee pause’sto learn about your colleague’s experiences and journey. If you have the slightest sense that you might like to stay on, be sure to share that with your line manager or trusted colleague so that they can help.
4. Don’t underestimate the power of the interns!
Due to the mass of interns on campus, there is a running joke about an ‘Intern Mafia’. They are the first to know about the next sample sale, athlete visit or product launch. This also means that they may very well be able to introduce you to other valuable colleagues who could turn out to be your future boss.
SEE ALSO: 3 things I want to remember for the day I become a boss
5. Take a Chance!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Let’s say you’re working in Legal but have always wanted to know more about Sports Marketing… Find out the name of a colleague that you can approach (check out their managerial level first) and send them an invite for a coffee. Tell them that you are interested in their field of work and would like to learn more about what they do and how they got there. The worst thing they can say is no!
6. Be Open!
Many people enter into an internship with tunnel vision, believing that they know exactly what they want to do in life and in what field they will work, only to realize that it wasn’t the right fit for them. Well that’s ok, too! However if you are open to new possibilities, you may very well find new talents and strengths in the work that you do, allowing you to broaden your horizon and explore other career paths. adidas is a huge company and the possibilities are enormous – so why not be open to something new and unexpected. Who knows, you might just rock at it!
7. You are not JUST an intern!
Imagine you are an employee and work as if it were your own company. Show your manager that you take your work seriously and take initiative.
8. Be ambitious!
Ain’t no Mountain high enough… seriously! Go chasing after your dreams and believe in your capabilities to be a valuable addition to the adidas family with an all in spirit.
2 COMMENTS