Previously, we discussed strategies for success and ways to stand out during your internship. To name a few, we discussed leadership, visibility, passion, and innovation. All of these principles are essentials, providing you the required foundations to apply design thinking.
During your internship, it’s your responsibility to establish a well-defined project that ensures your ultimate success. You must use your time efficiently and ensure that at the end of the internship you have something to show for all of the time spent that term.
Most importantly, you must avoid these key mistakes that may inhibit your ability to succeed.
Key Mistakes
Misaligned Culture
Remember, you’re not chasing money. You’re chasing a goal. Be sure that you understand the culture of the team and the company before starting your internship. You’re not going to be happy if you’re not fond of the culture and dynamics. Money won’t matter when you’re not satisfied with your day-to-day tasks, ultimately leading to decreased motivation and happiness.
Lack of Scope or Focus
One of the biggest mistakes many interns make is that they don’t define the scope of their work. Without a scope, we lack focus and without focus, it’s unlikely we will have a clear deliverable. Therefore, it’s important that you understand what you need to focus on. For example, if your overall focus is research, then spend most of your time reading, collecting feedback, and conducting surveys.
Lack of Clarity
Another mistake is not having clarity on the phase or cycle of the product you’re actively working in. This clarity is important as you need to understand what part of the problem you’re solving to be able to efficiently solve it.
Lack of Communication
Make sure you have regular check-ins with your team and anyone who has an interest in your progress or success. There’s nothing more frustrating than reaching the end of your project only to realize that your final product doesn’t align with the team’s expectations.
Communication also expands beyond your team to include relationships with other interns. These relationships are equally important in your experience.
Final Thoughts
These mistakes have the ability to impact your overall success during your internship. When it comes to internships, you’re limited on time. Therefore, it’s essential that you use your time and resources wisely to establish a clear project and scope and foster strong relationships.
Remember to take advantage of the previously discussed success principles to avoid these key mistakes and don’t simply accept an internship if you’re uncertain if the environment aligns with your goals and interests.
Aim high and continue to orient yourself for success.
Originally published at https://www.linkedin.com.
