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February 7, 2016
5 ways to smash your internship!
I get so many emails and social media tags from young ambitious girls asking to either intern with Girls Talk London or for me to mentor them. I decided to write a short post with a few tips for anyone who is starting out in their career as a recent graduate or school leaver and is working the internship circuit. I have seen so many make simple mistakes, and quite frankly mess things up! So I have some advice for anyone that is either currently interning or looking for one: please make sure you take a screenshot of this post!
1. Don’t cancel an interview or meeting
I understand that some things come up at the last minute or you could be genuinely sick but quite frankly your potential new boss will not see it that way. Your interviewer is probably someone quite senior and busy and if it is a start up- the Boss. They are busy, and probably had to turn down a meeting with a client or something important to interview you. If you cancel for whatever reason they will see it (the interview) and you as a waste of time! If you are ill, then just go, you can explain to the interviewer that you are feeling very ill and they will bare that in mind. They may even send you home and reschedule because you made the effort to come in and will be impressed by your dedication and enthusiasm. I am coming from experience, I have never cancelled an interview and there have been times when I thought I would drop down and pass out but there is a saying that says when in doubt ‘Get up, shower, get dressed and show up!’
2. Don’t be late
This is a short one. Just don’t do it. Don’t be late to an interview. Don’t be late for work. Don’t be late for an event or meeting at work. Arrive super early.
3. Attention to detail
You may be set simple tasks like sending an email or updating a spreadsheet. These are tasks which give you the chance to really show that you have great attention to detail. I can’t believe how many times I have witnessed people mess things up by not manually spell checking an email or document. Don’t rely on spell check. I personally love people that can send me a document without a typo or something wrong. They become useful, trust worthy and an asset. I then will be more confident to give them more responsibility and then this is a chance for them to really show what they are made of.
4. Do even the smallest thing well
Some internships can be quite boring for example, I know a lot of fashion magazines get their interns to clean out the fashion closet or fetch coffee. Not the most glamorous of tasks, and you may be thinking ‘I am not studying my arse off at university to come here and clean a Gucci stiletto! ‘ However, this is all a test really! They want to see your attitude and if you are a hard worker. Whatever task you are given, do it to the best of your ability, with the best attitude as if it is the most important thing in the world. Trust me people will notice and they will want to keep you on or offer you more opportunities.
5. Humble yourself
I hate to break it to you but just because you have a 1st class degree does not mean that you are going to be sitting in the corner office at your first job. Everyone has to start from the bottom-even the most successful people. Even Oprah’s first job as local reporter was paid so poorly and she is now a Billionaire! So just remember that we all have to put in the work and prove ourselves as unfortunately just having a degree is not going to impress anybody!Vanessa Sanyauke, CEO and Founder, Girls Talk London
@vanessasanyauke
My Biggest mistake, Vanessa Sanyauke
