5 Steps to Prepare for Your Work Experience
Do you have an internship coming up and you are unsure how to best prepare? It can be a very nerve-wracking time when preparing for something you have never done before, especially something that is career-impacting. The National Association for Colleges and Employers reports that 81% of students who participated in internships went on to find employment in their industry[1]. This article aims to provide you with some quick-fire tips to help ensure that you deliver your best self, whilst making the most of your work experience!
1. Uniform/Clothing
Something that will help with both the impression you make and your confidence whilst on the internship is the clothing you wear. Depending on the sector and environment, you may wish to opt for a more business-casual look. However, the company may communicate that more casual workwear is more appropriate. Either way, being able to blend in with everyone else will not only help you integrate better into the team, but also ensure confidence in your suitability for the role! Find out the dress code beforehand to ensure success in this step. If you need to purchase cheap workwear, charity shops can be great for this! Websites such as H&M and Amazon may also have other suitable options.
2. Research the Business/Firm
Want to impress those around you? One of the best ways to do this is by researching the place beforehand and learning more about its history and work. Practice talking about the company with friends or family, find points that you find genuinely interesting, and look at what they’ve been doing recently in the news. Not only will you come across as knowledgeable, but also extremely interested too. Doing this can prove to be the difference between gaining a graduate role or not, therefore it is highly recommended that you prepare by researching the business. Connections in the company can help with more in-depth information about their recent activity and looking into the challenges they are currently facing in the market will give you ample commercial awareness to aid in conversation.
3. Research the Sort of Work You Will Be Doing
One of the best ways to prepare is by researching the sort of work you will be doing. Not only does it ensure that you will be in the best position possible when approaching the role, but it also offers you peace of mind by ensuring that no surprises come down the line. It will also help you come across as more prepared and interested in the work, something which can leave a massive impact and lasting impression. They will meet countless individuals looking to fill the role, the aim is to make them remember you, and see the value you can bring to the table first-hand. You may be able to find past internship accounts on websites like LinkedIn, Corporate Law Academy and even the Student Room, which can help give an insight into what to expect day-to-day.
4. Network!
Another key tip is to ensure that you network with as many people whilst on the internship as you can. This doesn’t necessarily mean blindly connecting with every stranger you come across but making an effort to form meaningful and lasting relationships with those in the company and with your fellow peers (which it is worth remembering could be future colleagues). Although this may not count as something preparing you for the internship, it is still worth highlighting due to the power of networking. I know many stories of individuals who, just by spending more time networking with others, were able to unlock future career opportunities for themselves. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you go into the internship with an open mind and speak to as many people as you can!
5. Know What You Want to Gain from the Experience
Lastly, another great way to prepare is by taking a moment to think about what you want to gain from the internship, set some aims and goals to hold yourself accountable to and keep the experience focused. Is it a chance to obtain a graduate role? Is it to develop your employability? With whatever it is in mind you want to achieve; it is best to go into the work experience reflecting on what it is that has led you there. This is because you can shape your day and reflective practices around what you would like to gain or develop from the experience. For example, if you are wishing to develop your employability, it will be a great idea to reflect on your day by jotting down the skills you are developing with each task. A great overall tactic is to log your hours, allowing you to look back and see what you have achieved, and update your CV accordingly.
Hopefully, this article is a useful guide in helping you to best prepare for your internship. Good luck and don’t forget to have fun!
[1] https://believeandinspire.org/importance-of-preparing-for-internships/