College is out for summer and many students are embarking upon new internships. Whether this is the first internship or the second or third, there are many ways to maximize the experience.
Internships are a great way to “test drive” a career. It’s a great experience, and the worst thing that can happen is you discover you don’t actually want to pursue that career after graduation. That’s okay. In fact, learning what you don’t want to do is more important than discovering your dream job. After all, nobody likes being stuck in a job they don’t enjoy.
Most internships are in the summer, but they can be during any time of the year. For many students, this is their first taste of the “real world.” It helps build the resume, but that should not be the primary motivation behind these experiences. Learned skills, new connections and a deeper understanding of that industry segment are more important. The internship may or may not be paid, but the experience is worth more than any paycheck. Use your time wisely.
Here are five tips to help you make the most of your summer internship:
1. Get to know your new colleagues
Some supervisors require their interns to visit with colleagues in different departments to gain a broader understanding of the organization. If not, it’s a good idea to ask those people some questions about their role and how it impacts the company. Learn about their career path and what they did to get to where they are today. This is especially important for areas that pique your interest, as colleagues can provide guidance on what classes to take, activities to participate in and other things to do before and after graduation to excel in a similar role. After the internship ends, stay in touch with new connections, as they can be valuable mentors as you start your career.
2. Reach out to others in the industry to learn about their careers
Don’t limit your career curiosity to internship colleagues. Learning about the many facets of the industry during college and talking with professionals in those areas is a great way to learn more about various jobs. Some companies may allow for a job shadow, or they may be willing to meet for coffee. Regardless, prepare questions to ask and use time wisely. Surprisingly, not many students do this, so it will also help you stand out from the crowd. And don’t forget the thank you note. Handwritten is best, and again it will help you stand out from the crowd.
Before my senior year of college, I interned for a dairy organization in Georgia. While I was there, one of my Pacific Northwest connections at Elanco kindly connected me with his colleague in Georgia, who took the time to tell me more about his job and territory and explained how the job can vary in different parts of the county. I also learned a lot about agricultural sales that day.
Utilize your industry network. When someone connects you with a contact at their company, remember it is your responsibility to follow up. This is a good time to express your interest in the company and inquire about available opportunities. I have seen too many students miss this last step, expecting their connection to secure the job or internship for them.
3. Step outside your comfort zone
There are so many benefits and advantages to internships, including the opportunity to stretch your comfort zone and learn something new. Most new skill sets don’t come easily, so expect there to be challenges. Give it a chance. It will help you grow personally and professionally.
4. Volunteer to help
Stay aware of what is happening within the department and organization, and volunteer to help with projects, events, etc. as those opportunities arise. There is usually more work to do than there is time, so the initiative will be appreciated and may also add more knowledge or a new skill to your repertoire. However, make sure this is not at the detriment of your regular workload.
5. Attitude
Attitude is everything. A stellar work performance cannot make up for a poor attitude. Be positive and grateful for the opportunity. People will remember your attitude more than specific projects you worked on.
For those looking into future internships, remember to think outside the box. Do not limit the search to your state or region. This is the best time in life to try out a new part of the country and a part of the industry that you may not be sure about. What’s the worst that can happen? You don’t like the area and can’t stand the work. You just did yourself a favor. It is much harder to learn this lesson when it’s an actual move and a full-time job. Regardless of whether you loved it or realized that area or company is not for you, you will learn a lot about yourself, about working with people and about the industry.
Best of luck! 
Kimmi Devaney is the agricultural marketing and industry development manager with the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. She also writes an agricultural blog.
PHOTO: Graphic by Kimmi Devaney.
