11 Ways to Maximize Your Summer Internship Experience

1. Know what to expect. You'll be the new kid on the block. Expect to spend some time doing office tasks like mailings and, yes, even making coffee. Execute the lame tasks gracefully and with respect. But, don't undervalue your potential to contribute. They want to hear your great ideas too.

2. Volunteer for interesting projects. Speaking up shows initiative and responsibility and gives you access to great work experience. Everyone will be impressed and grateful for your input.

3. Bond with fellow interns. If they've been around a while they can give you valuable advice on the ins and outs of your new workplace. They probably have similar professional goals to yours and can help you start networking!

4. Be friendly, not intimidated. I know, I know. Easier said than done. But your coworkers are people too, even the CEO. Smile and say hi to everyone. Eat lunch with your colleagues. Confidence and charisma are key to making a good impression.

5. Sit in on meetings. Accept any invitation to experience professional meetings first hand. If you're interested, but not asked, find out if it's an option. You can learn the subtleties of the working world from watching and, hey, maybe you'll have a great suggestion to contribute to your boss. Wait 'til after the meeting to speak-up.

6. Ask questions. This is your time to learn the ways of the working world. Find out who's most appropriate to go to for help when you need it. If there's some corporate lingo that you don't understand, ask! Nobody was born knowing all that jargon. The more you understand what's going on around you the better prepared you'll be for the next steps toward your professional goals.

7. Be responsible. About everything from always being time to seeing each projects through to thorough completion. Stay focused on the job - no facebooking on office computers unless you're absolutely sure it's acceptable.

8. Maximize networking opportunities. The people you meet on the job can be great mentors and connectors to help guide your career path. If you have the opportunity to attend conferences or out-of-office events, don't stand in the shadows. Introduce yourself to the people you meet. Show genuine interest in who they are and what they do.

9. Get feedback. Check in with your boss to find out how they think you've been doing and what you can do to improve.

10. Get recommendations. They've seen you at your best and watched you grow professionally. While their memories are fresh, ask your coworkers to write recommendations for college or job applications.

11. Stay in touch! Who knows what your next steps will be. Stay on the radar for future job openings or other opportunities.

Still searching for that perfect summer internship? Click here to get started. 

Not ready for an internship? Find other great ideas to stay active this summer here.