Tips for a Successful Internship Experience

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Adjust your expectations. Work and college are different. At work, you will not receive as much feedback regarding your performance or be asked to share your opinion as often. You may not be asked to solve major problems during an internship; use the internship as a time to observe and learn, even if you are asked, on occasion, to file or make copies. Be sure you ask to have spring break, fall break and other campus "holidays" off as your school schedule will not likely coincide with your employer's schedule.
Network. Introduce yourself to co-workers. Go to lunch. Participate in activities outside of work such as volunteering or ball teams. Tell colleagues about your goals. Keep in touch with your network after the internship.
Be professional. Dress appropriately. Be on time. Do your best work, even in seemingly menial tasks such as copying.
Ask questions. Admit when you don't know the answer. Learn the "big picture."
Reflect. Apply theories you've learned in class to your work environment. What works? What could be done better? How does this internship meet your needs? Is it a good fit for you? How has the experience changed you? How have you changed the internship site and people there?