Summer Learning: Top Summer Internship Tips

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Are you looking to make the best out of your summer internship opportunities? The GSRC's Graduate Career Counselor, Maya Hargens, has some great tips on how to make your internship a quality experience.

Tip #1 Always Be Genuine and Professional

While this may seem like common sense, it's always good to remember to be a genuine and professional intern at all times during your summer experience. Maya says that several local employers have reported that "[many interns] aren't professional enough." She notes that both the University and the local community in Santa Barbara have a very casual atmosphere. This casual culture has a tendency to bleed into student behaviors, so it's always important recognize the differences in your internship and adapt accordingly. You never know who you may be interacting with during the course of your internship, so practicing professionalism and being genuine can take you far.

Tip #2 Listen and Observe

Internships are fundamentally a 'great big learning experience,' says Maya. They provide excellent opportunities to:

• Explore various career paths available after graduation
• Identify what you value in a work environment and job experience
• Assess your preferences by comparing your likes and dislikes to past experiences in labs, academia, and other settings

Maya recommends that all summer interns should look at their internships as if they were a big research project. Essentially, internships are a way to research what you may be doing for the rest of your life, so it becomes key to think critically on the experience. Don't let your internship be a just a resume builder. Internship opportunities are all about exposure. Let it be an experience worth talking about in the future.

Tip #3 Ask Questions

Treat your experience as a series of mini-informational interviews! Remember that you are taking this opportunity to learn, so never be afraid to speak up and ask questions. Part of being an intern is about being curious, indulge in it and let yourself be led to new insights, observations, and opportunities. Your time as an intern shouldn't be spent being shy. Be bold, brave and above all curious throughout this opportunity.

Tip #4 Network

Don't be afraid to network throughout your summer internship. You can vastly build out your future in this short period of time. Maya says to think of internships as "dating someone for 3 months." It's up to you on how to define the relationship you have with people you're working with. You never know who your summer colleagues could be in the future, so take this opportunity to make as many quality connections as possible. Never be afraid to ask for support, and always make sure to connect with colleagues on LinkedIn.

Final Notes

If you're looking for more advice on career building opportunities and development, reach out to Maya Hargens for an appointment. She can be reached at Maya.Hargens@sa.ucsb.edu.