During Your Internship
After Your Internship
Internship Handbook

During Your Internship

Refer to the Pomerantz Career Center Student Internship Handbook for in depth advice on how to be professional, network, identify and manage challenges, and leave a good impression. 

Tips for Your First Day

  • Be a Career-Ready Bystander by completing the free sexual harassment prevention training at bit.ly/CareerReadyBystanders

  • Plan ahead - Arrive early - know which bus to take, account for traffic etc. Know where to check-in ahead of time, etc. 

  • Dress to impress

  • Write it down - Bring a notebook and a pen and write down as much as you can (names, titles, advice etc.) 

  • Ask Questions - It shows you take the opportunity seriously and want to succeed. 

  • Keep your phone on silent - Don't take personal calls or glance at your phone throughout the day.

Make the Most of Your Internship

The Student Internship Handbook has further tips for each topic below. 

  • Set SMART goals 

  • Meet regularly with your supervisor 

  • Maintain a positive attitude and be professional   

  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions 

  • Network and find a mentor!  

  • Update your resume and/or create or update your portfolio 

  • Send thank you cards or emails to supervisors and colleagues at the end of your experience

Safety at Your Internship

Some companies and organizations will have trainings or provide guidance during your orientation that covers their anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and ethics policies.  Others may not. There are resources available to support you if you find yourself in a challenging situation. 

Did you have a positive experience?

  • Offer to be a campus ambassador for the organization 

  • Submit a review on Handshake 

  • Offer to help mentor or orient the next intern 

  • Ask for letters of recommendation or LinkedIn recommendations 2 weeks prior to departure 

  • Update your resume or CV and LinkedIn profile  

  • Decide upon next actions for your career - talk with a mentor or Career Coach 

  • Want a full-time opportunity with the organization? Meet with your supervisor to inquire - can you continue the internship, work remotely, or apply for a permanent full-time role? 

Did you have a negative experience?

  • Update your resume or CV and LinkedIn profile 

  • Reflect, reassess, and learn. 

    • Did you have unrealistic expectations? Poor supervision? Organizational culture mismatch?  
    • What was it that was not interesting or you did not enjoy? Try to distinguish between whether it is the industry, the organization, the people you worked with, or your duties. 
    • Despite a negative experience, were you able to maintain your professionalism, develop skills or increase confidence? 
    • How can those skills and professionalism be useful in your future? 
    • Do you need to evaluate career paths or just try again with a different employer and/or different circumstances? 

  • Get advice from a professional mentor or Career Coach  

  • Keep trying! Use what you learned from this experience and pursue another opportunity that will be a better fit for you.