So Close to Internship

During my all of time spent working hard and having fun at Year Up I have developed a lot of technical skills that would add value to any company I intern at. I took two CNIT classes and properly trained in a hands on environment to improve my overall knowledge about computers and operating systems in general. I know my way around the entirety of the Windows 7 operating system and can effectively troubleshoot the majority of problems, maintain the system so that it remains up to standards, and optimize the system so that it can be used most efficiently.

The skills I have most improved while at Year Up are my interpersonal relationships and effectively communicating. I have always been an earnest student, and will remain and earnest intern wherever I work, but at the start of Year Up I was extremely shy and timid. I joined Year Up to improve my confidence and to learn how to manage all of my thoughts and time in a positive way to become a role model for my sister and any young person who aspires to be a functional member of society. Every skill I have improved upon was through feedback from my colleagues and Year Up staff, and I like to take feedback to heart and reflect on anyone’s input to make me the best that I can be.

When I go to my internship I plan on furthering my growth in every way I possibly can to get the most out of this opportunity. I really hope to develope a workable schedule so that I can actually have some time to get enough rest at night and time to explore more hobbies and interests of mine, but also to prepare myself for my future career path and positively influence my family and friends around me. I just want what could be best and to do that I am willing to sacrifice any amount of time to do so.

I plan to stand out with complete swagger at internship and display my personality in a very nice and confident way with all of my new coworkers and friends. I like to be myself and everyone else seems to love it too, and I want to come in everyday feeling great and at the top of my game. I will reinforce this with a positive attitude and by setting realistic goals.

What I am hoping to do after this internship experience is find a full time position anywhere where I can continue to grow and work to contribute financially to my mother’s income. I work just as hard as her right now, but very soon I'm expected to work a whole lot more because she shouldn't have to hold the responsibilities of a single parent like she has anymore. I also want to continue investing in my education so that I can make major differences in anywhere I plan to venture. My dreams seem so far but Year Up has brought them closer and I will never ever give up on myself thanks to this program.

12 Internship Tips

1. Avoid Negativity: This is my number one ranking for the best tip you can take advantage of during internship. I believe that this is the first thing that should be on your mind before you go to internship because if you are in a bad mood or have some negative thoughts about something, any negativity will only spiral itself outward during your day and can possibly hinder any oppertunities that come your way! I plan to apply this by having a good attitude toward the company and a good attitude toward myself and my actions so that anything I do is reinforced positively.

2. Learn About the Company: I'd rank this number two in the list because if you don't make any effort to learn about where you are placed you will find it easier to put yourself in a negative mood like the first tip. It also helps to have an overall understanding of what the workplace is so that you can relate with your co-workers as well. I am definately going to apply this by reading anything that my manager gives me and by researching about the company myself.

3. Set Small Goals to Reach Your Larger Goals: This is an important one. Keeping your final goals in front of you will motivate you to eventually accomplish them. Setting small accomplishable goals will break up the massive effort toward your overall goal. I plan to take advantage of setting a goal every week during my status report to my advisor.

4. Take on all Tasks: Accepting work or even meaningless tasks that come your way adds up. If you are asked to do something then graciously accpect it knowing that you now have an oppertunity to show you can perform at any rate. I will accept almost any work thrown at me just because I love the challenge.

5. Ask Questions: This will most definately only serve to help you at your internship. If you are unclear on anything ask someone for help. Or if you need to know something asking a question will help you out.

6. Take Initiative: You want to appear as a well balanced and respectable individual so taking initiative at all moments is essential. I will demonstrate this by owning any mistakes I may make during internship, or simply by showing I can make deadlines with assignments and by staying productive.

7. Network: There is a lot of value in networking with others, especially at work. I will plan to make some nice friends and build a relationship with my manager by engaging in small talk but mostly just being a positive person to work with.

8. Schedule Meetings to get Feedback: Its nice to check in once and a while and feedback is a way to communicate effectively with my manager to know if I'm doing well at my internship. I can always be in touch with my manager

9. Find a Mentor: Finding a mentor to support you during internship will help tremendously. I don't really need to look far for mentoring on the Year Up side of internship, but at the internship itself I will need to seek out someone who I can ask for a little guidance in a questionable situation. I can always ask politely for help and when I get comfortable with them I can ask for more guidance.

10. Get as Much Exposure as Possible: This is what internship is all about even though it is close to the bottom of the list. I guess these last three are just things to always keep in mind before graduating from Year Up. I don't want to miss a day of internship because this is an awesome opportunity no matter where I'm placed.

11. Leave with Tangible Accomplishments: Yes, most of all be sure to take advantage of your time in internship and do your best. And finally,

12. Enjoy it