)
The ultimate aim for most students when rooting for their dream internship is just the usual.
If you were smart enough to have some goals to be accomplished this summer, pick it up and let’s do a checklist. Improve your skill and learn new ones, build up an impressive resume, get great recommendations from your employers.
Now, that’s some great aspiration but let’s be honest, if you’re an arts major in a prestigious banking institution that has the best and dedicated staff in the country, what really would you be learning? How to get a cup of coffee for your boss?
That is not to downplay the significance of your internship and the learning opportunity it affords you to streamline your career path. It’s really indispensable. However, if that is the only thing you’re doing, you’re probably wasting your time.
)
)
)
READ ALSO: Watch Video: Pupils learn ICT with stones at Assin Asamankese
If you really want to make the best out of your internship, put a glamorous charming smile on, be all-out huggy and bubbly and make friends. It’s that simple.
It doesn’t help much to be the intern with the highest GPA from school, with super work efficiency yet be the wallflower who misses out of all the fun.
Take a cue from the Zen masters of the unemployed youth caucus and you’d find that while most of their folks are cruising in their well paid jobs with their mediocre minds, they are busy bashing the government with their philosophical Facebook posts.
READ ALSO: Appointment Prof. Puplampu is new Vice Chancellor of Central University
Get this truth right, everyone who loves you should be willing enough to let you in on this one, ‘Life is not fair’.
If you’re going to hack the system for your gain, you don’t always have to be a programmer yourself. Know the life hackers and let them sail you through. People would sail you through. And the best of the people are exactly where you’re having your internship.
People find it very difficult to pay you an expensive, ‘Hi’ and even more, a compliment. Yet, these trivialities are what make you the ‘nice dark guy among the interns’.
It’s what you’re going to capitalize on to build the networks that would help you succeed.
READ ALSO: National Science and Maths Quiz: Best moments at the 2017 NSMQ in photos
Be wary of the mean ones, the never satisfied, ‘you’re not good enough’ work mates who are always stern to you. Be nice to them but don’t waste your time dedicating your time to being their friends. You don’t need them.
Some people just like you and those are targets. Follow them anywhere and wherever on their social media pages. Like their posts, comment on their takes on issues and the next time you meet them on the hallway you won’t struggle keeping the conversation. You already have a lot to talk about.
This advice is universal. If you see even one person that looks at you and gives you a glimmer of hope concerning people skills, attach yourself to that person, and let them introduce you to others.
Someone in the building where you’re working is the cousin or uncle or brother of the CEO of your dream company. He just has to say a word about you and your career is settled. Don’t underestimate the power of people.
Don’t ever be rude to anyone. Your internship is just a stepping stone to your future success. You can’t afford to build a despicable reputation.
While doing all this, position yourself to be useful to your network. Be good at what you do so your connections don’t regret ever knowing you.
Never forget that people make people. Build a strong network through your internship. It’s your lottery ticket to the top.