It’s that time of year when many of you will be embarking upon your first steps in the professional world as a fresh faced intern. You’ve got a new shiny suit from Next, an unnecessary amount of pens in your bag, and you’ve been practicing office-speak. But, have you considered what it will take to ensure that the company come grovelling back to hire you after graduating? No, being nice, arriving on time and being organised are not good enough. These are the basics! Well, fortunately for you, we’ve got inside knowledge on how to be an awesome intern.

1. Focus on Delivery

This is the single most important word…Delivery. It’s so important it’s blessed with a capital D. What does it mean? Delivery means YOU were responsible for a result. YOU wrote those articles. YOU created that new logo for a small client. YOU organised the office Christmas party. Ultimately we’re all judged on results. Some temporarily get away with diverting their inability to get results by blowing hot air and ass-kissing, but the question of Delivery will always remain lurking. It’s a powerful word and takes you from being a simple observer to a real contributor. So tell me, what have you delivered?

2. Try it and see

Many people fear failure, so they don’t think independently and seek constant guidance with every task. Failure is how we learn, no? You don’t just get on a bike and ride straight away; you fall off and look goofy for a while. It’s the same process at work. Don’t pester your manager, instead, use common sense (don’t just attack the task), google the info you need or email a friend… just try something. If it fails, you’ve learnt something in the process and next time, you’ll know what it takes to peddle down the road unassisted . It’s annoying giving somebody a task and they return 3 hours later panic-stricken and having not produced anything. It’s wasted time. This leads me onto my next point…

3. Ask a bucket load of questions

Newbies often get clogged up with worry. This worry tends to overpower their ability to take in information. We all recognise when this happens because you have a moment when you think “Sh*t, I totally missed that but I can’t ask again”. The possible consequences are you sit at your computer like a lemon, you produce total rubbish, or you return to your boss disgraced, hands out asking “please sir, more”. Drill your boss/mentor with questions (apply the [add name of wrestling hold] if they attempt to run off), because your ability to Deliver a satisfactory result is dependent upon you understanding the task.

4. Respect the master!

Some interns fly in with a chip on their shoulder and promptly declare their status: “I studied at so and so university”, “I got a First”, or “My dad is head of blah blah at Evil Corp”. Ok great, now can you make us 4 teas?! Seriously, this kind of attitude will win you no friends and will overshadow your talents. You’re young and ignorant, and that’s ok! These guys know what they’re talking about. Be a sponge. Soak in information and enjoy learning new things. Don’t attempt to teach the teacher unless you’re hiding 10 years work experience.

5. Come up with ideas

Don’t you hate it when you meet people who can only identify problems? Real energy drainers. I offer examples: “Man, we missed the train, what are we going to do?”, or “We’re out of beer”. “Yeah ok thanks, so what do you suggest?” WARNING: When approaching your boss/mentor with a problem ALWAYS offer some kind of a solution. I offer amended examples: “Man, we missed the train, but I called the local taxi firm and they offer a reasonable rate”, and “We’re out of beer. I suggest we contribute £10 each and do a trip to the supermarket”. Now who’s ya daddy?! Your boss will love you because you’re relieving them of the burden of tackling another issue. Make this a habit.

If you’re going to do any one of the above points, make it number one. However, to be truly awesome, and remember this article is about being awesome, you need to actively embody all five points and if you do, we guarantee that the job will be yours. Good luck!

Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions or wish to share your own experiences.

This article has taken some concepts from an eBook that we’re currently working on here at FreelanceStudents. The book (currently untitled) will be based on how to be an awesome intern/newbie/new recruit.

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