Advice For Interns

Listen up all you young bucks, this piece is for you. I'am specifically talking to all of you that are fresh out of school -- or still in school for that matter. I am going to give you some advice on how to achieve your dream job while being the best intern you can be regardless of the tasks at hand. Now, since I have a broadcast Journalism background I am going to use the television intern as an example, but no matter what career you are training in you can still insert yourself here.
After having the opportunity to work at the network level, I can't tell you how many interns I have witnessed wandering around aimlessly, meek and mild, almost serving more purpose under a rock. Don't get me wrong I have seen a few rock star interns that had a career goal in mind and achieved it in less than 6 months, but in this article I am talking to the clueless.

I worked my way up from answering phones at the front desk to writing for the 5 p.m. news daily. Here are some simple steps that will take you a long way.
Step #1: Realize you have to start somewhere. If you start out answering phones, getting coffee, or running errands realize this one bit of insight: you are making contacts while you are doing the mundane tasks. Contacts that you make now are stepping stones toward your future. These "contacts" are the people in power - the ones you will be able to learn from and the ones that will give you that valuable advice.

Step#2: Don't Complain. Be happy to do what you are asked - this will build your character and trust me character stands out like a light in a dark room - this will catch the "higher ups" attention quicker than anything. Maintain a positive attitude and this will take you further than you could imagine.

Step#3: Be a Sponge and Ask Questions! Don't be shy! If you are in News or the Entertainment Industry this can be a real death sentence even for the most ambitious. People can smell fear. Fake your confidence if you have too. Know what you want and own it. Ask questions whenever you can and know what everyone's role is within the company. You will make yourself so much more valuable if you are cross trained in all areas of the business. Understanding the role of your co-worker can only help you and will make you more confident when you are carrying on a conversation or relaying your needs.

Step#4: Work hard and Prove Yourself. Again realize you have been chosen to be your company's intern - so take it seriously and realize people are watching you. Almost everyone who holds any position of stature was most likely an intern at some point - people appreciate a hard worker.

Step#5: Make Contacts. Figure out who your main contacts are and know the key players. Speak with them one on one and express to them your interest. Share with them your goals and ask them personally how long they think it will take you to get there. Make yourself available to help them and let them know that you are willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

Step#6: Listen! Once you have received the golden advice of your mentor make your words action. Ask to go out on shoots or field produce a story for example. Make a tape/reel of your work and get ready to sell yourself.

Step#7: Take Constructive Criticism. In my early days of Journalism one of my favorite things to do was go over my daily scripts with my News Director. He was a very point blank man. When I wrote a script well he would say "I loved it" and then there would be days where he would say "what were you thinking?" Those days were always equally great for me because I knew he was pushing me to be a better writer. He would offer me great books to read and tools to constantly sharpen my writing skills.

Step#8: Be Confident and Apply for the Job! When you feel you are as ready as you can be for that next natural step, apply for the job! Be confident and proud of what you are learned. Speak up for yourself and let that company know you are the right man or woman for the job.

Step#8: Have Fun! Remember, life is too short not to enjoy what you are doing and if you don't dig what you're learning - have the courage to move on. A miserable person is not healthy or fair for the business or the individual. Smile and have a blast - I can't stress this enough.

I am going to leave you with one last piece of advice my father always told and something to keep in mind throughout life, "There is always room at the top."

Good Luck and Have Fun!