The Intern : Part 3

I can't believe that my internship is drawing to a close soon. I've been here at artXchange for almost three months now...it barely feels like three days! I cannot begin to tell you how amazing this experience has been, for anyone else about to start an internship, or looking to intern in the future, here are some things that I have learnt:

1. Sometimes you have to teach yourself things

Yes! You won't go into your internship knowing everything, and you will probably embark on projects that both you and your employer are new to. Susan and I devised two market research surveys which took a lot of trial and error. Be patient, do some research, you can do it!

2.Always take notes

Half way through my internship my note taking stopped being the priority it was in the beginning. During my interim review it was something that I realised I needed to work on and since going back to it my life has become approximately 100 percent easier. Not only does it enable you to be more organised and stay on top of your tasks, it also comes in handy whilst applying to jobs as you have a ready-made list of tasks you were trusted with!

3. Fake it til you make it

This one refers specifically to networking. I have written in the past how I found the idea of networking daunting- however- if you pretend to be confident you will soon start to feel it!

4. Put your two pence in

I'm lucky to work in a small team of two where I know my feedback is always welcome, however this may be a scarier prospect for someone in a larger team. Remember that as someone new and fresh, you have valuable insights that your employer will welcome, and you will be remembered more if you contribute.

5. Listen

On the flip side of the previous tip, make sure you listen too. The people that you are working with have far more experience and knowledge than you do. Make the most of that- learn from the best!

I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to work with artXchange, it's been incredible to work for a business that is taking such a unique approach to helping people. Although my time will be up at the end of March, I can't wait to see it take off in the future.

Thank you to Teesside University for devising such a great scheme. If anyone out there is thinking of partaking in an internship- most definitely do it!

Have you have any tips about interning that you would like to share? Comment below!