Standing out amongst other interns, building a portfolio and networking with those in your office are only a few of the themes to be reviewed on Wednesday, April 15 when the Career Planning Center hosts its discussion called “How to Maximize Your Internship.” This workshop-style presentation is designed to give both first-time and veteran interns tips and strategies for making the most of their internship experience.
Assistant Director of the Career Planning Center and organizer of the event Ana Carpi says she put together the event in order to help students feel better prepared to immerse themselves into their internships.
Carpi says that because students can oftentimes fall victim to the mundane trappings of their internship, her workshop will help students find ways to make the best of their internship experience.
“[An internship] can feel like, ‘I’m making copies, I’m getting coffee, but how do I really maximize the time that I’m there?’ So really [it’s about] how to take whatever experience you are doing and make the most of it,” said Carpi.
One of the ways Carpi recommends students “maximize” their internship experience is to always put their best foot forward each time they step into their internship.
“Put on your best face, always smile, always be energetic, look great. Just be your best self everyday,” Carpi said. “Really how I describe it is by treating it as the longest job interview ever.”
Junior Lisa Fischer, a student who has had three internships thus far during her time at Fairfield, echoes the importance of Carpi’s advice.
“My current boss at Comedy Central always reminds me to make the best impression on everyone that I meet around the office, since networking is a great way to succeed in the business and you never know who is going to know who and be able to help you out in the future,” said Fischer.
Carpi also suggests that students take a proactive role in their internships, seeking out opportunities to be of service to their employers.
“Don’t wait for someone to notice when you’re not busy, but volunteer for things. Go above and beyond,” said Carpi.
In Fischer’s experiences in her internships, she has found Carpi’s advice to be true. “I think volunteering for projects at your internship before even being approached by your boss shows a clear interest in your position, which could eventually lead your employer to offer you a full-time position,” Fischer said.
First-time interns like Sanya Porbandarwala ’17 think that this workshop will provide much-needed insight into not only enhancing an internship experience, but also in preparing students for their future careers.
“I feel that this will help maximize all job experiences, both now and in the future. Knowing how to properly act in the professional world is always beneficial and priceless,” said Porbandarwala.
The workshop will take place in the Aloysius P. Kelley Center Presentation Room from 5-6 p.m.
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