Nearly 12 months ago, I sat in my bedroom and quickly jotted out a list of 6 resolutions I wanted to achieve in the upcoming year. In the hopes of continuing this blog, which I oh-so-often neglect, I thought a reflection of those goals would be a great jumpstart for such writing. Let’s see how this year turned out.
Originally published at YouTern.
One of the most important relationships you’ll have during an internship is the one between you and the person you report to directly – the advisor, supervisor or mentor. This person plays a large role in determining your future within that organization, and also in helping guide your career path.
While there is no clear method to guarantee success with an advisor, I have found the following tips help me develop a good rapport:
1. Before starting your internship at the organization, set up an informational interview with your supervisor. Find out more about their career track – how they got to their current position. What are some of their hobbies? How do they view success? These answers will help give you a better idea of your supervisor’s personality, and how to best work with them.
2. Next, address your objectives for the internship, and ask your supervisor for their goals and objectives. By taking the time to identify goals that both of you anticipate for the internship, you’ll more easily set up a structure with which to base improvements and feedback.
3. Check-in regularly with your supervisor. Whether you hold weekly phone calls, head out for coffee monthly, or just stop by each other’s cubicles to chat, ensure that you and your supervisor are taking the time to verbally communicate. Sure, instant messages and emails help, but actually talking provides a better idea of what each person is feeling, and serves to strengthen the relationship. Make sure to mention the objectives and progress that has been made or assistance that you may need.
4. See if there are any industry events you can attend together. I’ve found this is a great way to better understand your organization when you can hear your supervisor explain what the company does. You will also get the opportunity to meet more people while expanding your professional network, and you may even impress your supervisor with your networking skills.
5. After the internship ends, keep in touch with your supervisor. Ask if they’ll write a recommendation for you, and keep them in frequent communication as your career progresses. I cannot tell you how beneficial communicating with previous supervisors has been for me, whether receiving some fun tech tips, or being offered a spot on a panel for a speaking engagement. There is definitely value in keeping in touch with your supervisors – and trust me, they want to hear all about your success as well.
When it comes to building a strong relationship with an internship supervisor, these are my quick 5 tips. What else have you found contributes to a strong intern / supervisor relationship?
Originally published at YouTern
A few days ago, I sat in a supervisor’s office of as they reviewed some of my work. They suggested (in a joking manner) that due to my status as a millennial, they should be quite light on any criticism, and should applaud my hard work. After all, we millennials are known to appreciate self-esteem boosts, right?
While I was appreciative of the encouragement and humor about the situation, I reassured them that I need that criticism. Yes, as a millennial, I may wish to avoid criticism and conflict. But – whether we like it or not – that leaves little room for professional development.
What do you do when you experience criticism through a small conflict or problem in the virtual or real-life office? How about a big one?
I’ve found that following an “ABC” formula for addressing problems that arise during your internship is very helpful… and keeps you on track toward professional success.
A. Apologize (when necessary, but don’t overdo it)
I admit there have been a few times when I made mistakes in an internship, and a supervisor criticized me. It happens to everyone, and most often can be mitigated if you handle it correctly, and immediately.
Instead of making excuses, take responsibility for your actions and fix the problem. However, once that is taken care of, continue with your work. Even if the problem really bothered you, do not continue to raise the issue with your supervisor. On a date, would you repeatedly point out a coffee stain on your shirt? The same applies to your internship.
Take care of the problem, apologize, and move on.
B. Blame (leave it elsewhere)
If you truly feel you’re being unfairly blamed for a problem, calmly address the situation with your supervisor. However, if you are to blame, accept responsibility, be brief and concise in your explanation of what happened, and move on. If you cannot do it immediately, ask your supervisor for some time to properly address the situation. Be sure to address it as soon as possible.
It’s best to allow some time for your emotions to cool, and to develop a calm response.
C. Create (a genuine learning opportunity)
The problems you might encounter can range from quite minor to completely humiliating, perhaps affecting the course of your internship. However, even in the worst case scenario, there is undoubtedly something to learn.
Privately reflect (not on your public blog, Twitter account, or Facebook) about the situation, what you did wrong, what you should have done differently, and how you will handle similar situations should they arise in the future. You will make mistakes from time to time. Record your learnings, in your head, or perhaps in a private diary of some sort – and periodically review how you’ve persevered through your mistakes. You should be able to follow your positive learning curve.
Regardless of your generation, if you apply the “ABC” approach and handle inevitable problems with poise and professionalism, you’ll impress your coworkers and your supervisor – and turn poor situations into a positive learning experiences, and success.
