If you’re embarking on an internship and uncertain about what to anticipate, you’re not alone. In this blog post, I will share some valuable insights I gained as an intern at BizStream. Whether you’re about to start your internship or are planning to pursue one in the future, the tips I’ll be covering can help you make the most of your experience.
Every company has a different culture, so it’s important to know what sort of culture you may be getting involved in. One way you can get a glimpse of that culture is by taking a look at their social media posts. It’s not uncommon for companies to post fun things they do, but that is often just a small glimpse into the company. Another effective approach to gaining insight into a company’s culture and other important details is to review its website. By exploring a company’s website, you can gain valuable information on its values, work environment, dress code, and more. It’s important to note that neglecting to visit a company’s website before an interview or expressing interest in an internship may send the message that you haven’t done your research and lack a genuine interest in the organization. Another effective way to get a feel for the company’s culture is to participate in company events whenever possible. I fell in love with BizStream’s unique culture through everyday experiences and events like our annual golf outing and camping trip.
It’s important to remember that not every company is the same. By learning about the company’s culture, interns can navigate their roles and interactions with colleagues more effectively, ultimately leading to a more successful internship experience.
Internships are a learning experience. Companies invest in interns to help them gain valuable knowledge and expertise in their chosen fields. This is the time for you to explore the working world and see how it relates to your education and career expectations. Your internship may exceed your expectations or fall short, but the focus should be on learning. Most of your learning will occur through everyday tasks, but don’t be afraid to ask your colleagues for recommendations on additional resources such as books, videos, or articles to expand your knowledge.
At BizStream, we embrace our core value of Foster Growth in Others, so our team is always willing to lend a helping hand. So when I encountered a challenge or needed assistance, I spoke up and asked for help. This proved extremely helpful for me both during my internship and now as a web developer.
During your internship, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside professionals who have been in your field for years. These individuals have a wealth of knowledge and experience you can learn from. Take the initiative to learn from them by asking questions about their experiences and career paths. You may be surprised at the valuable insights they can provide.
By learning about their experiences, you can gain insight into the history of your field and what changes have occurred over the years. This knowledge can help you better understand the industry and its trends, which can be valuable as you progress in your own career.
Finally, your co-workers may have insights and advice that can help you have the most positive experience during your internship. For example, they may be able to offer guidance on how to navigate challenges or how to make the most of your time in the company. Don’t be afraid to ask for their opinions and recommendations—their input can be extremely valuable.
In my experience, internships are relatively low-pressure situations. Although you will have some responsibilities and general expectations to fulfill, you can still enjoy yourself by finding ways to have fun with the tasks at hand. If you are passionate about the field, focus on learning as much as possible and finding enjoyment in your work. Looking back on your internship, you will likely find that it provided you with more benefits than you would have received from treating it solely as a class required for your degree.
In 2016, I enrolled in the BizStream Academy coding bootcamp, which proved to be a game-changer for me. Thanks to the skills I acquired through the program, I later secured an internship with BizStream in 2022, eventually leading to a full-time position in 2023. I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in coding and based in West Michigan. It’s an excellent opportunity to gain valuable skills and potentially open doors to exciting career opportunities!
While each intern’s experience may be different, these useful tips can help you make the most of your time as an intern by acquiring valuable skills, enjoying your work, and cultivating a strong work ethic. It’s important to keep in mind that your internship may lead to a job opportunity (as mine did), so it’s crucial to maintain a balance between having fun and demonstrating a strong work ethic. By following these tips and staying committed to your goals, you can maximize your internship experience and set yourself up for success in your future career. So, go ahead and embrace your internship experience with confidence and enthusiasm!
If you’re interested in an internship with BizStream, check out our Careers page!
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