This was originally posted on Planner Bee.

“We are pleased to welcome you to the team…”.

Hearing this over a call or seeing it in an email would definitely lift the weight off your shoulders, especially if you have gone through rounds of interviews for that coveted internship in your dream company.

Embarking on an internship is a pivotal step for most young people in their journey toward professional growth and development. Securing and excelling in an internship can significantly enhance your career prospects in that relevant industry. You could receive a glowing testimonial from your bosses to aid you in your job search, or even better, be offered a full-time position after your internship.

However, standing out in such a competitive environment requires more than just showing up. It also demands dedication, initiative, and strategic planning.

Here are some golden tips to make a lasting impression at your new internship:

Before the big day

Aside from recalibrating your internal clock and mentally preparing for the rigours of working life, there are some practical and personal aspects to consider before the first day on the job.

1. Research the company

If you haven’t already “stalked” your company online, now’s a great time to do so. Gaining a basic understanding of the company, its clients, the different products and services it offers, and different business functions allows for easier integration into your new working environment. This will also help you ask the right people the right questions when the time comes.

Doing your due diligence before you start your internship reflects well on your attitude. It displays proactivity and genuine interest in learning more about the company and the part you play in it.

2. Set personal goals

While it may be too early to have a concrete idea about what to expect, it’s always good to start thinking about what you wish to get out of this experience. Think back to when you first applied – did you want to gain knowledge about the particular industry? Or would you like to master some technical skills for the role?

Define realistic and achievable goals for your internship experience. For example, a short-term goal could be to master how to evaluate web traffic via Google Analytics within the first month at work.

Goal setting can create a productive path to follow throughout your internship journey and help you focus on your learning along the way.

3. Study the new surroundings

Whatever your working arrangements are, get familiar with the logistics of the new job.

Research your route to the office, and make sure you set out earlier during your first week to gain a better estimation of the time needed to get there. Check with your supervisor on the office dress code to avoid being over or underdressed.

Familiarising yourself with your soon-to-be work environment requires thinking about even the nitty gritty details in order to ease your transition into the new job.

During the internship

Internships are a great way to network with like-minded peers and mentors, develop practical skills and discover yourself along the way. Here’s how to make the best of your upcoming internship:

1. Be curious

As an intern, besides assisting the team as per your job scope, your role is to absorb as much as possible from the get-go and start honing new useful skills.

Remember, you are new, so no one is expecting you to blow them away in just your first few weeks. During this period, ask loads of questions – even ones you think are obvious – and note them down. It’s better to be 100% certain than to make an error that could hinder the team’s overall productivity or affect an ongoing project.

2. Be proactive

Take initiative and seek out opportunities to contribute beyond your assigned tasks if you can handle it. Volunteer for additional projects, offer to assist colleagues, and propose creative ideas to add value to your team.

Proactively identifying and addressing challenges demonstrates your commitment to making a meaningful impact during your internship and can leave a good lasting impression on your superiors.

3. Know your limits

Being proactive does not mean that you need to overwhelm yourself with new work. Be mindful of what you take on and focus on providing the highest quality of work.

Create a system for prioritising tasks, set realistic goals and deadlines, and utilise tools such as calendars, to-do lists, and project management software to stay on track.

If you feel that you are being given too much to handle, first ask yourself if you could be managing your time better. Approach your supervisor, tactfully explain your situation, and work together to find a solution. Do not drag your feet on this matter as missing deadlines will not only reflect badly on you but affect your team as a whole.

4. Forge new relationships

People are at the heart of every successful business. On your first day, take the initiative to approach your colleagues. One way is to send out a company-wide introductory email which could include conversation starters like hobbies and professional interests. Building rapport with others not only enhances your internship experience but also lays the foundation for future professional connections and opportunities. Networking is highly valuable because you never know when having a specific connection could benefit you in the future.

Read more: Fresh Graduate’s Complete Guide to Job Hunting

5. Seek feedback

Actively seek feedback on your performance from your supervisors and peers. Constructive criticism is invaluable for personal and professional growth. Remember to be receptive to feedback, reflect on areas for improvement, and take proactive steps to address them. Use your internship as an opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, acquire new skills, and broaden your knowledge in the relevant field.

After the internship

Congratulations! You’ve come to the end of your internship and are on your way towards real #adulting. Hopefully your experience has been fruitful and you’ve learnt a lot about yourself, your career interests and the company.

Before going on that much-needed vacay though, here’s some things to check-off to wrap up the whole internship experience:

1. Reflect on your experience

Take the time to reflect on your internship experience and evaluate your performance.

Find out what are your achievements, challenges, and areas for growth from this journey. Ask yourself what you learnt during the internship and how this experience can aid you in your professional journey.

Reflecting on your experience will help you gain valuable insights, identify lessons learnt, and set goals for your future career development.

2. Express gratitude

Lastly, convey your thanks to your employers, teammates or anyone who has impacted you in some way during your internship.

You can even consider expressing your gratitude through some sweet treats, or some gifts, if you can afford them. Otherwise, giving out handwritten letters to express gratitude would work too. Along with these notes of appreciation, offer to keep in touch and do so should the opportunity arise.

Here’s wishing you the best of luck in your next life chapter. Whatever the case, be yourself and let your unique personality and strengths shine through – they’re what got you in there in the first place.