Having an internship during college is a great way to get hands-on experience in your field. With that being said, there may be times when you find yourself sitting around with nothing to do. It can be frustrating to feel like you’re not getting enough out of your internship, especially if it’s unpaid. If you ever find yourself bored and want to do more, here are some ways to occupy your free time:
Take the initiative
If you find yourself sitting around in your cubicle, get up and take a walk. Go around and see if anyone needs help with a project. Not only will this give you something to do, but also will make you stand out from other interns who wait around for tasks. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to other departments to offer your help. It’s a great way to make your name known around the office and show that you are more than just an intern.
Research, research, research
It’s never a bad idea to learn more about the company you’re interning for. Look around and see what information is out there that could be beneficial to your work. Familiarize yourself with their website, social media, and any digital or print content that is out there. The more you know, the more prepared you will be! It would even be smart to do some research on clients your company works with, so that you are prepared for any task that comes your way.
Perfect your project
Go back to your previous work or any in-progress projects to see if there is room for improvement. It could be something as simple as making edits or changing the formatting. Give your project some TLC to not only make it better, but also to show your boss or supervisor that you are putting in your best effort. Putting time and care into your work goes a long way.
Get organized
It is likely that as an intern your provided space might be tight. If so, take the time to organize yourself and make sure everything is where it should be. Go through your email, desktop, and calendar. This will help you become more organized and may lead you to find a forgotten task or assignment. Keeping your space pristine and orderly is a great way to show other employees that you take the internship seriously.
This blog post was written by PRowl Account Associate Alexa Vecchione.