By Paige Rost, content marketing intern

Being an intern can be stressful and intimidating. For many, an internship is the first real world work experience they take on, often with limited knowledge of what the job actually entails. It’s also when you find out the lessons you were taught in the classroom are not even close to what you will be asked to perform at the internship.

No need to worry, though, because with the right skills, the internship can be an experience of growth and achievement.

Here are four tips to help you intern like a boss.

1. Remember you are an intern. One of the most important things to remember as an intern is that you’re just that, an intern. Your primary job is to complete tasks with enthusiasm while asking questions along the way. Check in with your supervisor to make sure each project is being done the way they want it done, not how you think it should be done. Every company has standards and policies they abide by, which you might not be fully aware of. Assuming your way is right is never the answer.

2. Dress to impress. You’ve heard it before — and for good reason. Showing up each day prim and proper, just like the CEO would, will make you appear more competent and prepared. There is a way to show your style and personality through your clothes and appearance while keeping it professional. Making sure your shirt is all the way tucked in and your belt matches your shoes are simple ways to make you appear more professional. Always follow the dress code in the same manner as the employees — even though you’re an intern.

3. Be on time. Strolling into the office 15 minutes late may not seem like a deal breaker, but it can leave a bad impression. Best practice is to try and be there at the same time, if not before, everyone else arrives. If you’re sitting at your desk working away when your boss walks in, you appear to have a real interest in bettering yourself. Same rules apply for taking a lunch break. As an intern, it’s best not to walk out and disappear for an hour each day. Try to bring a lunch and snacks so you do not feel tempted to disappear for extended amounts of time.

4. Control your body language. Being aware of your body language is key. If it’s not controlled, your body language could project a message of its own that is the complete opposite of your words. Always make sure your body and verbal responses agree so that you don’t send mixes messages to your superior. You can also control your body language to show the office you are alert, aware and ready to work. Fidgeting your hands during a meeting or shaking your leg may make you appear antsy or nervous. Try to stay still and be attentive to the speaker. These gestures will also help you seem more mature and experienced, even if you’re still in college.

Applying these basic skills and tools will help you blend in — in a good way — so that your work achievements stand out and you’re remembered as more than “that one summer intern.”

By: John Eppich

I’ve been in school for about 16 years of my life. From preschool to my senior year in college, I have always described myself as a student first. I may have worked the odd job to help pay for my video game and technology addictions, but I have always had school to fall back on.

After spring 2019, however, I will be totally on my own. The training wheels I’ve grown so accustomed to riding with will be removed from my life. As I take on my first internship with North Coast Media, I’ve felt the training wheels starting to become loose. So for anyone in the same boat, here are my tips for transitioning from the world of academia to the real world.

1. Don’t overthink.

It is so easy to ponder and think over every little thing that you do. Don’t do that. Stress and anxiety love to feed on your brain’s ability to over analyze every single thing you do. It is okay to go on autopilot and trust yourself. I’m not saying don’t use your brain, but don’t burn yourself out over thinking a project.

If you find yourself thinking too much, take a minute to get up and change position. If you are sitting, stand up. When you move, your brain hits the reset button and suddenly you aren’t overthinking as much.

2. Coffee is your best friend, but know your limits.

I don’t drink that much coffee. I know, it’s unheard of to be a college student and not be reliant on caffeine to get through the day, but working much earlier than when my classes usually are has made me more inclined to drink coffee.

If you have ADHD like me, you know caffeine can mean jitteriness, and extra hyperactivity, which can lead to anxiety. If you are going to drink coffee, don’t let yourself get to that point. Avoid multiple shots of espresso. You only need 1-2 cups per day. If you are still tired after that, consider tip 3.

3. Sleep at night.

I am a complete night owl. I will stay up till sunrise and sleep all day if I am able to. But, in the professional world, a good night sleep is a must. No one likes a grumpy intern. Think of it like being jet-lagged, you have to move your body to a whole new schedule.

Force yourself to go to bed by midnight at the very latest. Set multiple alarms as well in the morning so you don’t oversleep. If you can, make a game out of waking up early by setting a up a scoring system. 10 points if you get up by the first alarm, 5 points if it’s the second alarm.

4. Be social.

If you are at your cubicle all day, you are going to drive yourself insane. Don’t be afraid to talk to anybody. Your coworkers like it when you acknowledge their presence and smile. Be sure to also go to outings like happy hours or baseball games. It’s not only a chance for you to unwind but to get to know the people you work with outside the office. You may find out you and your co-workers have a lot in common. I still keep in contact with my friends from previous jobs after bonding over playing Pokémon GO during our free time.

5. Listen.

I am a good listener, but I still struggle sometimes. My brain loves to be distracted, especially when people are talking. Make sure you listen to every word that someone says to you. Sometimes you might need something repeated, and it is better to ask them to repeat themselves than to struggle in silence.

Don’t pretend to listen when you are spacing out. It’s okay to say, “I’m sorry, I blanked out for a minute there, what was that again?” My brain loves to space out because I have ADHD, but you should do your best to work around that. It’s very easy to do especially when it’s been a long day at the office.

It may seem intimidating transitioning from the only life you’ve ever known to something completely foreign, but don’t stress, everyone had to do it before you and many more will after!