6 Ways to Stand Out as a Summer Intern | Robert Half

6 Ways to Stand Out as a Summer Intern

Workplace Skills Career Tips Career development Article
Are you eager to demonstrate your unique skillset as an intern? I am currently a student at Syracuse University studying psychology and communications and have had the opportunity to participate in an internship at Robert Half this summer. During my experience, I have considered many opportunities to infuse my behavioral knowledge and communication skills to contribute strategically. to projects and team goals and ultimately, to present myself as a dependable coworker. As I continue to navigate my internship and its many different facets and skillset demands, I have learned a few things. Here are six tips I recommend to help set yourself up for internship success:
It’s essential as an intern to demonstrate a sense of curiosity in combination with a genuine intention to complete assignments.  However, it is important that questions are asked with a level of specificity that goes the extra mile and takes detail into consideration. Instead of simply asking: “how should I gather research for this project?”, you might ask, “what types of specific research methods would you suggest?”
Finding ways to enhance your knowledge is imperative to making the most of your internship. Keeping tabs on certain articles and areas of interest can help boost your understanding of your company and the industry you’re working in. I try to find ways that I can connect the psychological concepts I have studied to aspects of communication projects in a beneficial way. This helps me incorporate a sense of familiarity to my work and ultimately enhances my productivity.
A strong work ethic not only results in higher amounts of efficiency but also shows that you are serious about your work. Consistency in this area will take you far, especially as you navigate tasks with varying skill demands and deadlines. 
As an intern, possessing the willingness to adjust your work style will not only expand your skillset, but it will allow you to observe new perspectives and learn how to work with different teams and workstyles.
Having the ability to take initiative and approach tasks in a proactive manner instills trust in your capability to successfully take on projects and manage your time and learn new skills. Take every opportunity to volunteer for new projects or raise your hand to assist or support to your team members. Read this post for more tips on creating a compelling resume skills section.
Attention to detail and thoughtfulness are highly valued in the workplace. Always practice a thorough and careful approach to tasks to avoid careless mistakes. This counts for everything from emails to larger pieces of work you submit for final review. Remember that you only get one chance to make a meaningful first impression. It is incredibly valuable to be mindful of all the strategies you can take to set yourself up for success. By taking advantage of these approaches, you can maximize your experience as an intern and take what you’ve learned to the next level. Ready to explore new career opportunities? Upload your resume today and let us help you find the perfect match. Kaitlyn Driscoll is a summer 2024 intern for Robert Half’s corporate communications team. She is an incoming senior at Syracuse University, majoring in psychology and minoring in communications. She is from Lexington, Massachusetts.