Advice for starting your internship from the National Association of Colleges and Employers:

First Day on the Job Advice from IPP Employers:

Alcatel-Lucent

Human Resources

Words only get you so far; the resume writing and interviewing are over, your success now depends on your Actions.  Your Actions are driven by the way you make decisions outside and inside the workforce, make every decision as if this was your own company, your own product, your own money, your own employees and as if the future of all these rely on you."

 

Amerisource Bergen Specialty Group

IT Director

Show up early, stay a lttle late.  Remember that no task is too small; it may be the door to something more interesting and challenging later.  Stay out of the gossip arena - leaders are looking for positive, roll up your sleeves can do people.

 

Beck Technology

Manager of Software Development

Come "hungry", be ready to work hard the second you walk in the door.  No task is beneath you, perform each task assigned to you eagerly and with pride regardless if it is cleaning or designing an entire system architecture.  Realize that every job you are given no matter how daunting and large is nothing more then a bunch of easy, simple jobs lumped together, once you break a task into its fundamental elements anything is possible.

 

CMA

Human Resources Director

Our culture is unique and what sets us apart.  Begin your first day by meeting and chatting with our Owner and President, by exploring our “intranet”, meeting as many of the staff as possible, and involving yourself in committee work within CMA. Knowing the values that drive our culture will contribute to your overall success.  

 

Conxgen

Manager

Based on my experience(business development), I would suggest that new interns arrive early, dressed sharp, and fully rested with an open mind.  Most importantly, DO NOT BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS.  Employers are looking for their next “Doer, not Talker”, if that makes any sense, not necessarily “the next superstar”.  “Doers” grow a company, “Doers” with an open mind and the right attitude can be trained and molded into “Superstars”! 

 

Cyber Group, Inc.

Vice President

Be 15 minutes earlier than you were told arrive; be prepared to stay late, volunteer if appropriate; Listen, LISTEN, LISTEN; ask questions, and remember what the answers were. And finally, I am the ‘glass half full’ guy. ASSUME that the opportunity will terrific!!!

 

Ericsson

Managers in three different departments

"Do your research and learn about the company ahead of time...know what they do, where they are, who the key leaders and customers are.  This will give you a head start on understanding a large, global and very complex company like Ericsson."

“Great first impressions are made when the interns show up on time, but not too early (30 minutes or more). If an intern gets there earlier than they think because of traffic, I would advise them to wait until having security call the Ericsson contact until about 10 minutes until start time.  Also, showing up prepared with their I-20's and preliminary paperwork filled out sets a great tone.”
 
“I would say that interns who take the time to actually research Ericsson, and in particular, the groups in which they are joining and technological platforms in which they will be supporting, is very impressive. It sends a message to their respective team that the intern has selected Ericsson as an employer of choice and is serious about using the experience as a launch pad for a career with us.”
"Do your research and learn about the company ahead of time...know what they do, where they are, who the key leaders and customers are.  This will give you a head start on understanding a large, global and very complex company like Ericsson."

“Great first impressions are made when the interns show up on time, but not too early (30 minutes or more). If an intern gets there earlier than they think because of traffic, I would advise them to wait until having security call the Ericsson contact until about 10 minutes until start time.  Also, showing up prepared with their I-20's and preliminary paperwork filled out sets a great tone.”
 
“I would say that interns who take the time to actually research Ericsson, and in particular, the groups in which they are joining and technological platforms in which they will be supporting, is very impressive. It sends a message to their respective team that the intern has selected Ericsson as an employer of choice and is serious about using the experience as a launch pad for a career with us.”

 

HALLIBURTON

HR Generalist

advice would be to show up with an open mind, a positive spirit, eagerness to learn, and to take on any assignment given with enthusiasm.  These things make a lasting impression and are remembered when it comes time to hire new graduates for permanent positions.

 

Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC)

President and CEO

I tell our interns that on their first day on the job they are “members of the team who will make important contributions to our organizational mission and programs”. In return, “we aspire to contribute to their career goals by offering a professional experience and opportunity for accomplishment”.

 

HumCap LP

Marketing Coordinator

Wear comfortable shoes, get a good night’s sleep, and do whatever you need to in the morning to be relaxed and on point. Look sharp, feel sharp, be sharp!

 

I.S. Professionals, Inc.

Manager

Just as the first impression is a lasting impression, the first 90 days on the job is really what will define you as an employee.

IBM

Manager, Global Solution Center

"It is OK to say I don't know. Success is not measure by how many times you say"I don't Know", but rather how you handle the pursuit of the solution."

 

Labinal

Manager

The first day on the job can be overwhelming for some because new hires typically get bombarded with information on the first day.  My advice for students would be to make sure they understand what is expected of them.  Often times, managers don’t clearly spell out the expectations, so it’s okay for individuals to take the first step and ask, “What are your expectations of me?”  As you know, expectations can cover a wide variety of areas such as work schedules, working with others, team or departmental norms, company values, work ethic, etc.

 

Mary Kay

Senior Associate Technical Engineer

I would like to share a quote with you for your “The First Day on the Job” work shop. This is a quote from Mary Kay herself, the founder of our company, and I think it is very appropriate for someone who is starting a new job, as they will be meeting a lot of new people:“After I’m introduced to someone, I repeat the person’s name.  I do this for two reasons.  First, it helps me remember the name, and second, it’s been said that the most pleasant sound to a person is his or her own name.  Speaking the person’s name whenever you’re introduced to someone new is a good habit to develop.”

 

MEMtronics Corporation

Human Resources Director

The First Day on the Job.” Wow, this is a challenge. There is the obvious: Be on time, and recognize that the work day is generally from 8-5, with an hour for lunch. This of course can be modified to some extent, based on the students individual circumstances, after day one. NO SLEEPING ON THE JOB, come fresh and ready to work, always (trust me – I had one intern go sleep in an empty cube on the floor.). Bring any required paperwork (proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate), SS card. Demeanor should be friendly, outgoing, positive, interested and aggressive. Did you do any research on the company (web page, internet) and do you have any questions? Dress professionally the 1st day or at least until one can see what the norm for their job function is going to be.

 

Optimal Solutions

Human Resources Director

Many companies expect new employees to come up to speed within a few weeks of joining.  In order to achieve this, the new employee should ask clarifying questions when they need to so that they can ensure that they understand what is being explained to them.  By asking questions, this also lets the employer know that the employee is listening to what is being explained.   Additionally, as the processes for new tasks/assignments are explained, the new employee should document the process such that they can refer to their notes as they attempt to execute the process on their own.

 

Presagis

HR Director

Work hard and take the internship seriously.  The opportunity should be looked at not only as a learning experience but also a potential employer.”

 

SiGn Innovations

Manager

Be enthusiastic, adopt professional conduct, and respect each one you encounter. Go with an open mind to learn anything that may not fall in your area of expertise. Diligence and excellence will show up with time, and that's what sets you apart from other. Pay attention to these two.

 

Temple-Inland

Human Resources Services

Interns should start their first day on the job with excitement, passion, and an open mind.  Patience is also important as it takes time to learn about the organization and determine the best way to contribute.  The quicker you realize that your internship experience is what you make it, the more valuable it will be.

 

T-System, Inc.

Human Resources Director

It’s always a good idea to ask your manager about the company dress code.  Some companies have strict requirements depending on the industry.  Make a note where the Human Resources department is in case an emergency arises.   Meet as many people as you can with a firm handshake and a smile.

 

VI Technology

Engineering Manager

“Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask stupid questions. Remember, you’re here to learn, people don’t expect you to know everything.”