Internships Are Like Shoes

I have been a strategic communications and outreach intern with Planned Parenthood for almost two months and I’m enjoying every minute of the experience. This led me to question: what the best way to find an internship would be?

When I say find an internship, I mean a worthwhile internship. I am extremely proud of the organization I intern for, so it makes my work ten times more meaningful then say if I worked for a religious affiliation. I also have the best mentor I could ask for. My mentor has become an extremely influential person in my life and I look up to her as well as value her advice. Make sure your boss has the time to mentor you and not just send you emails riddled with daily tasks.

A Twitter follower once asked me for good internship tips, which brought me to this thought:

Internships are like shoes.

You have the Ugg boot: This internship will appear to be very easy. The problem with these internships is that you will most likely be running around doing busy work that doesn't pertain to your major in any way.  The employer will tell you that things are flexible and your duties will not be made clear. STAY AWAY from these. 

The sling backs/ankle boots/wedges- this would be the internship that's in your comfort zone but may not look as impressive on a resume as a sexy stiletto heel. This would be a fantastic internship to take for your first time interning with a company.

The pumps/stilettoes-This internship will be outside of your comfort zone and will have you doing things you never knew how to do before. It will look fantastic on your resume and you will gain good experience. Like any high heel, this will be painful at first but once you wear it out, you will slowly feel comfortable and content. Just give it time. 

 

The Mary Jane’s- This is the dream internship. The one where you get an enthusiastic boss who is happy to mentor you and fosters your career. You will have to think on your feet but will enjoy doing the tasks. This will look good on a resume and give you confidence to move on into the workforce. This is the internship I'm currently "wearing" in a size 8. 

Whichever shoe you end up wearing, remember to take care of them and wear them proudly. Be the best intern you can possibly be.  For tips on how to get the most out of your internship you can view my guest blog http://thewittyprgirl.blogspot.com/2012/05/how-to-make-best-out-of-your-internship_18.html