Finding Success at a College Internship
Landing an internship is an exciting step toward your future career, but making the most of that opportunity takes strategy, effort, and a willingness to learn. At Dean College, every student working towards their bachelor’s degree is required to complete at least one internship before they graduate. We asked our community to share their advice on how to stand out, grow professionally, and make a lasting impression as an intern. Here's what they had to say.
1. Show Up Prepared and Curious
The first step to a successful internship is treating it like a real job. That means being punctual, dressing appropriately, and doing your research.
"One of the best ways to stand out as an intern is to treat every day as a learning opportunity. Come prepared and on time, ask thoughtful questions, and take the time to understand how your role fits into the bigger picture. That kind of mindset can turn a short-term internship into long-term professional growth." –Courtney Shimer, Dean’s Director of Career Services
2. Take Initiative
Don’t just wait to be told what to do—seek out opportunities to help. Initiative shows you care and might lead to projects that align with your strengths and interests.
“I had a strong interest in social media management and noticed the team I was interning for needed additional help with developing one of their Instagram channels. I reached out to see if I could help, and they said yes! Now, I not only have real-world experience that showcases my social media marketing skills, but I also have a portfolio of my work to submit for future positions!" –Dylana D., Musical Theatre major, Marketing minor
3. Be Open to All Kinds of Tasks
Even if you’re not doing glamorous work every day, embracing each task with a positive attitude is key. The more you prove yourself, the more responsibility you'll likely earn.
"As an intern, one of the main parts of your job is to assist the full-time staff, which may bring some less exciting tasks. I find that approaching every assignment with a smile and a 'Yes, I can' shows that I am a team player and am willing to help out any way I'm able. This was an important part of my internship experience and eventually led to my manager trusting me with bigger, more intriguing projects." –Kaleigh H., Exercise Science and Dance major
4. Ask for Feedback
Internships are ultimately about learning, and feedback is your fast track to improvement. Don’t be afraid to ask what you’re doing well and where you can improve.
"Set up a short check-in with your supervisor every week. They will give you tips on how to grow, and it will give you the opportunity to ask questions. It shows me that my intern truly cares, and it can motivate me to recommend them for future jobs. It’s also a great way to build relationships with the people you are working with so that you can find the best ways to work toward your collective goals.” –Joe Zumbo, Assistant Director of Admissions for Dean
5. Reflect on the Experience
Take time to think about what you learned—and what you want to do next. Journaling or creating a portfolio of your projects can help you track your progress and talk about your experience in future interviews.
“Sometimes, an internship provides opportunities to learn and find out what you like and don’t like. Both of these are equally important to discover your authentic passions and life direction. Personally, my internship experience guided my path and made me realize that my interests and skills were better suited for working with older students rather than elementary-age children.” –Wendy Adler, Dean’s Associate Vice President of Student Success and Planning
Internships are a launchpad for your career. With the right mindset, a willingness to learn, and a few bold questions along the way, you can turn a temporary role into a transformational opportunity.