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• Keep a positive attitude about your work and
complete tasks given to you with enthusiasm.
Learn
to take criticism well and listen to suggestions for
improvement.
• Complete all assigned tasks, no matter how
insignificant they may seem.
Dependability and
accuracy are very important in any work environment.
If you have any questions about how to complete a
project, ask your supervisor for clarification. Making
mistakes is part of the learning experience but do not
dwell on your mistakes; learn from them and go on.
If you earn a reputation for being dependable, honest
and trustworthy, you will be given more important
tasks to complete and therefore learn more about your
chosen career field.
• Be punctual and complete assignments on time.
Deadlines are a part of life, so make sure you know
what your deadlines are for all projects and complete
them on time. This will help you to learn time
management and prioritizing skills.
• Set attainable goals.
Setting goals for yourself can
be a good way to keep yourself on task and ensure
you will learn as much as you can during your co-op
or internship. Your experience should be a positive
learning experience, so outline your goals from the
beginning and talk with your supervisor about these
goals to make sure they are reachable.
• Meet with your supervisor regularly to make sure
you are on the right track.
Learn to communicate
effectively in both written and oral form. Ask for
regular feedback from your supervisor.
• Be respectful of those around you by being
courteous and professional at all times.
Listen to
everyone around you because they probably have more
knowledge in that subject area, but do not be afraid to
present your ideas when in an appropriate setting.
• Teamwork is a skill valued by many employers.
You
must be able to work well with people around you and
be able to be productive in groups.
• Find a mentor, someone who you can turn to
for advice, information, encouragement and
constructive criticism.
A mentor can help you
through difficult situations, offer insight into the
company and can teach you a lot about the industry.
• Have fun with your internship or co
-
op.
Try to think
of everything as a learning experience.
• Flexibility is important.
You should be willing to
do a variety of tasks even if those tasks do not relate
directly to your career path. Multi-tasking is an
important skill to learn that will help you develop
flexibility. Be ready, willing and able to switch
gearsnon a moment’s notice.
FINAL THOUGHTS
• Be active and involved! Get involved in non
-
work related activities like athletic events and company outings. Interact
with as many coworkers as possible to help you stand out from the rest and increase contacts.
• Take the time to say goodbye and thank you on your last day.
• After completing your co
-
op or internship, send your immediate supervisor a thank you letter. Thank them for the
opportunity and point out what you have accomplished and learned. If you would like to work for the company,
indicate this in your letter and how you can be of value.
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aximizing
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our
i
nternshiP
or
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-
oP
Participating in an internship or cooperative education assignment can be a good way for both you and the employer to see
if there is a good fit between you and the company. Follow these tips if you would like to turn your position into a full-time
job:
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