A good start is half the battle
A little preparation can make the start of your internship much more relaxed. Make sure to arrange an in-person meeting with your supervisors before your first day. This way, you'll already have seen some faces and know where to go, which will save you a lot of nerves on your first day! You'll also know how to get there and how long your commute will take. Besides, it’s the perfect opportunity to sort out any practical matters too, like your contract, ID badge, or workwear, if there is a dress code.
I also find it helpful to read a little about the company and my research topic beforehand. You don't need to fully understand your entire topic yet, but having a general idea of what the company does and what you will be working on often gives you that extra bit of confidence. Not sure what to prepare? You can always ask your supervisors if there is anything you can read or look into in advance.
Ask questions
Asking questions can be a bit scary, especially in a new environment. You may be worried about asking a ‘stupid’ question or bothering others. However, the opposite is true: in all my past internships, asking questions was appreciated. It shows that you're interested, enthusiastic, and eager to learn. You can write down your questions so that you can ask your supervisors at the right moment. However, don't be afraid to approach others as well: everyone has their own knowledge and expertise and can help you with different things.
Always introduce yourself
Introducing yourself may sound obvious, but it’s tempting to skip, especially if you walk into a room full of people or when others don’t take much initiative. Make it a habit to introduce yourself, explain how long you will be at the company and what you will be doing. There may even be an opportunity to give a short presentation to the team during your first week, in which you can introduce yourself and your assignment. When the other team members know who you are, they are more likely to think of you when there is an interesting task or when they have data or information that you might be able to use. Plus, introducing yourself showcases enthusiasm and professionalism, so you’ll make a good first impression right away!
Don't forget to make connections
You are probably eager to start working on your assignment immediately, but don’t forget to take time to get to know the other employees and interns of the team too. Have lunch together, take coffee breaks, or attend an after-work event, for example. Not only will this make your internship a lot more enjoyable, but you'll also make a lot of valuable connections. Who knows what this could lead to in the future! So, don't forget to add your supervisors and other team members on LinkedIn ;).
Your first week doesn't have to be productive
I remember immediately wanting to get started and make progress on my assignment during my first week. Spoiler alert: you probably won't get around to it. Fortunately, this isn't expected of you, either. During the first week, you will meet many people, get to know the company, read up on your topic, and take care of many practical matters. Think, for example, of creating your company accounts, gaining access to files and systems, perhaps taking a photo for your badge... This will probably take you more time than you think, but allow yourself this time: the first week of your internship is meant to get you started and explore your new workplace.
Schedule meetings with your supervisors
Your supervisors are there for a reason, so make sure to schedule regular one-on-one meetings with them to discuss your progress and any issues you may encounter. Don't be afraid to voice your own opinions, as long as you do it respectfully. Are you unsure about something or do you think something could be done differently? Discuss it together! Meetings are there to brainstorm, not just to check whether you are doing everything right.
Communicate your learning goals
You probably can't avoid setting SMART learning goals ;). Don’t just hand them in and forget about them, but always communicate them with your supervisors and the other people you work with. This way, your colleagues can help you, give you tips and offer you the opportunity to work on them. This is often greatly appreciated and seen as proactive. This way, your learning goals are not purely an obligation, but you will genuinely learn from them too!
Ask for feedback
Asking for feedback may feel scary, but you will learn a lot from it. Therefore, always schedule a feedback session halfway through and at the end of your internship, and also ask for feedback in between, especially after specific learning moments. Be specific in what you would like feedback on; for example, on how well your presentation engaged with your audience. This will give you concrete tips you can use, instead of just hearing ‘’You're doing fine, keep it up!’’ every time.
Don't compare yourself to others
Especially if there are other interns around, you may be tempted to compare yourself: the other person seems to work faster, looks smarter, or has more experience. Believe me, though: this only causes unnecessary stress. Everyone works at their own pace and in their own way. So, trust yourself and your skills and see your fellow interns as colleagues, not as competitors.
You are allowed to make mistakes
Of course, as an intern, you want to do your job well. But it would be a shame if this causes you to be afraid to make mistakes and puts unnecessary pressure on yourself. Don’t forget that you are there to learn. Making mistakes is part of that, you don't have to deliver perfect work! By making mistakes, you learn how to do things differently next time. So do your best, ask for help if you get stuck, and don't forget to enjoy this unique period as well ;).
