5 Things To Do Before Starting Your Internship

Let’s give a warm welcome to the summer internship season! From finance gigs to merchandising positions, it’s going to be one to remember. Before you strap on your sling backs and make your grand entrance, here are five things to do before starting your internship.

Ask away!

After you’ve accepted an internship, there are always burning questions sizzling the tip of your tongue. Will you have a desk? How much time will you have for lunch? How many other interns will there be? Now is the (acceptable) time to ask. Feel free to email your employer to get the inside scoop. But get it all in at once. Bombarding him or her with daily or weekly emails is an annoying nuisance. You don’t want to be “that person” before you even start.

Get social

Let’s be honest – we get most of our news from Facebook and Twitter. Sorry, New York Times. It’s our generation. That being said, follow the company you’ll work for on social media so you can stay up-to-date with their hip happenings and feel like “one of them.” Employers love it when their interns know their way around the labyrinth of social media sites. They may even follow you back and start liking your posts!

But be smart

Yes, social media voices our generation, but be smart about what you say. You don’t have job security, and one scandalous selfie can “can” you. Be sure you practice social media etiquette. Keep it professional, or keep it private.

#Vacay

Super psyched for your #summer2014 vacay? Then make sure to let your employer know when you’ll be soaking up the sun. You want to make sure you are allowed to take time off and, if not, negotiate or make a decision between the internship and your family beach vacation.

Avoid homelessness

Don’t put it off, start apartment hunting right away. Try looking on Craigslist, Airbnb, or at local college housing. Facebook groups for subleases in a particular city are a great way to find housing as well.