How to Run Errands like an Pro
As if work weren’t busy enough! Sometimes an internship means leaving the office and completing assorted tasks around the city, and it’s not just getting coffee. Maybe your internship needs you to pick up an order of invitations, recycle ink cartridges from the printer, or drop samples off at a stylist’s office. Internships are often less than glamorous, but it’s important to complete assigned errands outside the office, while staying on top of your in-office responsibilities as well. Interns often complete tasks that an assistant would, which makes sense, since assistant jobs are entry-level positions. Here are some tips for becoming an Andrea Sachs-level intern.
Write it Down
Get a planner, memo pad, notebook, an app, whatever works for you. But make sure you have a transportable, easy to read, overview of the tasks you need to complete. Write down the tasks you need to complete along with all the important details, like an address, budget, and item or action needed! You don’t want to arrive at a store having forgotten exactly what you needed to pick up or do.
Ask the right questions
It’s pretty hard to complete a task if you don’t know exactly what you’re doing. If someone asks you to “drop off this money order”. You should be asking, “Where should I drop this off? USPS? UPS? Do you want me to bring back a proof of shipment receipt with a tracking number?” Getting all the details before leaving will make you more efficient, and also prevent mistakes.
If at first you don’t succeed….
Try another store. Sometimes what you need isn’t where your boss said it would be (and you know this because you asked the right questions and wrote it down). If the store down the street is out of say, white envelopes, try another nearby store. As an alternative, send a quick text or email asking if another color is okay, or if you should go to another store to check.
Keep the receipt
If you’ve ever heard of expense reports, you know the receipt is crucial. Even if your boss didn’t specify that they need a receipt, always be prepared. It’s way better to be ready with the receipt than show up empty handed. If you’re running a task that requires you to be reimbursed, the receipt is crucial as accounting requires proof of purchase - no receipt, no reimbursement.
Ditch the heels
If you’re interning in New York, you’re more likely to be speed-walking on the sidewalks of the city to run your errands rather than sitting in the office. Wearing comfortable walking shoes, or bringing a pair to the office will save you a lot of time and pain when completing your tasks! It’s always good to be prepared.
Want more internship tips? Check out the rest of the blog, and consider joining Intern Collective!
