Intern to Intern: Advice for your Summer Internship

Every summer, JES Holdings and our affiliate companies host a summer internship program. The internship is a great opportunity to gain experience and learn a lot about our companies and the different industries they are involved in. Below is advice from one of our previous interns for our new class of 2018 interns to make the most out of their summer!

1. Set goals for yourself, and keep track of your progress. It is a great feeling to look back at the end of your internship and see how much you have improved in a variety of areas. Plus, when you have a set goal in mind, you are more likely challenge yourself. It will inspire you to take initiative and work on projects that are meaningful to you.
2. Go to work-sponsored social events. This is a great way to meet people outside of your department, which also helps you better understand the company as a whole. You may be nervous because you think you will feel uncomfortable or out of place, but that is truly never the case. Some of the most fun experiences I have had while in college were spent with co-workers, such as the Holiday Party or a happy hour at Jina Yoo’s.
3. Plan a weekly lunch with other interns. This was something that I looked forward to every week. Not only is it refreshing to spend some time with people your age, but you have the potential to form lasting friendships. And who knows, they may even become your future co-workers some day!
4. Reach out to your mentor. Whatever the question may be, your mentor can most likely help you out. Not everything is written in the employee handbook, so you can learn a lot about the company culture from listening to an employee who has been around the block a few times.
5. It never hurts to ask about additional opportunities. If you hear about something going on in the company that you want to be a part of, just ask! Chances are, your supervisors will admire your dedication and will be happy to include you. I had the opportunity to take a 3-day, fully-paid trip to Georgia, including a conference in Savannah and a visit to the Atlanta office. All I had to do was ask!