Internships are no longer just extra padding on the ol’ resume. Doing one is a thing. Hannah from Girls starts with a dead-end internship, Josh Flagg on Million Dollar Listing hires twin blonde interns instead of an assistant, and in June, Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson are co-starring in The Internship. Not coincidences. Interning could make or break a resume or a connection, and these days, could even be required for you to graduate. Say what?

Is it embarrassing that interning has almost been a hobby of mine? For the entirety of my university career, if I’ve had a day off class, I’ve spent it interning. So have you, probably. Why? Because we are driven to gain experience, and it can be very rewarding. The people, the projects, and the environments we interact with all have the potential to give us that satisfying sensation of a growing brain. But going into an internship, it’s easy to feel petrified; you’re diving in, and there’s a lot riding this. Thankfully, there is plenty that you can control—so let the panic dissipate! Here are some tricks of the trade:

  1. Be punctual. People notice. So what if everyone else rolls in half an hour late? Don’t be like that. You’re better than that! Honestly, showing up when you’re supposed to is the least you can do, but it says so much. Save your late slips for the streetcar collisions, the snowstorms, and the desperate mornings when everything item of clothing you own is either stained or wrinkled. Show up or ship out.
  2. Remember names. Woo, first day, meeting so many people! Except damn, now they all know you, and all you see is a blur. Knowing names is just one of those musts that will make you memorable and more efficient at your job; plus it will personalize your time with other employees. Use memory tactics! Hold onto that seating chart for dear life! Befriend the veteran interns and if even that fails, frankly it’s just time to sharpen your subtle eavesdropping skills. If you want people to remember your name, pave the way and get in the know.
  3. Say goodbye. You’d be surprised by how many people slink away from their desks at the end of the day without a word of goodbye. What is that? Leave strong. Have a smile on your face, ask around, and make sure everyone has what they need. After checking in, you can leave feeling that your time is appreciated. You work there too—be proud of it!
  4. Find your niche. Whether you’re a solo intern or part of an intern wolf pack, find a way to differentiate yourself. Still be a Jackie of all trades and do not neglect your other duties, but find a task or department that lets you shine. This tangible, magical thing you’ve perfected is the kicker that will make them miss you when you’re gone. That is, if they can stand letting you go in the first place.
  5. Find your mentor. So many things to find! A mentor is the person who will get you hired—if not there, somewhere else. They see themselves in you, and they will vouch for you. Mentors also like to pass along their skills and know-how, so soak it up! Get out there, work with everyone you can, find your strengths, and see where the bonds lead your career
  6. Chin up. The cool part about being an intern is that you get to do things that you would never do otherwise. The tough part about being an intern is that you have to do things that you never would do otherwise. Attitude is everything! This is a job, and naturally, not every task thrown your way is going to be your favourite. But it could all be temporary; if you keep a positive mindset with the work to back it up, people will notice—you won’t be getting coffee forever. Keep your chin up, buttercup.
  7. Be great. It’s simple: Be great. Be invaluable. Have a strong work ethic. Do your homework and do the work. It’s great to be resourceful and independent, but it’s just as essential to be honest and know when you need a hand.

Interning is a very real, very prevalent step on today’s job ladder. Once upon a time people graduated and got jobs right away, but today…not so much. An internship gets you in the building, and then it is up to you. It’s like in any relationship: you get back what you put in. At the end of the day, you’re there to learn about your field of choice—and don’t forget to also figure out if this work life truly turns your crank. Self discovery at its best! The elusive internship can work for you just as hard as you are working for it.