Being new in the workforce can be stressful. I mean after school is no longer time to chill. Some of us after school (post matric/college/university) we lucky enough to get internships. A program that is meant to be your career foundation. However, working days are not like varsity days where memorising concepts can take you to next stage/level. Working days can be filled with spontaneous activities. For instance you can get to work and the first email requires you to attend an urgent meeting. Here are the things that can help you during this learning curve. Let’s really look at what you should really do during your internship days in South Africa.
Application cases in your field
Firstly, you need to know your story particular if your intern position is that of a specialist. I therefore encourage you to read as much application cases in your field. On that note ask your supervisor a lot of questions about applications related matters in your field. Don’t be afraid ask those questions, be curious.
Mission and Vision statement of that organisation
Secondly, understand the mission and vision statement of that organisation by heart. This will help you to understand how you fit-in. You will be able to see yourself in that operational plan. The first 90 days are crucial in learning. Always jot down the crucial lessons every day. It can be hard but trust me it will pay of.
Formal meetings
Depending on your field, a workplace is often filled with a lot of formal meetings. These meetings are not like those you attended back in varsity or college where the comrades were addressing you for votes. A lot is at stake, how you introduce yourself can go a long way, since you are new in the organisation you don’t know who is who. So be careful. But what I want you to take away from those meetings is the corporate language utilised. Being able to master the corporate language in your field will help you go a long way as you will be able to articulate the complex jargons in your industry. Trust me it is also good for your confidence.
Networking
Another, important thing to do in your internship is networking. One of the hardest thing to do if you are an introvert. However you need to do it. Networking can help your secure your next job. As much as it is not easy always have your pitch ready. That can be your name, position and one or two main duties in your intern position. To make the conversation flow during your networking you can ask the next person what they do in their organisation, how long have they been in that position and what are some of the valuable lessons they can share since joining their organisation.
Punctuality
Punctuality is another one thing you must not lack when you are new in the workforce. Being punctual shows your level of commitment to that post. With that said being punctual alone is enough you need to complement that with competence. You got to bring your A game in every task. Ask questions when you don’t understand the task at hand.
No matters what happens always know that we learn from our mistakes. This is how you will be able to learn and grow. All the best as work towards the top. Cheers future manager. Now you know what you should really do during your internship days in South Africa.
