3 Things I Learned From my First Real Summer Job
From a new environment to new acquaintances, your first summer job as a young individual entering the workforce was or will most likely be intimidating. Whether you were working for a big four company, or a small start-up, there are lessons that I am sure each of us can agree are key take-aways from your first real internship. This week’s blog post will be focusing on the three most important lessons I learned over the summer.
Tip #1: It Pays Off to Learn from Others
More often than not, your first real summer job in an office will not line up right away with what you expected. You might have dreamed of your boss putting you on innovative, creative projects that would keep you busy and engaged throughout the entire work term. However, the reality is that when you first start off, you will most likely be engaging in an orientation and given limited freedom and responsibility. But we all have to start somewhere. While you may not be able to control the kind of work you are asked to complete, you do have the power to control how much you take away from each experience. Learn. Show interest in what your co-workers are doing. Ask them to run you through a project they have been working on. Learn about their responsibilities. In doing so, you will not only foster relationships with your peers, but you will also show your supervisor that you care and are committed to your position, as well as to the company.
Tip #2: Show your Personality
When you begin any internship, you want to get along with everyone. This is a universal feeling. We want people to like us and there is absolutely no harm in that. However, young professionals often allow this emotion to control their every move. We do not want to step on anyone’s toes, or say anything that is out of line. This can lead you to feel almost as if you are more parts robot than human, and can limit any form of creativity or innovation. Speaking from personal experience, the co-workers I got along with the best were quirky and not afraid to speak what was on their mind (within reasonable limits). So instead of trying to come off as the perfectly composed intern, embrace everything that the quote “show your true colours” means. Talk about your passions, speak with your supervisor about your ideas, and most importantly, avoid taking yourself too seriously.
Tip #3: Stop Comparing Yourself
We are all guilty of looking up other students on LinkedIn to see what job they have secured for their work term. There is nothing wrong with being interested in what other people are doing, but danger can arise from constant comparison. Your first summer job does not indefinitely determine where you will be once you graduate. Focusing on your personal goals and aspirations rather than those of others will while it might sound cliché, lead you to where you are meant to end up. After all, one person’s dreams are never identical to those of the person sitting next to them.
Whether you have yet to enter the professional workforce or have already completed several work terms, we hope you found some inspiration from this week’s post!
About the writer: Emily Yach is a second year Commerce student at Dalhousie University. She is the Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the Rowe Women in Business Association and recently spent the summer working as an intern at Pension Canada within the Accounting department.
