Top Five Things every intern should know.

Interning at Harris Media for the last month, I have learned new skills and have gained valuable experiences. Some tasks are exciting and new to me, while others allow me to sharpen skills that I already had. Since starting, I have completed many task including: making multiple listicles, created content for graphics and I wrote this blog post.

Here at Harris Media there are many interns, all of whom have had prior experience with internships, and are having their own unique experiences here. We toss around ideas, questions and advice in our office (AKA the conference room) and came up with advice to future interns!

1. Ask Questions. It’s important to ask questions as soon as you’re given a task: what’s the deadline, is there a call to action, how long or short does this email, post, tweet etc. need to be? Tasks are always for a client, and while I do have some knowledge of these people and organizations, the account executive on that client will always know more!

2. Ask for Feedback. It is very important to ask for feedback because that is the only way to know if there are improvements to be made. I personally relish feedback, learning from my mistakes and rejoicing at what I have done correctly! Other interns agree, feedback is crucial to growing and developing skills.

3. Say Thanks. Expressing gratitude is essential. I say thanks to the graphics team, to the account executive for their feedback, and I especially say thanks when Vincent brings free Chick-fil-A! Please and thank you are always reciprocated with a warm ‘You’re Welcome.’ And it isn’t just the interns who say these things, the account executives always say please while assigning a task, and always say thanks once we complete one. It is great to be recognized for your hard work!

4. Be Prepared. When you’re given a new task have your basic questions ready. Learn about the clients, in my case, many of the Harris Media clients are politicians. I will check out who their opponents are and learn a little about the state where they are running, and check out their website, Facebook and Twitter to see what they stand for and what kind of voice they have, which will tell me what kind of audience they are trying to reach.

5. Be Professional. Typos and misspelling are not professional. Spellcheck is your friend, but proofreading is your best friend. Reread any projects you’re doing and even little emails you send your coworkers. It takes extra time, but people at your internship will notice and appreciate your accuracy, and realize that you are reliable and consistent.

#Internlife

-Jaclyn Coles