How to be Successful at Your Internship

So most of us want to become successful in our respective fields one day, and what are the best ways to do so, you ask? Get a job or an internship, or several! We know some of you already have opportunities lined up over the summer, so OTH came up with a few handy tips to help you be successful at your summer job or internship (or you know, life in general):

1) From my experience, it’s always best to dress for the job! Even interns should dress to impress. No flip-flops please. Also, news flash: most of the “business casual” attire you see on sitcoms are usually NOT real business casual (maybe except Leslie Knope’s pantsuits). Make sure you know your company’s dress code and dress appropriately. I mean, if everyone is wearing jeans, do you really want to wear a suit and tie?

2) Don’t gossip about co-workers. It makes you look nasty and untrustworthy. No one wants negative energy in their place of work.

3) And lastly, don’t be afraid of your boss. They’re literally just a person… A living, breathing human being just like you and I. If you act nervous or weird around them, it probably makes them feel super uncomfortable around you instead, which is not what you want. Befriending them (appropriately, of course) wouldn’t be such a bad idea either.

4) Volunteer for work! You are at the company only for a few weeks, maybe at most 3-4 months, so make the best out of it. If you find yourself sitting around, ask other people if you can help out with anything. A positive attitude goes a long way!

OTH wishes you good luck in your summer endeavors!

by Beverly Okhio

How to Find an Internship (According to UCLA students)

So you’re not trying to wait for your local Denny’s this summer again. That is understandable. You’re a college student. This year is going to be different. This year is the year you’re going to get an internship… right? You’re probably a little bit distressed right now, but chillax. Here’s a puppy. Just kidding. Only employed people get puppies. Cue cymbals. Anyways, without further ado, here is how you will get an internship (no guarantee, but we do try to be as realistic and informative here as possible):

MOST STUDENTS WILL DO THIS

1. Get a Linkedin. Add your friends. Add your parents. Add your relatives. Add people you know. Complete your profile and actually take a proper photo (selfie ≠ proper).

2. Identify what companies you want to work for.

3. Look up these company/whatever establishment pages on Linkedin and go through the employees page. See if you have any shared connections.

4. Reach out to them! Tell them about your interests and arrange a phone call with them.

5. Network with them. Get a cup of coffee or talk briefly with them on the phone.

6. Politely ask if there are positions available at whatever they’re working for.

7. Get an interview.

8. Get a job offer.

THE LUCKY ONES WILL DO THIS:

1. Inform your parents and/or social circles of your interest in securing an internship.

2. One of these people in the aforementioned groups knows someone. Or knows someone who knows someone.

3. They refer you.

4. Boom. You probably skipped all the other steps and go straight to 8. Lucky you!

There you go millennials. Now get out there and expand your network! Good luck.

by Jerry Cheung