When preparing for your internship, focusing on the right areas will give you the best opportunity to succeed.

We know life can be busy with commitments and responsibilities, but with the right preparation, you’re much more likely to impress.

Performance Education’s top tips to prepare for an internship:

Knowledge

You would have refreshed your technical knowledge prior to your interview, and it’s likely one of the reasons you were selected. Now, let’s take it a step further.

• Consider if the interviewer made any comments during your interview relating to the internship position you could research or practice before you start?
• Continue to build your technical knowledge. We know your ability to communicate technical knowledge in an interview is great, but how will it fair in practice? Practise these skills, if possible, in mock situations in the lead up.
• Familiarise yourself with the company. Stay up to date with their website and social media channels, know their competitors and about the industry they operate in. When you arrive on your first day, you’ll have solid foundation to build on over the next 12 weeks.

Preparing will show your mentor – from the start – you are serious about your internship, and you’ll put in the extra effort to achieve success. Setting this positive impression from day one will build trust and likely lend you to more opportunities to learn.

Finances

There are no escaping life’s financial responsibilities while you undertake your 12-week internship, so it’s important to have an airtight plan to cover you during this time. Ensuring your finances are in order will allow you to completely focus on your internship, without the extra pressure of taking on more shifts at your part time job (if you have one).

How can you do this?

• Leading up to your internship placement, put away money each week.
• Set an exact target amount and remember you are saving to cover a period of 12 weeks..
• You may need to reduce spending during this time, but it will be worth it when your mind is free to absorb new things and not be worried about paying bills.

You can only be at your best when you are thinking clearly, so set a financial plan prior to your internship commencing!

Time allocation

Time can be a scarce commodity in today’s world, especially when you have multiple priorities and responsibilities!

If you are working part time, ensure you have notified your employer of your internship start date in advance. It may not be an easy conversation, but the more notice you provide, the more time it gives them to plan for your reduced hours or altered working days. This not only shows consideration and organisation but gives you time to make other arrangements if your employer cannot accommodate this change.

13883734583505. the internship may add to your work and life load, so planning is key. Create a life schedule setting aside days or timeslots for studying, part time work and rest. If you are working part time, make sure you have not overcommitted. Looking at the 12 weeks period in a visual plan will clarify where you are spending your time and whether you have enough time to accomplish everything you want to.

Attitude

The right attitude is essential and often experts say it is the key ingredient to achieving success.

Keep an open mind and remember your internship placement is an opportunity. View every task as an chance to learn and contribute, regardless of what it is. Always consider how you can get more involved or lend a helping hand. A positive, eager, team playing attitude will help you stand out for all the right reasons!

Good luck!