Secrets to Internship Success From a Former Bodega PR Intern
Whether taking your first step into the professional world or embarking on a new business venture, internships offer never-ending opportunities to develop the skills needed for success in any industry. They can provide hands-on experience to help you discover what truly excites you in the working world. For some, an internship serves as a first step into reaching your dream job; for others, it’s a chance to explore different fields before committing. Either way, internships create a dynamic environment for growth, learning, and professional development.
Having started my journey in the public relations industry as an intern at Bodega, I know this feeling very well. When I received my internship offer, I was beyond excited to step into an industry I was passionate about. But alongside that excitement came a wave of nerves. Was I ready to dive into a new environment? Was I prepared enough? What did I need to know?
Looking back now, I can see how much I’ve grown, but I also remember how overwhelming it initially felt. Transitioning into a new role is never easy, but taking on the experience with the right mindset ultimately creates the experience.
From joining the team as a summer intern to continuing my career with Bodega, join me as I share my top three tips that helped me make the most of my internship experience!
1. Step outside of your comfort zone
Discomfort often leads to growth! Whether it's a task you don’t feel fully prepared for or an opportunity that pushes you to develop new skills, stepping outside your comfort zone is key to learning and evolving. I’ve found that every challenge I faced expanded my capabilities and built my confidence to take on even more significant tasks. You’ll be surprised at how proud you feel when you push yourself beyond your comfort zone!
2. Don’t be afraid to ask.
Whether seeking advice, asking questions, or connecting with senior team members, your internship is perfect for learning from those around you. Engaging with others broadens your understanding of the industry and helps you determine if this is the right path for your growth and future success. One of my favorite ways to gain deeper insights was by requesting to shadow our Account Coordinator throughout the projects she was working on. These sessions allowed me to ask questions, learn from their experiences, and apply their strategies to my work, which helped further my development in the role and help me understand the company's needs more deeply.
3. What you put into it is what you will get out.
No matter how incredible a company and its team may be, the value of your internship ultimately depends on what you make of it. If you're eager to take on more responsibilities and proactively reach out to team members to offer support or shadow tasks, your persistence can often lead to more substantial learning experiences! During my time as an intern, I viewed my role as a hands-on opportunity to not only meet expectations but to seek out more actively. One of the most effective ways I did this was by utilizing my weekly check-ins with my supervisor to discuss how I could contribute further and improve my skills. These conversations helped me become a more valuable team member and provided insights into receiving feedback and actively responding to it to further my contribution to the team.
Every internship experience is unique, offering different lessons and opportunities for growth. However, approaching each one with a mindset of curiosity, a willingness to step outside your comfort zone, and the confidence to ask questions will help you get the most out of it. The more effort you invest, the more rewarding the experience will be. Interns are crucial members of any team, and as I’m sure many could agree, we can’t thank them enough during peak seasons!
