Just Started Your Summer Internship? Here's How to Actually Make It Worth It

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Just Started Your Summer Internship? Here's How to Actually Make It Worth It

You got the internship. Nice work.

Now you're figuring out where everything is, what you're supposed to be doing, and who’s who on Slack. It’s exciting, but also a little awkward at first. Totally normal.

Whether you're at a big company or a tiny startup, this is your chance to turn that short-term role into something that actually moves your career forward. Here's how to make it count.

1. Ask Questions Early

You are not expected to know everything. What matters more is showing that you care enough to learn.

Ask things like, "How does this team define success?" or "Who else should I learn from while I’m here?" Asking good questions helps you ramp up faster and shows people you're engaged.

2. Take Notes You’ll Actually Use Later

You will forget things. Everyone does.

Keep a simple doc with what tools you're using, what the company calls things, and what projects you're working on. Later, when you go to update your resume or prep for interviews, you’ll already have a list of real accomplishments to pull from.

3. Be Reliable

You don't have to be the expert in the room. But being consistent and dependable? That matters a lot.

Reply to messages. Do what you said you’d do. Ask for help when something’s unclear. People notice when interns take their responsibilities seriously.

4. Look for Work, Don’t Wait for It

If your internship isn’t super structured, that’s not a bad thing. It just means you have to look for ways to add value.

If you’ve got downtime, offer to help someone. Ask about a side project. Dig into something you're curious about. The people who find ways to contribute usually get the best recommendations (and sometimes even job offers later on).

5. Meet People Outside Your Bubble

Talk to folks in different departments or roles. Ask how they got started. Ask what they enjoy about their work.

You’re not just learning what you were hired to do. You’re also learning how companies actually function and what paths might be out there for you.

6. Pay Attention to What You Like and Don’t Like

Part of your job this summer is to take notes on yourself. What kind of work do you enjoy? What kind of environment brings out your best? What kind of team feels good to be part of?

Even if this role isn’t your dream job, it’s still teaching you what to look for next.

One Last Thing

Getting the internship was the first step. Making the most of it is where the real growth happens.

Be curious. Be dependable. Be the kind of person people want on their team again.

And if you need help figuring out what’s next, SCALIS is here to support you.

In this episode of Career Hack, Brandon Amoroso chats with Charlotte Lidster, Senior Talent Partner at Chapter 2, about the evolving landscape of recruitment. From leveraging AI to navigating networking in the digital age, Charlotte shares invaluable insights for job seekers and employers alike. Whether you're an early-career professional or a seasoned candidate, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you thrive in today's competitive job market.

Key topics:

🚀 The impact of AI on recruitment and how to use it effectively in your job search.

🧠 Building a strong personal brand and networking on LinkedIn.

✅ The importance of tailoring job applications for success.

🔑 Choosing between startups and corporate environments in your early career.

🌍 International recruitment trends and what to expect in 2025.

Follow SCALIS on social to stay updated with early career opportunities and exciting new trends!