8 Ways to Rock Your Summer Internship
By Christina Sterbenz
As the semester comes to a close, most of us look forward to the end of finals week, when we can finally start to relax and enjoy the sunshine of the swiftly approaching summer. But the beginning of summer also means internships and dressing business casual.
In Fight Club, Tyler Durden defines interns as the “all-singing, all-dancing crap of the world.” Interns are often stuck with the dirty work (without pay) and are forced to kiss major ass in exchange for experience to put on their resumes. Basically, you’re a slave for three months, which we’re pretty sure is illegal. And if you’re really unlucky, you end up paying cold, hard cash for your summer stint in exchange for credits that you don’t even need or want. But in today’s job market, internships are so important to future employment that you really don’t have much of a choice. You can, however, take a proactive role in enjoying your summer as a second-class citizen in the working world. A good time begins with an even better attitude, so use these tips to get acquainted with your environment.
1. Scope out the eating scene. People find a lot of comfort in food. When you’re having an “I’d so much rather be day drinking on the beach” day at the office, take a detour on your way home and eat your way to happiness. Find a favorite spot and suggest going there with your fellow interns to bitch about your boss.
2. Introduce yourself to your neighbors. Having people to chill with after work or on the weekends will make a huge difference in your internship experience. Plus, that hottie with a body who lives across from you might be down for some guilt-free, stress-relieving, sweaty, summer sex. Or maybe that’s just wishful thinking.
3. Find a familiar place. If you usually go to Barnes & Noble in your hometown, locate the nearest one in your new area. Doing something you might have done during a summer babysitting at home might ease your homesickness a little.
4. Don’t drive everywhere. Even if you’re living in a city (read: NYC) where nobody drives, avoid the taxi sometimes. You’ll save money as well as get the chance to examine your surroundings. If you need help, consult HopStop's walking directions.
5. Read the local newspapers, especially the crime section. Take note of which areas of town have the most drug activity and violence. Use the buddy system appropriately especially in those spots.
6. Keep a pair of binoculars by the window. On boring nights, you can creep on your neighbors. If you like what you see, find some way to casually run into them. No, that’s not stalking; it’s just careful planning.
7. Watch any movies that are set in the city you’re interning in. For example, if you head to Vegas, watching Johnny Depp as Hunter S. Thompson in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas might make things feel more home-y.
8. Try a new haircut or wardrobe. If you’ve always wanted to fill your closet with edgier items (but knew that your sorority sisters would totally judge you), your new location provides the perfect opportunity. Get a mohawk!
To quote Dr. Seuss, “Wherever you go, there you are.” Hopefully, "where you are" isn't Gary, Indiana. But even there, you can always pimp out your desk.
Where are you interning this summer? Let us know by commenting below!