The 12 Disciplines of Internship I am very excited and anxious all at the same time because I am about to embark on. My very first internship is arriving so close that is is breathing down my neck and I am going to hit the ground running to make the best impression possible. I have gathered some tips and have ranked them order of importance to me that will help me during the second phase of my Year Up journey. Now that I am approaching internship time, I have to my head in the game and stay focused despite some challenges. IT IS TIME! These are the things that I plan to do and keep at the forefront of my mind as an intern: 1.Take Initiative. I strongly feel that If I possess this quality at all times and turn it into a concrete skill, I will not miss any opportunities to stand out and do above what is expected. Taking initiative means to me getting things done before be asked or assigned to do them. I feel this showcases a great deal of value that can really asset a team or a company especially in instances where the little extra help makes a big difference. I rank this at number 1 because I feel this is the most important thing to get off to a great start. 2.Tackle all Tasks with Enthusiasm and a Positive Attitude. This is a great skill to follow up behind taking initiative because you want to do your job but also do it well. Handling projects and busy work with finesse will make you stand out on the positive end like a star, not on the a sore thumb because you're keeping a positive attitude even when thing get rough. I must admit, this will be a strong growth area for me. I put this also as top priority with the first tip because this is key to maintaining professionalism. 3.Don't Be Afraid To Ask Questions It is very important to understand the concept of what I am doing so that if I am unsure of how to do something I can still step in the right direction to find the right answers. Asking questions shows interest and involvement and will let your superiors know you are ready to expand your knowledge. Asking questions shows you are ready to go to the next level though you may not know exactly how to get there. 4.Get as Much Exposure as Possible. This is a great way to expand your horizons and get familiar with unknown territory. The more you learn the more you know. Getting exposure helps you also to be more confident with your experience. 5.Never Shun a Chance to Learn More About the Company/Industry. It is always good to have perspective of what direction the company you are apart of is heading because it will help the on the job work performance. Its a great advantage to know what type of standing the industry or company has and how influential their business is and if there is a future. 6.Avoid Negativity. The last thing needed on a internship is negative influence and individuals that hinder progress. Negativity can fester, distract and prevent a person from performing their best work. It jades your perspective. It would be in my best interest to stay clear of negativity and always be positive. 7.Find a Mentor. It is always a good idea to have someone that is a little more experienced and who has been around in a particular industry mentor and show the ropes. This is the best way to be guided because you are receiving valuable hands on training and the support to complete a task. 8.Network,Network,Network. Meeting people constantly is the best way to strengthen your professional community and open up more opportunities to get ahead of the game. Getting to know more people and companies increases your chance to make a connection that will hugely benefit in the future. You have to meet people. 9.Set Personal Goals. Being goal oriented and driven will set you apart. I feel that once I have a grasp on what it is that I want to do and I start to see a light at the end of the tunnel, I will be able to make some very meaningful personal goals that I can realistically achieve and find the success that will make me happy and propel me to that next phase of my life. It is a sense of accomplishment. 10. Have Regular Meetings with your Supervisor(s). You have to consistently report to your superiors and maintain your relationship with them. Being in tuned with your boss and knowing what is expected enables you to track your progress. This is also the best way to improve growth areas and ask for feedback. 11.Enjoy Yourself. I want to work hard and have fun. This will create the balance that I need to be successful during internship and is what I need to really get the most out of the experience. You have to enjoy yourself. 12.Leave with Tangible Accomplishments. Lastly, I want to have something to show for my work and leave with notable skills that will transfer elsewhere. I must maximize my potential by challenging my self to do something out of the ordinary that will deserve recognition and sparkle on my resume. This is the way to climb ladder and celebrate on the way. It is a must to accomplish some things. These are the tips that I will hold dear to my heart to get where I want during and after my internship. This is the formula for success.