How To Stand Out as an Intern: A Proven Blueprint

Forbes

5 days ago

Want to stand out as an intern? Follow this blueprint for success.
Welcome to auditions! Yes. I know this isn't theater, but when you're trying to stand out and get your first internship, it can certainly feel like vying for the coveted lead. After all, you put your best foot forward, you dress to impress, and you do everything in your power to not lose your nerves in front of the judges, aka: the hiring committee.
But, what if there was a blueprint for success? What if there was a cheatsheet to help you stand out above the competition and leave them wanting more?
Well, print this guide out, and highlight all the tips, because I'm prepared to give you a step-by-step guide to being the best intern ever! After reading this, get set, because you'll finally get that email that says, 'we'd love to have you on the team'!
So, let's look at three key questions you need to answer if you want to stand out as an incredible intern.
3 Essential Questions to Unlock Your Intern Superpower
An internship isn't just about showcasing your skills. It's more than that. In fact, it's really about showcasing what sets you apart from those around you. This is the time to find your uniqueness and leverage those qualities.
For example, I'm a CODA, which means, I'm a child of a deaf adult. In fact, I learned to lipread before I spoke a word of English. So, in many ways, I feel bilingual, cross-cultural, and an outsider. I was placed in numerous adult settings as a kid because I had to make sure that my mom understood her doctor and that her voice was heard.
This experience shaped me into the person I am today. Because, as a kid, I had to learn how to place someone else's needs before my own. Now, I never gave it much thought when I stepped into my first internship. I just assumed that everyone looked people in the eye and listened intentionally. But, that wasn't the case. And, in many ways, me being a CODA helped me stand out.
Ok. Now it's your turn:
When you look back on your childhood and figure out what shaped you into the person you are today, you gain the confidence to stand out above the rest. Because you have something that many never gain—and that's self-awareness.
You see, standing out above the crowd isn't about having the craziest goals or the most determination. Yes. All that plays a part in your success. But, it starts and finishes with understanding who you really are and what makes you tick. So, before you go to the next question, really take some time and think about your past experiences and what you bring to the table that's different from all the rest.
I don't know about you, but I loved reading about the habits of most successful people when I was growing up? Heck. I still have a stash of these articles in my office. There's just something about looking at the routines of people who have reached the pinnacle of success without crashing and burning along the journey. They've gotten to the top of the mountain and have the energy to enjoy the view.
So, what are some top habits that are profitable to interns if they want to stand out from the crowd? Well, here are my top three to get you started:
It's absolutely essential that you ask yourself this question, because here's the thing. Let's say you do a killer job as an intern, get the position, and then work for the same company for twenties years. Now, all of this is great, especially if you love what you're doing. But, let's say that you hate is? What then? Well, then you're stuck just trying to survive and not thrive. So, how do you fix this before it's too late?
Here are a few ideas:
So, if you want to stand out as an intern, just remember this blueprint. Because in the words of Logan Currie, Co-Founder & COO at Careerspan, 'The real achievement isn't what you produced—it's what you learned about your professional preferences and natural strengths. This becomes your first valuable signal to future employers (or people who can connect you to future employers) about your career trajectory.'
Happy interning!