By Anika Akali
Diving into the world of internships can feel like stepping into uncharted territory. But with each experience, you discover new aspects of yourself and your career path. I’m Anika Akali, a junior at the University of Michigan, majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Philosophy. Over the past few years, I’ve navigated through three very different internships: a Business Analyst at a fast-paced startup, a Product Management Intern at CVS, and most recently, a Software Engineer Intern at Capital One. Along the way, I’ve learned that every internship, no matter the role or industry, offers unique opportunities to grow and connect. Here are some insights I’ve gathered that can help you maximize your internship journey.
- Embrace the Power of Coffee Chats
In my recent role as a Software Engineering Intern at Capital One, I discovered the incredible value of coffee chats. Even though software roles are often seen as more individual and less team-oriented, the benefits of interacting with colleagues are immense. Whether you’re in tech, consulting, or any other field, taking the time to have informal conversations with others in your company can open many doors.
One of my coffee chats made me realize that consulting might be a career path worth exploring. Another led to a job offer from a company I was interested in. But even when conversations weren’t life-changing, they helped me make friends at work, which made my internship more enjoyable. Remember, not every chat will be a home run, but it’s a numbers game—out of 50 conversations, one might be a game-changer. The key is to put yourself out there.
- Document Your Work
As an intern, you’ll likely be juggling a variety of tasks alongside a major project. It’s crucial to keep an organized record of everything you work on. I found that maintaining a spreadsheet to document my tasks was incredibly helpful. It serves two main purposes: first, it helps you clearly demonstrate your contributions to your manager, and second, it makes writing resume bullet points at the end of the summer much easier. This habit of documentation will pay off in more ways than one.
- Set Clear Goals
Personal growth is arguably the most important part of your internship. Before you even start, take the time to think about what you want to achieve. Make sure your goals are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound). Be vocal about these goals from day one—communicate them to your manager and ask for the support you’ll need to reach them. Regularly check in and ask for feedback on your progress. This proactive approach will help you get the most out of your experience.
- Ask for Feedback
Growth comes from learning, and learning often comes from feedback. However, not everyone will offer feedback unless you ask for it. Don’t be afraid to ask your manager, mentors, or peers for their insights. When you do receive feedback, make sure to demonstrate how you’ve implemented their suggestions. This not only shows that you’re receptive but also that you’re committed to improving.
- Make Memories
This might sound cheesy, but it’s true: make the most of your time outside of work. If you’re in a new city, take the time to explore it. During my internship in Washington, D.C., I used Beli to discover the local food scene and made it a point to experience as much of the city as I could. Internships aren’t just about work—they’re also about figuring out if you enjoy living on your own and if the city you’re in is somewhere you’d want to stay. Building friendships with coworkers is another crucial aspect; it makes the work environment more enjoyable and can lead to lasting professional connections.
Take-Away
Your internship is more than just a stepping stone in your career—it’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and explore. By taking the time to connect with others and making the most of your surroundings, you’ll ensure that you not only succeed in your role but also walk away with experiences and connections that will serve you well in the future. Embrace the journey, and make every moment count.