3 ways I made the most out of my internship!

I had the chance to work with both the UX and Marketing teams. This internship was part of the fantastic Unlocked initiative, which aims to create opportunities for emerging talent who are often underrepresented in the UK’s creative industries. I'm truly honoured to have been part of the first round of this program and I hope it continues and inspires similar initiatives.

Here are a few things that might help you secure a full-time job, or at least perform your best during your time as an intern.

1- Embrace Opportunities

As a recent graduate, I understand how navigating the world of job applications, interviews, and the inevitable "Thank you for your interest but unfortunately..." emails can be overwhelming. However, it's essential to give yourself time, acknowledge that you're doing your best, and keep your motivation high.

• Engaging in meetups related to your field or your passions

• Staying vigilant for fresh opportunities

• Being open to trying new things

While this may sound easier said than done, let me assure you that attending events and initiating conversations with people was way out of my comfort zone too. Yet, I rarely left these conversations feeling more anxious or uninspired.

For instance, the internship opportunity at Leith came to me via Instagram direct message from a friend. I had previously expressed interest in their job and workplace, and this connection ultimately opened doors for me.

But here's the catch: this attitude should persist even after landing that internship or job. On a day-to-day basis, strive to be as helpful as possible and proactively seek out tasks. While your employer may have assigned responsibilities or a specific project for you, there's no harm in approaching other professionals and offering assistance, as long as it doesn't interfere with your primary duties.

Gathering diverse experiences across various disciplines can contribute significantly to the overall success of your internship.

2- Being Eager for Feedback

Being an overthinker, I often find myself second-guessing my decisions. Surprisingly, this habit led me to consistently seek feedback from my managers, and fortunately, they were always willing to provide valuable insights.

It's not about constantly seeking validation for every step you take, quite the contrary. Gathering feedback from experts offers you a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and build confidence in your work. This pertains not only to the technical aspects but, more significantly, to your soft skills. These include how you present yourself with politeness, professionalism, and empathy when interacting with others.

In essence, the key takeaway here is to remain eager for feedback. It's one of the most effective ways to evolve and develop as an individual.

3- Document Your Journey

It's not just about recording your case studies; it's equally important to document the intricate processes involved, such as research, handoffs, iterations, and more. Sharing these details with your peers serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it facilitates reflecting on both your triumphs and challenges, enabling you to gain valuable insights. Secondly, this documentation method allows you to showcase concrete achievements, the strategic thinking that led to these successes, and proof that can significantly support your credibility in future interviews or job searches.

Remember, internships serve as platforms not only for building your professional experience but also for discovering what aspects of a career path resonate with you and what may not align with your interests.

You've got this!