Internship Tips For Introverts
By Fahd Pasha
Whether you’re an extrovert or introvert, beginning a summer internship can certainly be daunting. I can tell you from my own personal experience – it was for me! If you prefer being alone, or in the company of just a few close friends, it can be tiring to spend every weekday surrounded by people you don’t know.
Introverts’ shy nature can sometimes be construed as a lack of confidence and skills necessary to get the job done. While their inherent strengths are not obvious at first glance, introverts can definitely bring a lot to the table.
Are you an introvert, and maybe a bit worried about starting your new summer internship? Here are a few tips to help you succeed in your new work environment:
1. Give yourself time.
Introverts are thinkers who really excel when given the appropriate amount of time to prepare and reflect. So, knowing this, take your time. Figure out what you need to do and how long it’s going to take to perform the required task. A simple step like this shows you have given the task a good amount of thought – while also showcasing your attention to detail – a characteristic many employers crave.
2. Introduce yourself to someone new every day.
For any new person in the office it can be intimidating when you don’t know anyone. And, for an introvert, getting out of your comfort zone can be even worse. Everybody needs their own “me time”, but too much crowd control, and you risk being seen as anti-social, especially if you’re awkwardly standing around the common area in silence.
It’s important to set some extrovert type goals for yourself to get the most out of your experience. Invite another intern or a co-worker out for coffee or lunch. Ask them questions about their career and find out if they can offer any advice to help you settle in. When you eventually do feel comfortable with the people around you, find other ways to branch out and connect. An internship is a place to make connections as you begin your career. Ultimately, it’s a double win!
3. Ask questions
A lot can be determined about an individual from the questions they ask. If you’re attending a meeting or have been asked to work on a big project, try to come up with a game plan. Questions will help you understand what’s really important to the company at large and help you determine what you need to do. It will also make you stand out on the team.
As an introvert myself, I still sometimes fear messing up or doing something that would make me feel bad. Remember, people expect you to ask questions, so don’t feel like you are bothering your manager. Curiosity breeds good work.
4. Remember, you’re not alone.
Susan Cain, author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking writes: "The bias against introversion leads to a colossal waste of talent, energy, and happiness." According to Psychology Today between 16 and 50 percent of the population are introverts. Cain says that introverts offer extraordinary talents and abilities that should be acknowledged. So don’t let nervousness get the better of you. You may be surprised to know that many well-known and respected leaders and innovators are inherently shy, including Microsoft founder and philanthropist Bill Gates and self-proclaimed introvert, J.K. Rowling.
An internship is a great opportunity to take risks and reinvent yourself. The skills you gain will inevitably help you in future jobs, so don’t hold back! This is also supposed to be the time where you figure out if your internship is the kind of work you can see yourself doing long-term. So if it’s not for you, don’t sweat it. There are other jobs out there that might align with your personality type better.
Looking for more tips to help you get an edge and kick-start your career? Visit career-advice.monster.ca for the latest advice and trends.