We’ve asked former interns to share their experiences and advice about working in the real world and at Reynolds and Reynolds. The following post is from Karen L. who interned with Reynolds last summer.

An internship can sound intimidating, especially at a large company like Reynolds, but they aren’t meant to be. Internships are an exploratory learning experience. They allow participants to ask questions, experience the company culture, and build resume credentials.

I knew all of that, but, was still nervous. I wish I would have known some of the following tips and tricks before I walked into Reynolds on my first day.

 1. Be prepared to make mistakes. 

You’re still a student, and an internship is a learning experience. Of course, you should always strive to do your best, but keep in mind you’re not going to know everything. Your co-workers and peers understand because they were once there, too.

2. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

No one will expect you to understand everything you’re asked to do in your internship. Ask questions. Learn from your mentors. You should also ask for feedback on your work. Praise and constructive criticism will help you work harder and smarter in the future.

3. Mirror professionalism.

I thought professionalism meant dressing appropriately. But, professionalism is more than the clothes you wear. It’s the knowledge and experience you gain. It’s also how you communicate and present yourself in situations. Whether you’re at a meet-and-greet session with leadership or at a Reynolds-sponsored softball game, it’s important to maintain professionalism.

4. Develop core skills and develop them well.

During your internship, you’ll have many opportunities to learn skills for any career you choose to pursue. Take the skills you learn, develop them, and strive to improve upon them. I learned how to be more professional, communicate better, and be a good team player. I also learned the importance of organization, accountability, responsibility, and independence. Those expectations drove me to learn new skills I’ve incorporated into my daily life.

5. Be yourself.

No matter what situation you enter, you need to maintain your individuality. Be yourself. Success in the workplace is not only about your performance, but also the relationships you build. It’s hard to build those relationships if you’re not genuine with others.

6. Commit to a positive mentality.

How people respond to certain situations, especially difficult ones, speaks volumes about their character. A positive, optimistic co-worker makes the day move along smoothly and productively. Walking in every day with a smile on your face and in a good mood is contagious. Start the chain reaction.

7. Learn to network and do it.

I never knew how important networking within a company was until my internship. Getting out of my comfort zone to speak to others made me nervous, but it also helped me discover different opportunities at Reynolds.

8. HAVE FUN!

Internships can be a stepping stone for your career and also be enjoyable. Reynolds does a great job fostering fun into each intern activity. I left my mark on Reynolds through my work. I also made lasting friendships with fellow interns.

I thought my internship would involve making copies or running scalding hot coffee to my co-workers. To my pleasant surprise, I got much more from my internship at Reynolds than I ever thought possible.