What We Can Learn From An Intern

Phintern the Super Wildlife Secret Agent!

About a month ago I did a post on what interns should know in order to get the maximum benefit from their time. Now I want to switch gears a little bit and write about some things we, meaning those who are already working a "real" job everyday, can learn from our interns.

For the last three months we had an intern. Although he had a few specific tasks he was expected to complete (what we hired him for) he ended up going above and beyond what was expected of him. When it came time for him to leave us, there was a little sadness as nobody wanted to see him go. He graciously filled out a very informative exit interview however and using that along with input from the rest of the public affairs staff, I put this list together. Here is what we can learn from a great intern.

1. There is always room for improvement - no matter how educated or experienced you are, there is always something we can learn about our jobs from an outsider's view. Maybe it is something that once mentioned is common sense but being so close to it everyday you just miss it. Interns are great for providing valuable feedback, as long as you give them the chance.

2. Treat everyday as if it were your first day - Our intern made a point to mind his manners at all times, everyday. Even after three months and after growing comfortable around all of us, he maintained a professionalism that should be envied. As I mentioned in my last post there are things that should never be discussed but sometimes we get lax after 5 years, 10 years or more with the company. Our intern made us all aware again of what people should do and say in the workplace.

3. Never be shy about asking questions - While I have written before that asking questions is the best way to learn anything new, this goes for everyone already working and not just interns. Our intern asked me some tough questions during his time and really made me think about some of the things I do and how I handle certain media situations. I needed that good hard look at my technique but would probably have taken longer without my intern's honest scrutiny. Now I question both myself and my supervisor more, if only to make sure I am on track.

4. Embrace change - I consider myself a pretty savvy person when it comes to social media, but even so I was pleasantly surprised when I was able to pick up some new tips and tricks that I can now apply to my work not only as a blogger but as a public affairs professional. Even if you have been around the block a million times, things change all the time so take advantage of a young intern and really pick their brain. You may be surprised at what you learn.

5. Every colleague is also a person - We all have our own unique personalities and both strengths and weaknesses. Nobody is perfect but by working together in a collaborative way will ensure that we get the most done in the most efficient manner. Our intern was really great at pointing out his own strengths and weaknesses and using that info to determine the best way he could help us achieve our goals. Definitely something to take an example from.

6. We are responsible for training and educating the next generation of workers - This is a biggie.

"What good will our hard work do if nobody in the next generation cares?"

Hopefully after reading this you will have a better attitude about working with an intern since we all know people who ruthlessly abuse their interns with menial and repetitive tasks that really teach them nothing about the real world of work. I want those who come after me, and who ultimately may work for me to have real training and a good sense of what to expect. In short I want good employees, not half-assed college grads expecting a handout because they did nothing during their internship other than make copies, fax some things and fetch coffee.

"We never get out more than we put into it."

A special thanks to the "Phintern" for all his hard work! Good Luck!