[blueangel]

I'm interviewing summer interns right now, and it amazes me how ill prepared many of them are. I also am flabbergasted at the unreal expectations so many have. I work in broadcasting, and you have no idea how many interns expect that they'll be put on air because they have a college demo tape! You will have to pay your dues-- I did, and so did everyone before you.

An internship is a marvelous opportunity to get your feet wet in an industry, make some contacts, and learn by doing. College is not real-- the workplace is.

Some advice

1. For the women: Do not wear bar clothes to your interview or to work. EVER! Dressing seductively may get you a date, but it won't get you ahead in your career. It will make the men think of you as a sex object, rather than a potential employee. It will alienate you from the women in charge. You will not be taken seriously. That means-- no flouncy short skirts, no belly buttons, no cleavage. Dress conservatively. Nice slacks or skirt and a jacket are a good choice.

2. For the men: Leave the baseball cap at home. Don't wear jeans or sweats. Look at what everyone else is wearing, and dress appropriately. A button down shirt and a nice pair of slacks and dress shoes or loafers are fine in most offices. Sneakers are not. If in doubt, err on the side of overdressing.

3. For all-- leave the backpack at home. That's very unprofessional. Also, make sure you show you're serious. I would also leave the plastic keychains with the Tweety birds at home as well.

4. Don't complain. If you have to do some tedious work, smile, and get through it. Have a positive attitude. Be enthusiastic.

5. Ask questions. If you don't understand how to do something, that's fine. You're there to learn. I'd rather you ask then botch something up.

6. Be on time. Treat your internship like a real job... because if you impress people enough-- it may turn out to be a permanent job for you!

7. Don't get involved in office politics.

8. Watch your language. Speak professionally. You're not in a college atmosphere, so talking about how you "got wasted" last night probably isn't a good idea.

9. Follow up your internship with a hand-written thank you note. You'll make an excellent impression. You never know when someone can write you a letter of reference, or even hire you.