Recap: Maximizing Your Internship

Hi everyone, Nakyah here 👋🏾!

Our final event in the Internship Series was all about helping you maximize your internship experience. Whether you're preparing for your first internship or looking to level up your next one, this session covered everything from housing and dress codes to networking and tracking your achievements.

Here’s a recap of the key takeaways:

Housing Essentials 🏡

Internship housing options vary widely:

• Some internships provide fully funded housing,

• Others offer housing stipends,

• And some provide no housing assistance at all.

It’s crucial to know what your internship offers before signing your offer letter. Be sure to research the cost of living in the state you’ll be stationed in and assess whether your salary or stipend will cover your expenses.

💡 For example: During my internship, I received a stipend that covered $900 in rent each month. I used Facebook Marketplace to find housing. When searching for housing online, safety is key. Here are some tips to protect yourself:

• Request a background check from potential roommates, especially if they aren’t students.

• Use a contract—you can create one for free using tools like DocuSign.

• Ask for a virtual tour (via FaceTime or Zoom) to see the property in real life.

Bring someone trustworthy when moving in to ensure the situation is safe

We also discussed popular platforms to search for housing:

• Facebook groups

• College housing resources - Some colleges rent out their dorms during the summer to students interning in the area

• Zillow

• Airbnb

 🔑Key takeaway: Assess your financial situation (stipends, intern-provided housing, independent housing) and choose a living arrangement that aligns with your values and budget.

Codes and Work Hours 👔

Dress Code: Always check with your manager or HR about the dress code for your workplace. It can range from:

• Business Professional

• Business Casual

• Casual

Understanding the expectations ensures you’ll feel comfortable and confident in your work environment.

Work Hours: Most internships offer flexible hours, as long as you’re working 8 hours a day and meeting deadlines. Internships may vary in structure, such as:

• Fully in-person

• Fully remote

• Hybrid: A mix of in-person and remote work (e.g., certain days in-office, others remote).

💡 Pro tip: I reached out to people of color in my office to introduce myself and get a feel for the office culture. Through those conversations, I gained valuable insight into the workplace dynamic, such as attire, and built a stronger sense of community.

Networking Strategies 🤝

Networking is essential to making the most of your internship. Here’s how to build meaningful connections:

• Be friendly to everyone, from peers to higher-ups.

• Find a mentor

• Attend social events to connect with coworkers and learn more about the company culture.

• Set up Lunch and Learns with full-time employees to gain insights into their roles and career paths.

 I cannot stress the importance of networking enough.

I’ve seen students go into internships, do great work, and go home. But doing great work will only take you so far if the people you work with don’t know or like you. Networking ensures people know your goals and strengths, so they’ll think of you when opportunities arise. That’s how you move up the ladder. You’re only with the company for a few months—make every hour count.

My Experience at ABB
During the first week of my ABB internship, my coworkers and managers had a social event every day after work. I went to every single one. This meant my first week was spent working 8 hours a day and then spending another 4–6 hours with my team. I was exhausted, but that time allowed me to build strong relationships with my manager, other interns, their managers, and other professionals in the office.

I firmly believe that those connections were a key factor in me securing my return offer and being nominated for additional opportunities.

We hope you’re feeling prepared and motivated to tackle your next internship with confidence. Remember, every internship is an opportunity to learn, grow, and pave the way for your career!

Join us on Slack for real-time updates and additional resources.