All in a day's work

I've had a total of four interns in my career. To be honest, all four have been within the last year. The first two were terrific. Full of energy, enthusiasm, smiles and thanks. They understood what it meant to be an intern. The second two both left after about two weeks (the most recent one just quit today). I honestly don't think it's me. I didn't make the first two stay (and be fabulous) and I didn't make the second two leave (though it's hard not to develop a complex).

Interning is not rocket science (unless, of course, you're interning for an actual rocket scientist). The one most basic, important thing to do when you're an intern is show your supervisor/mentor that you WANT to be there. Manifest that by showing up on time, asking if there's anything else you can do before you leave, walking briskly from task to task, asking just enough questions to prove you're listening, paying such close attention to detail that you take a little longer to get stuff done than you might like, and communicating clearly ... that's about it. Easy enough.

It's universal advice. The same list applies to any internship, whether you're interning at an insurance agency, a politician's office, a PR firm or a performing arts center. Show us you WANT it! After all, the objective is to make a good impression so your internship will lead to a job offer or a good recommendation, right? It's all about making relationships and networking, isn't it? If I'm missing something, someone, please, fill me in!