The Importance of Setting Goals

Intern Memo's Intern Abbie checks in with a word on setting goals for the summer:

What's great about a summer internship compared to an internship during the school year is that you've got more time, and more energy, to devote to it. The best way to utilize this time, and to accomplish more, is to set out from the start with an idea of what you want to get out of your summer job.

If you're still a few years away from graduation, this isn't the time to try to be scoring a position post cap-and-gown day. Instead, this is your opportunity to try out a career and see if it fits.

Goal #1: Test the waters. By the end of the summer, you should know whether you like the people in the industry you're working in. Do you want to be them in five years? And you should know whether or not you like the day-to-day work. Is nine to midnight okay with you? Or do you prefer nine to five?

Something that's difficult to imagine, but worth asking, is if you're successful and make it to the top, will you be happy? Obviously it's hard to predict, but try to give it some thought throughout the summer. In every job you'll have to start from the bottom and work your way up, so you need to be sure that the top position is worth it for you.

Goal #2: Network. It sucks, but you just have to do it. Not networking is like studying for weeks for a test and then not showing up on the day of. In other words, it's a massive waste of your time. Whether you're just a year away from graduation, or four years away, this is your opportunity to make friends with the people who will be helping you out when you're looking for a job. Yes, a nice letter of recommendation will be good, but you should be trying to get more than that. Even if your employer can't offer you a job in the future, they might know of someone who can. So, after doing a stellar job all summer, don't forget to keep in touch.

Goal #3: (for those who are graduating soon or are just super eager): Land a job. Like we just said, this doesn't mean a job at the place you're interning, but if you're about to graduate, you're going to have to think about where you'll be working soon. Keep your eyes open and your ears alert for any news about potential job openings, you could even snoop around a little to see if anyone's leaving soon. Check for old or pregnant people. Look out for people who are real depressed. Befriend them. Talk them over the edge, maybe. IT JUST MIGHT WORK!

Obviously that's a joke, but in all seriousness, a few weeks before the end of the summer, sit down with your boss for a talk about job possibilities. Even if there’s nothing available, they might be able to point you in the right direction.

Whatever your goals are for the summer, just make sure to take some time out to identify them before you start your internship. It will make a world of difference.

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