![\"7-intern-pitfalls-you-must-avoid\"](\"http:\/\/atdevserver.com\/Projects\/Internsdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/7-intern-pitfalls-you-must-avoid.jpg\")
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You already know you\u2019ll be the run-around person of the office, at least for a while. But that doesn\u2019t mean you want your co-workers to forget you\u2014or remember you for the wrong reasons. <\/strong><\/p>\n Your goal should be to learn as much as you can and to support the company who gave you a chance. You want to land your dream job once this is all over, right? (By all means, if you\u2019re happy at the bottom of interoffice food chain, please ignore the advice you see below.)<\/p>\n Not everyone follows the rules, but this is not the time to go totally rogue. Before you get creative with new projects, first do what is expected of you. Complete assignments on time and of course, always do your absolute best.<\/p>\n If Suzy is sitting around the break room, don\u2019t assume you can too. Avoid the pitfall of thinking what others do will work for you (and probably avoid Suzy, too).<\/p>\n Develop a work ethic of your own.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/p>\n Do something! Sorry, folks. If you want to be recognized for hard work, you actually need to do some hard work. If you\u2019re sitting there looking bored, or worse, fall asleep (yes, it happened) because you have nothing to do, seek something out! No texting, Instagramming or other non-work related amusements.<\/p>\n Your supervisor may be so busy they just didn\u2019t get to you. Ask for the best way to contact them so you know they will get your messages. Let them know you completed the assignment you were given and ask how you can help elsewhere.<\/p>\n You won\u2019t get very far in the job if you don\u2019t grab life by the horns. Get out there, ask others what you can do, be proactive.<\/p>\n Getting ahead is still about who you know.<\/p>\n Make a point of getting to know the other people around the office. You might find a friend or two, or better – a mentor! This person can help you out now, and can be an ally in the future.<\/p>\n We\u2019re not suggesting that being fake is a good thing. But where your career is concerned, it pays to form strategic relationships. You never know when you\u2019ll need to call in that favor, ask for a referral or a contact person in the future, so earn your points now. Be genuine and helpful. Even other interns may turn out to work in a place you\u2019d love to work in later in life. Build your network.<\/p>\n Read more about networking with anyone in DC<\/a><\/p>\n Workplace politics are a thing. Gossiping about others and getting sucked into office drama is to be avoided like the plague. It will never ever turn out right for you.<\/p>\n In most cases, take the path of least resistance; that trail has already been blazed. This doesn\u2019t mean you shouldn\u2019t speak up and add your own ideas. Just don\u2019t take a hard line if you are met with resistance\u2014go gently.<\/p>\n It isn\u2019t necessary to go on a crusade about a new way of doing spreadsheets. (see point 1)<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n When it comes to most internships, the goal is to get out of there at the end of the year with your sanity still intact. Use this as an opportunity to learn and grow, and make your mark on the world later in your career (when it is more appropriate and people take you more seriously).<\/p>\nAvoiding these 7 treacherous pitfalls can make your internship more worthwhile than a footnote on your resume.<\/h2>\n
#1. Not doing what you\u2019re told<\/h3>\n
#2. Being a copycat<\/h3>\n
![\"Intern-pitfall-number-3-looking-bored\"](\"http:\/\/atdevserver.com\/Projects\/Internsdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Intern-pitfall-number-3-looking-bored.jpg\")
<\/p>\n#3. Sitting there looking bored<\/h3>\n
![\"Intern-Pitfall-number-4-keeping-too-much-to-yourself\"](\"http:\/\/atdevserver.com\/Projects\/Internsdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Pitfall-number-4-keeping-too-much-to-yourself.jpg\")
<\/p>\n#4. Keeping too much to yourself<\/h3>\n
![\"Intern](\"http:\/\/atdevserver.com\/Projects\/Internsdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Pitfal-number-5-Getting-involved-in-office-politics.jpg\")
<\/h3>\n#5. Getting involved in office politics<\/h3>\n
#6. Going completely overboard<\/h3>\n
![\"Interns-DC-Call-to-Action](\"http:\/\/atdevserver.com\/Projects\/Internsdc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Interns-DC-Call-to-Action-1.jpg\")
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