Episode Two

Guy actually gives advice to interns, and doesn’t appear to be an imbecile.

Transcript

Heeeeyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.

Welcome to the second episode of The Undercover Intern podcast, coming to you live from the centre of London. I'm your host, Guy Snapdragon, and today is Monday the 30th of January 2023. This podcast is for all aspiring interns, let this podcast be the foundation stone for your career.

We are sponsored this week by The Maywentery Golf Course. Welcoming men of all abilities since 1923. Did you know that the terms ‘eagle’ and ‘albatross’ that are used in golf are real types of bird and that in the early years of the sport, boiled eagle eggs were commonly used as golf balls.

I’m so delighted to be with you again, as we look together at all things intern and internship-related. It is my great honour to be sharing with you some of the knowledge I’ve accrued over the course of my career.

Thank you so much for the positive feedback from last week’s first episode. First of all, it’s great to know that so many of you are listening. Second, it’s humbling to hear that this podcast has already helped some of you, in a small way, to navigate the sometimes treacherous waters of internships. It’s undercoverinternguy all one word at gmail dot com, that’s undercoverinternguy@gmail.com to get in touch.

Let’s start with an email from Emma Starling in Derby, who is considering a career in law and wonders about the importance of internships. Emma, internships, or clerkships as they're often known in the legal field, are indispensable. These roles provide a glimpse into the practical aspects of law, far beyond what’s covered in textbooks. By working closely with seasoned lawyers and judges, interns gain insights into the nuances of legal proceedings and client interactions, which are invaluable for any aspiring lawyer. To add to that, internships also offer a unique opportunity to network within the legal community. Attending court sessions, firm meetings, and other legal gatherings as an intern opens doors to connections that can be pivotal for your career.

Claire King from Sutton Coldfield wants to know how internships differ in different countries. Great question, Claire. So in countries like the UK and USA, internships are prevalent in finance, technology, and marketing, often serving as pathways to employment. German internships are commonly found in engineering and manufacturing, focusing on practical skills aligned with rigorous academic standards. Asian countries like Japan and South Korea emphasise internships in technology and business, with a strong focus on discipline and learning company culture. Meanwhile, in the Middle East, internships are growing in hospitality and finance, reflecting economic diversification efforts beyond oil.

Moving on to a question from Sally in Los Angeles, who asks about selecting the right internship. Sally, the first step is thorough research. Don’t just skim through job listings; delve deeper. Look at the company’s mission, their work culture, and employee testimonials. Websites like LinkedIn and Glassdoor are treasure troves of information. Connecting with past interns can offer you a clear picture of what to expect and how to prepare. Moreover, consider the size of the organization. Larger firms often provide structured training programs, while smaller firms might offer more hands-on, diverse experiences. Each has its benefits depending on your career goals. REDACTED, on his RedIntern podcast did a whole episode on this subject recently, and I’d highly recommend that you listen to it Sally - loads of great tips.

But what happens once you land an internship? This is where the real work begins. One of your goals should be to assimilate into the company culture. Every organisation has its unique way of doing things—its rituals, its pace, and its expectations. As an intern, observe these nuances and adapt accordingly. This adaptability will not only help you blend in but also stand out as someone who is perceptive and respectful of the workplace environment. Think about it this way: Imagine you're a musician playing in an orchestra. Each company has its own rhythm and tempo. If you start playing at a different pace, you will stand out—and not in a good way. By observing and aligning with the corporate culture, you show that you're not just part of the team, but that you're in tune with them. That said, you’ll notice things as an intern to which others in the organisation have become accustomed, but which might not be ideal. At least make a mental note of them and try to understand why the organisation operates this way.

Another ingredient of a successful internship is the relationship you build with your mentor. A good mentor does more than instruct; they inspire and guide. They can help you navigate complex professional situations and offer advice tailored to your personal development. Make the most of this relationship. Be proactive in seeking regular feedback, and be open to constructive criticism without taking it personally. Set up regular meetings to discuss your progress, address challenges, and refine your goals. Let's say you're working on a challenging project, feeling overwhelmed. A proactive approach would be to schedule a sit-down with your mentor, discuss your current strategies, and openly seek advice. Such initiatives are often appreciated and can lead to more personalised guidance.

Speaking of challenges, every intern faces them. It might be a daunting project or adjusting to professional standards. When these challenges arise, don't shy away. Instead, see them as opportunities to learn and grow. Tackle problems head-on, ask for help when needed, and show that you can think critically and creatively. This resilience will make you a valuable asset to any team and teach you skills that are applicable far beyond your internship. For instance, suppose you are assigned to lead a project that requires skills you haven't fully developed yet. Instead of panicking, use this as a chance to stretch your capabilities. Dive into research, consult with colleagues, or seek out online resources to fill in the gaps in your knowledge. Showing your willingness to learn and adapt under pressure can set you apart as an intern who brings real value to the organisation.

Lastly, remember that internships are a two-way street. As much as you want to make a good impression, it's also your time to evaluate the company. Does it align with your career goals and values? Use this period as a test run to see if this is a place where you can envision a future. This mindset will help you approach your internship not just as a temporary role but as a stepping stone to your career.

As you approach the end of your internship, it’s vital to consider your next steps. Discuss your career aspirations with your mentor and explore opportunities within the organization. Leaving a lasting impression can often lead to future job offers or at least valuable industry contacts. Engage actively with your colleagues, participate in meetings, and contribute ideas. Every task you undertake, no matter how small, is an opportunity to demonstrate your commitment and capability.

As we wrap up today's session, remember that your internship is what you make of it. Dive in with enthusiasm, embrace every learning opportunity, and build lasting relationships. With the right attitude and approach, you can turn a simple internship into a launching pad for your career.

Moving forward, this podcast is going to delve deeper into specific internship topics. For example in next week’s episode I will recommend ten of the best briefcases for interns, that will make you stand out and make a remarkable first impression.

I’ve been your host, Guy Snapdragon. May you use your time wisely, and may your use of wise be timely.

[Generic man voice] This was a rerun episode from January 2023 as Guy Snapdragon is unable to be with you this week.