Internship DO's....if You Want to be a Keeper!

I love lists.....especially "to do" lists! They help organize my brain and my time, both of which helps me to get more accomplished without losing my mind. This list for interns is a "to do" list of sorts, giving advice on what you should be sure to do while working as an intern, but only if you want to be a "keeper"! (Hmmm.....that is the point of interning. Right?)

Here are some personal traits an employer wants and looks for in the interns they hire full-time:

1. Work well with others.
2. Willingness to wear any of the necessary hats.
3. Enthusiasm about the opportunity.
4. Organized, self-motivated, dependable.
5. Asks intelligent questions, looks for solutions to problems
   
6. Go above and beyond what is expected.
7. Eager to learn, focused.
   
8. Receptive to correction
9. On time, on time, on time.
10. Follows directions, great listening skills.
    
11. Good attitude!

Didn't you learn these in kindergarten?

Online Resources for Interior Design Career Search

Great information is always appreciated and Fred Bern's posts always provide great information. Check out this link to his blog post where he lists career search resources for Interior Designers:

Interior Design Online Career Resources

If you are an interior design student, you need to know who Fred Berns is - the biggest name in the business of interior design. "He's the only sales and marketing coach, author and professional speaker who trains design trade professionals worldwide how to use self-promotion to dramatically increase sales and profits." Be sure to read his posts for great advice on running an interior design business.

Fred's website is Business By Design and his blog can be found at InteriorDesignBusiness.net.

Job Search Solutions in a Down Economy

Job search can be hard on your self-esteem, especially when there are many rejections for a long period of time. It can get harder to keep a smile on your face when your budget is tightening and the light at the end of the tunnel is hard to see.

There is plenty of "bad" news being broadcast by the media, mostly by those in life who look at a glass half-empty with the remainder ready to spill (or their job is to make money spreading doom and gloom). However, there are those who still see it as half-full and ready to be refilled. Architect David W Patterson in one such who not only sees the glass half-full, he sees multiple ways to refill the glass

His article, Don't Let a Recession Sink Your Job Search posted on Design Intelligence is written without fluff, hype and flowery promises. This article has substance and solutions. Granted, it will still take effort to find a job in a down economy but with his one-stop-shop of ideas on what to do next, it will make the job search more palatable.

While written for job seeking architects and interior designers rather than students, the information can still apply to students seeking an internship. Plenty of places to look for those with a little innovation and perseverance.

Thanks for the great article Mr. Patterson!

Interior Design Intern to Employee: Be a Keeper eBook Available

Technology is a great thing. In only a few minutes, the eBook version of the book manuscript was uploaded, published and available. A push of a few buttons and clicks on the mouse. Wow! I love computers!

If you are interested or know of a student who can use the guidebook, find print and ebook version here:

From Interior Design Intern to Employee: Be a Keeper

Can Social Networks Help You Find an Internship?

You bet they can. When used correctly, social networks can expand a student's list of contacts who may just know of an internship before it is published. The more people you know in your industry and the more who can refer you, the better.

Here is a great article with more explanation on how Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and others can get your foot in the door.

Social Networks Can Boost Student Career Opportunities

Second Milers Move Ahead Rapidly

Jack Canfield is one of my favorites and this is worth sharing.........try these tips as an intern and see if you get noticed!
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Going the Extra Mile will Get You Even Farther
by Jack Canfield

Are you someone who consistently goes the extra mile and routinely over delivers on your promises?

It's rare these days, but it's the hallmark of high achievers who know that exceeding expectations helps you stand above the crowd. Almost by force of habit, successful people simply do more.

As a result, they experience not only greater financial rewards for their extra efforts but also a personal transformation, becoming more self-confident, more self-reliant, and more influential with those around them.

These high achievers stand out from the crowd because of their extra efforts. They are unwilling to give up, even in the face of difficult times.

They get the promotions, they get the loyal customers, they grow their businesses twice as fast, they get financial rewards, job security, and they go home feeling satisfied.

Do you exceed expectations?

Do you surprise people with more than they were expecting from you?

Do you have the opportunity - but also the personal initiative - to go the extra mile?

To be successful you must change your thinking. You can only win by making extra efforts. People who go the extra mile always get payback. You will discover yourself becoming more self-confident, more self-reliant and more influential with those around you.

People notice the special services and all the small touches that make dealing with you so pleasurable. And when they are talking to their friends they will mention you and recommend you because you are the one who stands out.

People will see that you pay attention to detail, that you consider all the small things that really make a business successful, that you care about your image, and that you belong with all the other people who work hard to achieve. You will attract new business and new opportunities.

Listen to any success story and you will hear of someone who worked exceptionally hard to get what they wanted.

You’ll hear how they put in the extra time, did what wasn’t part of their job description, and over-delivered on what was asked of them. You’ll hear how they stuck at it until they broke through, and usually you’ll hear how it only took them a couple of years to do it.

What have you been doing for the past couple of years? Think of what you could accomplish if you made it a habit to exceed everyone’s expectations. Image what doors could be open to you if you decided to be of better service and value.

How are you willing to go the extra mile? What kind of extra service are you willing to provide in order to stand out from the rest? What areas of your life could you be giving more of your effort and time, becoming more valuable, and improving your reputation?

Be willing to treat everyone like you’d treat your dearest friend. Don’t skimp on service. Don’t be mediocre or run of the mill. Show people what you are capable of. Show them that you care about your image and reputation.

When it comes to success, the people who are willing to go the extra mile get there that much faster!

© 2009 Jack Canfield

Jack Canfield, America's #1 Success Coach, is founder of the billion-dollar book brand Chicken Soup for the Soul© and a leading authority on Peak Performance and Life Success. If you're ready to jump-start your life, make more money, and have more fun and joy in all that you do, get your FREE success tips from Jack Canfield now at: www.FreeSuccessStrategies.com

Can You Answer "Why should I Hire You?" in an Interview?

Preparing for a job interview can be nerve-wracking.....

Decide what to wear - check
Groom the look to perfection - check
Print extra copies of your resume - check
Package the portfolio - check
Weather report...coat, umbrella or sunglasses? - check
Print a map or get the address into the GPS - check
Practice answering possible interview questions on the way - check
Smile and don't look nervous when you arrive - check
Arrive on time - check

The interview begins and the first question asked is "Why should I hire you?" If not prepared, this question can throw you off and leave you stammering for an answer.

Want to know how to handle this important question? Check out the article on CareerBuilder.com......they even quoted yours truly!

Why Should I Hire You?