Once you have chosen which internship you wish to do, consider the following tips to ensure that you get the most out of your internships in Cape Town.
- Be prepared to learn. You are there to take in as much information as you can, and that means learning through every experience. Get something wrong or make a mistake? Let it help you grow your abilities. Not sure why you are doing a certain task? Ask questions and take time to find out what every tasks means within the projects you complete. Don't be passive – be pro-active and do whatever you can to learn during Cape Town internships.
- Don't be shy to give your own input. If you have some great ideas that you think could work, bring them up to your supervisor or manager. You don't have to be pushy about it or expect every single idea to be implemented, but if you are able to contribute in some way, your experience will be far richer and more rewarding.
- Get out of your comfort zone. If you really hate phone calls, now is a good time to get over that fear. If admin is not your strong point, find out ways to make it easier. Enjoy each task you are given – even if it doesn't seem to have much point. Try new things and put yourself out there once in a while. It will show incentive and could even help you get ahead in your chosen career path.
- Give back to the community. The growing development sector in South Africa offers plenty of ways to uplift communities. If your choice of internships in Cape Town does not directly deal with local communities, find out how else you can get involved. Future employers are always impressed with candidates who give back and show initiative, and you will also feel great about making a difference during your time in the city, no matter how small it may be.
- Make new friends and do some networking. Who says interning is all work and no play? Make friends at your place of work and outside of it too. Go along with the team for those after work drinks on Fridays. Join a tour group or take a fitness class. Take up your co-worker's offer to go to the beach on the weekend. Those friendships could result in networking opportunities that see you in good stead further down the road.
- Above all, have fun. Interning is exciting, enriching and a lot of fun if you have the right attitude. Don't see it as skivvy work or something you are obligated to do – see it as a chance to learn skills in a unique environment. This will ensure that you enjoy Cape Town internships to their fullest ability, for an experience you will remember for years to come.