GOOD AT LIFE

Are you an intern? Do you manage one? Here are tips to succeed this summer.

New York Life | June 6, 2024

Summer internships are a win-win. While the interns gain valuable firsthand experience, companies like New York Life that have an internship program develop a pool of talent among soon-to-be college graduates. Below we offer tips for having a successful summer for both interns and those who manage and mentor them.

For interns:

1. Set clear goals: Define what you want to achieve during your internship, whether it's learning specific skills, making connections, or gaining insights into a particular industry, and make sure you understand what you’re expected to contribute. “During the first week of New York Life’s summer program, our interns have a conversation with their managers about expectations, including personal goals and ways the intern will help move specific projects forward,” says Seldric Blocker, Corporate Vice President, Human Resources, who leads New York Life’s summer internship program.

2. Be proactive and seek feedback: A key way to stand out is by taking initiative and looking for opportunities to contribute. Ask questions and volunteer for tasks to show your enthusiasm and willingness to learn, actively seek out regular feedback from your manager and team members, and when you receive feedback, use it to improve. “A learning mindset – someone who is curious, open, and willing to learn and grow – is a top quality that we look for in candidates for our intern programs,” says Blocker.

3. Understand the office norms and company culture, and be professional: Take time to figure out office norms by observing how others act, and mirror that. “Internships help students learn about cultural nuances, company and team dynamics, and how to navigate a professional setting,” says Blocker.

4. Stay organized: Keeping track of your work responsibilities, meeting deadlines, and managing your time all demonstrate to your manager and teammates that they can rely on you. Ask for tips and strategies to help you stay on track, like taking notes, keeping to-do lists, blocking focus time, or using technology tools. “An internship can definitely help students level up their organizational, time management, and project management skills,” says Blocker.

5. Meet people and build relationships: Building strong professional relationships can lead to mentorship opportunities and future job prospects. Take advantage of every opportunity, both structured and unstructured, to network with colleagues, leaders, and other interns. Schedule one-to-ones, lunches, and coffee chats. Make the most of each meeting by preparing – research the other person’s background, have a few questions ready, and practice answers to questions you may be asked about your experiences, education, career goals, and more.

6. Stay flexible, adapt, and keep an open mind (and a positive attitude): Summer internships often involve diverse tasks and projects, so being adaptable will help you navigate a variety of different situations. In addition, people and organizations have different ways of thinking, different communication styles, and various ways of doing things. A positive attitude is also a real asset when you’re working under pressure or need to adapt quickly to change.

7. Have fun! Last but not least, have fun. Most internship programs include outings, volunteer experiences, or social gatherings, so take full advantage of them. “Managers in New York Life’s offices organize outings and events for interns in their locations. This summer in New York, we’re planning a tour of the famous New York Life Building dome and an ice cream social,” says Blocker. Internships are also great for making friends as well as professional contacts.

For managers:

1. Define your goals: Before interns arrive, set clear objectives for the internship. What skills do you want them to develop? What projects will they contribute to? Having a roadmap allows you to assign meaningful tasks and track progress.

2. Onboard thoroughly: Don't throw interns into the deep end. Dedicate time for introductions, company history, and a tour of your department. Provide clear expectations on work hours, communication protocols, and dress code.

3. Matchmaker, matchmaker: Pair each intern with a dedicated mentor, someone who can offer guidance and answer questions beyond your own purview. Look for someone with complementary skills and a passion for mentoring.

4. Regular check-ins: Schedule weekly one-on-one meetings to discuss progress, address roadblocks, and provide feedback. Encourage interns to come prepared with their own questions and talking points.

5. Challenge, not drudgery: While interns can handle administrative tasks, avoid bogging them down with busywork. Give them projects with real impact, allowing them to feel like they're contributing.

6. Embrace fresh ideas: Interns come with a unique perspective. Don't dismiss their suggestions outright. Encourage them to present new approaches and challenge existing processes.

7. Learning opportunities: Provide opportunities for interns to expand their skillset beyond their assigned projects. Offer them a chance to attend industry workshops or shadow senior colleagues in different departments.

8. Feedback loop: Offer constructive feedback throughout the internship. Recognize their achievements and identify areas for improvement.

Internships at New York Life

New York Life’s summer internship programs allow college students to develop real-world work experience, valuable networking skills, and business relationships over a 10-week period. The 2024 program kicks off in the first week of June with 233 summer interns across 29 business areas. Visit the Careers page on nyl.com to learn more.

Many New York Life employees started as summer interns, including Ayden Vaval, an associate in Corporate Finance, who completed an internship during the summer of 2021 and joined New York Life full-time in June 2022. “My internship allowed me to experience working in my chosen field and apply what I learned in the classroom to the real world,” says Vaval. “The growth I experienced during the internship gave me confidence in my ability to transition into the workforce.”