Advancing During the Job

Ever tried saying, "If you ever need anything, just let me know." or "I am really interested in your work, is there any project I can help you with?"

Besides the regular tasks you have to do at work, wouldn't it be great to have that extra research project or substantive task that makes the entire Internship worthwhile? These can't just be handed to you, because since you're there for a short time they won't know what you can handle or what interests you until you say something. The best way to search for one is to ask your boss. While I was interning at a technology firm, I started discussing with my boss writing articles, and then she e-mailed me with a few press releases she was going to publish on the website and asked me to edit them and get ready to write a few. I was so excited! Also, when they found out I was interested in government, they immediately handed me the project of updating their government contacts, keeping me entertained with research and contacting offices for weeks.

In order to get the most out of it, ask at lunch or walking to the metro what fellow employees are working on, and leave th hint that they can't miss that you would love to do anything related to it that could build your resume and be fun for you. This could bring new projects to your desk and soon make you an integral part of the office where people can come to you with many different tasks so that you won't have to be pigeon-holed into one specific area.