8 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Internship.

By Young Founders School

Starting your internship can be exciting and maybe even a little overwhelming. But with the right mindset and a few simple habits, you can turn this into a real learning experience that sets you apart. Here are eight practical tips to help you make the most of it.

1. Do your homework

Before your internship begins, take some time to learn about the company, your role, and the person you’ll be meeting. Knowing what the company does and what your mentor is interested in will help you have better conversations. Look them up online and come prepared. It shows respect and maturity.

2. Be early, always!

Whether it’s a Zoom meeting or in person, aim to be early. Join Zoom calls at least five minutes before they start. For in-person meetings, arrive 15 minutes early. Being on time is a sign of professionalism. Your mentor is taking time out of their busy schedule to support you. Respect that by being ready.

3. Plan your week properly

Block out time early in the week to work on your research or tasks. If something goes wrong or you need help, it’s easier to fix it if you start early. Don’t leave things to the last minute. At YFS, we have a three-strikes policy. If your work is consistently late or of low quality, you may be removed from the internship. So stay organized and do work you’re proud of.

4. Keep a notebook and use it

Have a notebook with you at all times, whether digital or on paper. Use it to jot down what you’ve learned, problems you’ve run into, and ideas you want to explore. Review your notes in the morning and again at the end of each day. Before every mentor session, prepare questions and send them an agenda ahead of time. Your notes will help guide that conversation.

5. Use AI the right way

We encourage you to use AI tools. They can be helpful for brainstorming or structuring your work. But don’t let them do the work for you. If your research relies too heavily on AI, our systems will flag it, and we’ll check in to make sure you understand what you’ve written. The goal isn’t to finish fast. It’s to actually learn. If you haven’t already, take the short course on ethical AI use that we offer.

6. Ask for help

You’re not expected to know everything. That’s the point of the internship. If you get stuck, leave a comment in your document or send a short message to your YFS mentor or your company mentor. Asking questions shows curiosity and a willingness to learn. The more you ask, the more you grow.

7. Be creative and take initiative

This is your project. Your mentors and the YFS team are here to support you, but in the real world, you often have to figure things out on your own. When something is unclear or you hit a wall, come up with ideas. Try different solutions. Write them down. There may not be a perfect answer, and that’s okay. What matters is that you think for yourself.

8. Stay in touch and build your network

When your internship ends, thank the people you worked with. A simple message can go a long way. If you use LinkedIn, add your mentors and anyone else you interact with. Mention something specific you learned from them. This is the beginning of your professional network. It starts now, not years from now.