Recently we conducted an exclusive phone interview with Lauren Berger, better known as the Intern Queen. She is illustriously recognized for her 15 internships during 4 years of college. Lauren is an expert on everything internship related, including internships in today’s economy, how to obtain an internship, and how to get the most out of your internship.
Her goals are definitely in line with our goal of helping you (the intern) navigate through your intern life successfully. Without further adieu…let the navigation begin! (Lauren’s paraphrased response is italicized…listen for the full InternView!)
*NOTE: There is a brief delay at the beginning of the interview.
KEY POINTS!!!
1. Due to the economic recession there seems to be an increase in unpaid internships. How can one save money or make money on the side while interning?
a) Get a part time job
b) Use online resources, such as Snagajob.com, CollegeRecruiter.com, Indeed.com, juju.com
c) All my internships were unpaid and I always had a job during the school year. Be a waitress if need be. The schedule of unpaid internships are conventionally more flexible, making a part-time job feasible.
2. I had an internship where I was working with other interns. We enjoyed collaborating, but there was also a certain element of competition because we wanted to stand out individually. How should an intern manage that competitive-collaborative relationship with other interns at a company?
a) Be aware of the workplace environment
b) Work with all types of people and manage relationships properly
c) Focus on yourself
d) Be personable
e) Stay in touch with interns, as they are the successful people of tomorrow
f) Keep ties with the interns and build relationships
3. You began the #InternChat on Twitter, allowing interns to chat with other interns worldwide. Why do you think it’s important to network with interns outside of the company they’re interning for?
a) I get the business card of the manager of restaurants I eat at. I may have to put on an event one day…and I’m going to want to call that person. Networking is skill building and people skills.
b) USE YOUR RESOURCES!!!! The #InternChat puts intern experts like myself and Heather Huhman at the student’s disposal. For a full hour students can ask any questions they want. We’re not the only experts on answering questions for the chat, everyone’s giving input; employers, students, career center professionals, etc.
4. I have had the pleasure of talking to one of your interns, who helps with the internchat, Kayla Stevens (@knsteven). The cool thing is that she is a virtual intern. I’ve noticed that there is an increase virtual internship opportunities. Why did you decide to have a virtual intern?
a) Virtual internships are great for home based businesses and businesses whose primary operations are accomplished in front of a computer. Perfect for a traveling entrepreneur.
b) Allows you to select the best talent and passionate individuals, who are competent and knowledgeable of your brand. Internship opportunities are at Internqueen.com.
5. What did you learn from your internships that helped you start your company? What advice do you have for interns who want to go from Intern to Incharge in a short period of time?
a) To collect as many valuable contacts as possible…they paid off in the end
b) To observe how people run their businesses. Success leaves clues!
c) To stay revenue oriented and productive at all times
d) To effectively manage time
