Perfectly Polished Reflection

Last year I had the opportunity to attend the Perfectly Polished workshop because I had completed three biotech STEM classes. As I walked in I noticed the brightly colored posters displaying critical information for introductions and resumes. Once the seminar began I dedicated my full attention to the presenters as I knew they would teach me important skills that are applicable to internships and all jobs in general.

One of the most important parts of an internship is the introduction and first impression. From placing the nametag on the right side of your shirt or dress to greeting everyone with a firm handshake, every detail of the first impression is vitally important. Even before meeting your supervisor or interviewer it is important your resume is free of all typos and printed correctly on resume paper. This ensures you are presenting the best possible image of yourself even before you physically are introduced. Upon first meeting your mentor or interviewer, ensure you are dressed professionally and appropriately.

After properly introducing yourself and completing an interview, you will most likely be asked if you have any questions. This is your opportunity to ask questions and you should take advantage of it. Prepare some questions ahead of time so you’re not forced to think of them during the interview. Some potential questions could include “what does a typical day look like in this position” or “is there anything on my resume that concerns you”. These allow you more insight into the business, how it functions, and what the interviewer is looking for. After the question portion is over ensure you thank you interviewer and follow up with a thank you note (hand written) the next day.

After obtaining a job or an internship, ensure you are taking advantage of every opportunity presented to you. Although it may be tempting for some to just sit and play of their phone, if you are not assigned a task take advantage of that time. You could find a supervisor to ask for a task or ask the secretary if they need help filing or anything. There is always a way to be useful.

Overall, appearances are vital to success in the business world. From the first impression to the last day, everything matters and will be reflected in future recommendation letters and even determining if you receive a job offer or not. The perfectly polished worksheet ensured I remembered all of these vital tips during my mentorship.