The Ultimate Guide to Crushing Your Summer Internship
Congratulations on landing a summer internship or clerkship! Lodgeur is Houston’s largest provider of intern housing and law clerk housing and our team has valuable experience as employers, associates, law clerks and interns. We’ve cracked the code on what separates the good from the great. Consider this your cheat sheet to internship excellence.
Part 1: Before your internship or clerkship begins
Do your homework
- Familiarize yourself with the company’s mission, values, and recent news before your first day. Demonstrating genuine interest and knowledge about the company will give your colleagues the right impression from the start.
- Research the web bio and LinkedIn profiles of your manager and team before you begin.
Craft a stellar digital persona
- Investigate which social media platform is the gold standard for your industry’s movers and shakers. (Hint: it’s probably LinkedIn, but do your due diligence.)
- Give your LinkedIn profile a glow-up worthy of a magazine cover. Find an AI tool to generate a really professional headshot if you don’t have one yet.
Come prepared to connect
- If your university doesn’t provide personal business cards, invest in printing your own.
- LinkedIn lets you generate a QR code that directs people straight to your LinkedIn profile. Feature this QR code on your business card and set it as your phone wallpaper during networking events.
Find an insider before Day One
- Reach out to your recruiting manager or new supervisor before your start date. Ask about office norms like typical arrival times, dress code, parking, and where everyone eats lunch. Getting these insider tips ahead of time will help you prepare for your first day.
Hone your elevator pitch
- Craft a compelling 30-second introduction that showcases your background, skills, and internship goals. Practice delivering your pitch with confidence and enthusiasm.
Part 2: During the internship
Master the art of note-taking
- Always be prepared to jot down pearls of wisdom or assignment details from your mentors and managers.
- If you opt for digital notes, make it crystal clear that you’re capturing insights, not scrolling Instagram. Taking notes shows you’re engaged and eager to learn, even if you don’t think you need the notes.
Navigate task delegation with finesse
- As the new kid on the block, you might not have the org chart memorized just yet. Be cautious when asking someone more senior than you to do something. Instead of assigning tasks, try “I’m looking for the expert on X. Do you know who that is?” If you’ve found the right person, they’ll likely volunteer with a smile.
Seek out constructive criticism
- After wrapping up a project, invite your team to weigh in: “How could I level up my work next time?” or “What would you have done differently?” Aim for specific, actionable insights that fuel your growth. A generic “good job” just won’t cut it.
Build your network to broaden your view
- Connect with everyone who crosses your path, from orientation to your final day, on the platform of your industry’s choice.
- Set up informational interviews with people in roles, departments or practice areas that you’re curious about. You’ll gain a lot more perspective on the industry or firm, and there will be more people to speak up for you when it’s time to consider a full time job offer.
- A good question you can ask anyone: “what is the biggest misconception people have about (insert role, department or practice area)”.
Reverse engineer your road to victory
Get crystal clear on what you need this internship to do for you. Picture the glowing bullet points on your future resume.
- Chasing impressive metrics? Raise your hand for quantifiable, results-driven projects.
- Eager to gain practical skills? Proactively seek out opportunities to get your feet wet.
- Eager to expand your network? Invite inspiring colleagues to coffee chats and pick their brains.
- Gunning for a full-time offer? Put yourself in the shoes of the hiring squad. Zero in on what they value most and make it your mission to deliver.
Find your tribe and enjoy the ride
- Lodgeur hosts dozens of interns in Midtown Houston every summer. Get to know them quickly.
- Rally your fellow interns to explore your new stomping grounds. Discover the best local haunts and hidden gems together.
- The connections you forge this summer could be the foundation of your future network (or even lifelong friendships).
Seek out a mentor
- Identify a potential mentor who can provide guidance and support throughout your internship. This could be your supervisor, a colleague you admire, or even a former intern.
- Set up regular check-ins to discuss your progress, challenges, and professional development goals.
Amplify your achievements
- Post about your first day, last day and any milestone achievements. Tag the people involved.
- If you hit a conference, link up with your new contacts and add the experience to your resume or LinkedIn. Volunteered or presented? Definitely include that on your professional profiles. In a metrics-driven role? Broadcast your wins (tastefully, of course).
Part 3: Post-internship tips
Express gratitude
- At the end of your internship, send handwritten thank you notes to your supervisor and key colleagues who made an impact on your experience. Personalize each note with specific examples of how they supported your growth and development. Expressing genuine appreciation will leave a lasting positive impression and strengthen your professional relationships.
- Follow up with your connections during the school year, updating them on your milestones and asking for their insights. Just because you’ve completed the internship doesn’t mean you shouldn’t continue to stay connected.
Networking hack
- Being a student has its advantages, like heavily discounted or even free conference passes. Some events will let you trade volunteer hours for access.
- Surprisingly few students take advantage, leaving you free to network without jockeying for attention. Merely showing up will brand you as proactive, engaged, and wise beyond your years.
- Use the conference app to identify people you want to meet before you go. Set up meetings and research their organization in advance.
Lodgeur’s advice for interns
The key to a successful internship is to take initiative, remain curious, and be open to growth. Build a strong professional presence, tackle challenges head-on, actively seek out learning opportunities, set clear goals, and cultivate meaningful relationships. By making the most of this experience, you’ll set yourself up for future success.
Houston intern housing
Looking for a place to stay this summer? Lodgeur hosts interns and law clerks from the nation’s best universities and law schools. Book your apartment as easily as book a hotel, and secure your intern housing with a 3-night deposit. Monthly payment options available. And feel free to send our parents’ guide to your mom or dad.
Get ready for your clerkship or internship in Houston
