Ground breaking Grewall

“This person can learn.”
-was the answer when I asked my senior about what he was looking for while interviewing candidates for internships.

The Oxford dictionary defines an intern as “a student or trainee who works, sometimes without pay, in order to gain work experience or satisfy requirements for a qualification.”

Most professionals have served time in internships and common complaints are being considered kindergartners, asked only to observe during the first week (or two) and definitely not allowed to interact with the expensive machinery (or with clients outside the organization). Most complaints from the organization’s end could range from making a horrible (silly) mistake during ___ (chose your pick, eg. calculations) to breaking something precious.

Interview

I think every organization looks for different traits. My senior probably looked for someone he could play pranks on.
Brainstorming. That’s what happened in the first interview. Considering I was entering a science/research-based start-up, I assume brainstorming would be their priority.
Fellow candidates, just how the interviewers are sizing you up, you are also observing if you’d be able to fit into the environment. Be confident. You got this.

Could I brainstorm?
Yeah, sure, I enjoyed throwing absurd ideas around the table.
But also, can I deliver on those promises?
Only time can attest for that.

Probation Period

As long as one doesn’t do something that shows poor personality trait(s) or blurring the ethical boundaries, it’s probably safe during the probation period. You’d probably want to work to impress. A new job has got you all geared up to show you’re the biggest badass out there.
Can you hustle like that for an indefinite period of time?
If not, don’t do it.
Either you are inherently a badass in your current work, or you are probably a badass at something entirely different.

I am not perfect. I probably have some personality deficits (*cough* outspoken *cough*).
Maybe try enjoying your work? Maybe try feeling proud of the results? Maybe find silly things funny?
Please be proactive.
Bring new ideas.
Find place where you are appreciated.
And in places you are not appreciated, appreciate the work you are able to do for the greater good. Karma will appreciate you.
All the while though, be positive.
Upset? Go for a run, go home, read, blog, talk about it, sleep- but get back up on your own two feet.
You’re an intern? You’re probably going to have long work hours where you’ll not get many breaks. So don’t take work home.
Home= Rest. Rejuvenate.

Intern?

Interns are selfish. Lets admit that. Interns want placement and recommendation letters.
I am currently pursuing an internship because I need the experience for future Ph.D. plans. I am grateful for an internship at a prestigious, recognized institute where the LoR will be worth it.
Simultaneously, one needs to also work for the improvement of the organization.
Yeah, yeah, sounds so bloody golden star kid. I know (I am).

Well, look at it this way- have fun. Work your butt off but at least try to enjoy the work, understand why you’re doing those tasks. Getting the resources to work is also great. Struggle teaches you how to get work done with lots of road-bumps and that is also an important learning point.
Overall, you learn. Whether it be soft skills, life skills or technical skills.
So the least you can do is be grateful and lend some (if not more) of your efforts for the improvement of the organization.

No one is going to hold much expectations from you at first and that’s okay.
I think I am lucky. I got a lab with interesting personalities. People who accepted me, welcomed me and my ideas. People who can probably laugh at mistakes (and yes, I have made one too many) and taught me with kindness, patience and a lot of hilarious comments on the side.
What I have learnt is that there are two ways to get upset with work- scream about it or explain it calmly before creating awareness in the form of teasing or jokes.
Funny remarks are probably well received.
Acceptance towards everyone’s personalities is difficult but important.
One can be polite and respectful.
And hierarchy?
Honestly, what is this, the medieval ages?
Competence is more attractive.