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Advice for Interns

  • No one is responsible for your education and career except you.  Set personal goals in addition to your academic requirements and site expectations.
  • Do not merely do the minimum.  Ask yourself who would impress you if you were the senior pastor or supervisor; someone who is just punching the clock and barely meeting expectations or someone who goes above and beyond?
  • Do not show up with the attitude that you are entitled or know-it-all.  Respect and trust must be earned.  You are starting with a clean slate, build a solid foundation through humble service and a learning posture.
  • When you are at work, work.  Avoid doing personal stuff during your work hours.  Do not make personal calls, write or respond to personal e-mails, text-message, or do personal planning.  You are there to serve and learn so take advantage of the time you have.  There is no better teacher than experience.
  • Show up early and pay attention to the small details.  Practice journaling your thoughts, experiences, struggles and successes at the end of the day.
  • Connect with as many people as possible.  Meet with everyone on staff.  Ask questions and find out what they are passionate about.
  • Be professional.  Act and dress like the professional you are.
  • At the conclusion of your internship, let everyone know how much you enjoyed the learning opportunity.  Send Thank-you notes to everyone who impacted you.