Conquering Summer Internships: Do’s and Don’ts 

Before graduating Clark Atlanta University, I was blessed to have internships within the entertainment industry all four years of my college journey. Each internship taught me something valuable that I can apply to my future, both personally and professionally. It’s one thing to show up and do the work, but it’s another to build fundamental, stepping stones to your future. To conquer your summer internship, consider my do’s and don’ts.

DO: Bring Your Authenticity to the Table 

Your background,  perspective, and talent are just a few reasons why you are in this position right now! Don’t shrink yourself once it’s time to get to work. If you see room for improvement, speak up in a professional and respectful way. If you have ideas, offer it to the leaders. Coming from an HBCU, we see and experience things that many don’t. Luckily, I was able to be a part of an entertainment cohort called HBCU in LA. Aside from providing housing for my internship, they also helped me realize just how desirable Black people are in the industry. They want and need more people that look like us, and our unique perspective adds value in so many spaces. Own it confidently, and be proud of who you are and where you come from!

DON’T: Develop Imposter Syndrome

It’s so easy to feel like you aren’t qualified to be in your position. They picked you for a reason, and you deserve to be in the room. I still battle with this; doubting myself and downplaying my success. What I learned was that there is only one me. I bring something valuable to the table, just like everyone else.  Get out of your head; you are your own worst enemy!

DO: Take Initiative

If you finish a task earlier, you can ask, “Is there anything I can help you with?” Offer to sit in meetings or ask if you can assist with projects that are outside of your duties. Show you’re invested in the bigger picture, not just your assigned tasks. During my internship at AEG, I was able to witness firsthand what it takes to put on a show. From booking, marketing, ticketing, and production, I was bouncing around in every department. Whenever I had down time, I was offering myself to other people on the team. This led me to being a part of initiatives that the other interns didn’t get to experience, like special marketing projects with artist teams and the chance to be a Production Assistant for a Young Nudy concert. Once they saw how hungry I was to learn and grow, the opportunities to work on more things kept coming. 

DON’T: Become Complacent 

At an internship, there will be days where you’re super busy. There will also be days where you have absolutely nothing to do. Don’t get comfortable with just doing your normal tasks; trust me they notice. Companies tend to give you lighter loads on purpose to see if you are going to take initiative. Don’t fail the test! I saw firsthand how it affected the reputation of a fellow intern; he was presumed lazy and let’s just say the higher ups weren’t fond of it either. 

DO: Network Across, Not Just Up 

Building genuine relationships can be tough depending on your field. That’s why it’s important to connect with your fellow interns, and even assistants. I personally found the most success with networking with my peers, and I still keep in contact with a few of them that I’ve met over the years. Meeting people with the same dreams and aspirations as you may feel intimidating, but it’s not as competitive as you think. I often get opportunities sent my way from my peers, and we constantly support each other’s wins, no matter how big or small. Of course it’s important to network and get advice from those in higher positions as you. However, getting to know the people around you everyday can be just as valuable as a 15 minute coffee chat with an executive. 

DON’T: Overshare or Gossip 

When you are around the same people every day, it’s easy to feel comfortable with opening up. You must keep in mind that this is still a professional environment. During that summer internship with AEG, I learned the importance of understanding that there is a time and place for EVERYTHING! Read the room and feel the energy out. Sometimes you don’t have to relate to everything that’s being said. Simply put, there’s power in sitting back, observing, and taking note. You never know who knows who. 

DO: Ask for 1:1 Chats and Help 

You can only learn so much from your everyday tasks. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for a chat with a professional that you have been dying to talk to. If you are fortunate enough to have a discussion, make sure you do your research on the person beforehand so that you can ask valuable questions. I picked up so many gems when I asked executives about a certain time in their journey that led them to where they are now. During my time, I was able to have a sit down with one of the best talent bookers in the company. He told me how he was one of the first to book Drake to perform in a club in Toronto when he was just starting out. Aside from his story, he also gave advice on navigating the industry as a minority, while maintaining my passion to work for and around Black musicians and artists. You also need to get comfortable with asking for help. You may think you’re being annoying, but most professionals actually appreciate an intern’s curiosity and willingness to learn. 

DON’T: Forget to Follow Up

At the end of your internship, you never want to forget to follow-up. This could look like a “Thank You” email, or a simple shout-out on Linkedin. Continue to reach out just to check in or share your accomplishments. You want every interaction to be genuine, not transactional. With interns coming in and out every year, it’s important to stay on their radar, in a good way, so that they can remember your name and face. Because I followed up and showed immense gratitude throughout my internship, AEG extended an offer for me to continue interning at their Atlanta office during the Fall semester of my senior year. Always remember: people may not remember what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel. 

Good luck this summer! Stay motivated, focused, and remember your why.