How to Organize Yourself for an Internship or First Job

Whether you are looking to know how to organize yourself for an internship or first job or have a young adult stepping into the workforce embarking on a new chapter in your career journey, being organized is key! As my younger siblings are entering this phase in their lives, I thought I would create a little organizing love letter to them and you, that is filled with my top tips and strategies for getting yourself organized so you can step into the professional world with confidence.

 

Crafting the Perfect Resume or CV

Your resume or CV is an introduction to you! It is going to tell the employer if you are the right fit for this position or not. Therefore believe me when I say that your resume is the key to landing that dream internship or first job. It is important to craft a resume or CV document that showcases your best qualities such as your skills, your experience, and your qualifications.

Start with the design template. These days, I am all about resume templates that stand out from the crowd. Personally, I am a sucker for Canva resume templates because as a creative person, I love getting to put my own touches on it. Once you have the template you can use the format to tailor your resume to the specific requirements of each internship or job you apply for, highlighting relevant experience, accomplishments, and skills that demonstrate why you are the right choice for the role.

 

Internship and First Job Outfits

Let’s talk about outfits, shall we? If your resume is an introduction then your outfit should be an extension making a great first impression. Let’s face it, your outfit can say more to an employer before you even open your mouth. So whether you are having an interview, starting a new internship or a job, it is important to dress the part. What you choose to wear can make a positive impression on your colleagues and supervisors.

Wondering what you should wear? When choosing your internship or first job outfit, think about professional attire that is appropriate for the workplace but also reflects your personal style and personality. Avoid clothes that you don’t feel comfortable in and search internship and first job outfits on Pinterest if you need a little inspiration. I am not a fashionista but do know the basics such as:

• Tailored Suit,
• A Blouse and Trousers Combo,
• Classic Dress and Blazer Ensemble.

 

Organize Your Workspace

Once you have landed the position, you are going to want to organize your workspace! A clutter-free workspace is a must regardless of if you are working from home or in an office setting. There are benefits to having a clean and clutter-free workspace such as it will help you stay focused, productive, and on top of your tasks.

Have fun organizing your workspace, after all, this is a great way to surround yourself with items you love such as your favourite colour. Sprinkled in desk organizers, file folders, and storage bins to keep your workspace neat and tidy. Don’t forget to create a system for managing paperwork, documents, and other essential materials. You are going to spend the majority of your time at work so you might as well make it special.

 

Develop a Time Management System

When you are starting a new internship or job, you are going to be juggling multiple tasks and deadlines. Take the time to develop a time management system that works best for you. I personally love using Asana for all my deadlines and to-do lists but don’t rule out a planner or calendar app to help as well. Find a categorizing system that you like such as prioritizing your tasks based on importance and urgency or breaking larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks. Putting this in place early will help you avoid getting overwhelmed.

 

Set Clear Goals and Build Relationships

Ask yourself: What do you hope to achieve during your time in this position? This can include gaining valuable experience, expanding your network, or developing specific skills. Having clear goals will help you stay focused and motivated during your time there.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and build relationships with your colleagues, supervisors, and other professionals in your field. Get to know them on a work level and personal level. When you feel ready, ask for feedback on your performance and areas for improvement. Of course, this can be nerve-wracking but be open to constructive criticism because it is a cheat sheet to improve yourself which can direct you to growth opportunities.

 

Final thoughts

I love getting to talk about how to organize yourself for an internship or first job. These tips can work even if you are just looking to change your job. I believe that you should always be learning, so my last tip is to take advantage of training programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities to expand your skills and knowledge. Keep your skills sharp! I wish you all the best as you navigate the working world (aka adulting life). Have some additional advice, share it below!

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