25 AGCAREERS.COM FOOD & AGRICULTURE CAREER GUIDE Embarking on your first internship or co-op can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. It’s your chance to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to a real-world setting, gain practical experience, and kick-start your professional journey. However, the transition from academia to the workplace can be daunting, but don’t worry, we have some valuable tips to help you navigate and make the most of your first internship or co-op experience: 1. SET CLEAR GOALS Before starting your internship, take some time to define what you hope to achieve during your term. Whether mastering a specific skill, gaining industry insights, or networking with professionals, having clear goals will guide your actions and keep you focused throughout the internship. It will also leave you feeling accomplished when you leave your co-op knowing that you have met the goals you wanted to achieve. 2. BE PROACTIVE Don’t wait for tasks to be assigned to you; instead, take initiative and seek out opportunities to contribute. Volunteer for projects, ask questions and offer assistance whenever possible. Proactivity demonstrates your enthusiasm and initiative, leaving a positive impression on your supervisors and colleagues. It can also open doors to new projects that you were not originally going to be given. 3. BUILD RELATIONSHIPS Networking is a crucial aspect of any internship or co-op. Take the time to connect with your colleagues, supervisors, and other professionals within the organization. Attend company events, join meetings, and engage in conversations when possible. Building strong relationships can open many doors to future opportunities and provide valuable mentorship experiences. 4. SEEK FEEDBACK Feedback is essential for growth and development. Don’t hesitate to ask for input on your performance from your supervisors and peers. Actively seek constructive criticism and use it as an opportunity to learn and improve. Demonstrating your willingness to receive feedback shows your commitment to personal and professional growth. When talking with Kat Botelho, Graphic Designer for the Talent Solutions Team, they shared some pieces of advice from their first co-op experience. Q: Did you receive feedback on your performance during your first co-op, and if so, how did you incorporate it into your work? A: “Since I am in graphic design, people always give me feedback on my performance, and I must consistently implement that feedback into my work. I had to learn not to take it personally and to take the input as it came. Their feedback was helpful because I had never worked in the agriculture and food industry, so I could learn many things from them to incorporate into my work.” 5. STAY ORGANIZED Co-ops/internships can be fastpaced, with multiple tasks and deadlines to manage. Stay organized by keeping track of your assignments, deadlines, and priorities. Utilize tools such as calendars, to-do lists, or project management software to stay on top of your workload and ensure timely task completion. 6. EMBRACE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES Approach your internship with a growth mindset and view challenges as opportunities for learning and development. Don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone and tackle by Sydney Mohr, Digital Communications & Events Coordinator, Talent Solutions Team Photo by Hurca! on Adobe Stock >>>
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