You're interns, grunts, nobodies, bottom of the surgical food
chain. You run labs, write orders, work every second night until you drop and
don't complain-Miranda Bailey, Grey’s Anatomy Episode 1.
Starting out in
any new job is very daunting and I confess to feeling very intimidated and nervous
on the first day of my internship.
I have been
employed at my casual job since before I started my university studies and had
grown accustomed to feeling secure and confident in my work environment. Understanding
unwritten rules, group dynamics and relationships, when to speak up and when to
keep quiet, what are the small jobs that can be done anytime there is a spare
moment or pre planning for future events by doing preparation work for other
staff. Suddenly being in a new environment in which I am unfamiliar with
everything was more daunting than I anticipated and on the morning of the first
day of my internship I found myself having an attack of anxiety.
I’m ashamed to
say I spent the night before my internship googling tips on what to wear and
how to be a “good” intern, although I’m not sure how helpful this was as the
majority of the advice was either common sense or not applicable. But it did
make me feel better and like I was preparing in some small way for what lay
ahead.
Suddenly being in
an entirely new environment where I have to ask advice on everything I found a
real challenge, a hit to my confidence and belief in my abilities. Simple
things such as asking where the bathrooms are and my struggles with the photocopier/fax
machine became embarrassing and weirdly confronting.
The battle with
the photocopier became a blessing in disguise as it forced me to ask for help
and because after I had asked for help once it became easier and easier to ask
for help again. Whilst there is a time to ask for assistance and a time to
wait, don’t bother people while they are on the phone but don’t be afraid to
knock on a closed door. The people you are working for understand we are interns;
we may lack real world experience and are there for guidance and to gain time
in the work force.
2 comments:
Hi Ash,
I was so nervous about beginning my internship too. In fact,I was nervous when I was just phoning them! And I've had plenty of other jobs in the past. Now though, I can't believe how far I've come. I've answered the phone a couple of times lately to nervous people asking about placements and have calmly taken their details for my supervisor while smiling to myself about being in the same position just a few weeks ago. One person even went on to ask me if we even took placement students, and I had to say I actually was one!
I guess it's totally normal to feel nervous about starting something new, especially something you've spent years studying for. But hopefully you've found the nerves do fade. And as you said, being unsure of something gives you an opportunity to learn. I keep reminding myself I still a student, and there should be things I'm unsure of.
Good luck in your internship, Jolene.
Hey Ash!
Oh goodness, I totally understand! I hope now your confidence in your new environment has come from leaps and bounds. It can be really intimidating to step into a new environment. They always say that no one likes being the 'new person'. I'm sure you are doing well though and asking for help is always a good step forward.
When I started my internship, I was quite intimidated and didn't know what to expect. Just keep trying and keep asking for help if you are unsure. I have been doing so too and it is great to know I'm not the only one that had first day nerves!
You are right in saying you are there to learn and you can't learn if you never ask for help!
All the best,
Isabella
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