You’re starting a business operations internship. What should you keep in mind?

Take the time to understand the company's mission, values, culture, and operations. Familiarise yourself with the organisation's products or services, target market, competitors, and industry landscape. Clarify expectations of you - meaning clarify your role, responsibilities, and goals with your supervisor or manager at the beginning of your internship. Understand what is expected of you and how your contributions will support the company's business objectives.

Commencing a business operations internship marks the inception of a transformative journey filled with learning opportunities and professional growth. As you embark on this adventure, it's crucial to approach it with intentionality and a strategic mindset. Below are some key considerations to keep in mind as you navigate your internship experience: Define Your Objectives: Understand Your Role and Responsibilities: Research the Company: Network and Build Relationships: Communicate Effectively: Take Initiative and Show Enthusiasm: Embrace Learning Opportunities: Stay Organized and Manage Your Time Wisely: Reflect on Your Experience: Maintain a Positive Attitude:

When I first started my internship, I thought jumping into complex projects would impress my mentors. However, I quickly realized that understanding the basics was key. For example, learning how each department functions and contributes to the overall business operations was fundamental. This foundational knowledge allowed me to see the bigger picture and how my work fit into it. My unique perspective is that mastering the basics is like learning to crawl before you walk—it's essential for building a solid foundation in business operations.

It can be hard to feel awkward or uninformed to ask questions but only by asking those questions can you learn and get the full benefit of the experience. Your mentors expect questions - fire away!

As i begun business operations, i prioritized learning, proactivity, relationship-building, organization, embracing feedback, and staying curious. With a thirst for knowledge and a proactive mindset, the aim waz to absorb as much as possible, contribute meaningfully, forge strong connections, stay organized, welcome feedback, and maintain an insatiable curiosity. With these principles guided me, i lay this foundation for a successful future in the business world.

Asking relevant questions is the single most important input before starting at any level. And asking the right question is a great way to get noticed by the team you're starting with. Carry a notepad with you whenever you're having a work-related conversation. It seems obvious, or unnecessary, but you're bound to forget the details, or entire chunks of tasks amidst all the new information! The winning tip is to think of what your manager needs, and how you can help them. Turn away from task-based thinking (I was told to do this, I did it), to goal-based thinking (the result of my task is going to be used in this way - can I offer to do that as well?). End result - manager delight!

Great article & particularly the point on seek feedback & growth… I turned 31 years old last Sunday & I feel I’ve been in business for all those years! (Actually it’s 14 years) & I am constantly looking for growth, then feedback & then more growth. A continuous cycle of always learning & pushing for development, I have the privilege of running training schools where we teach HGV, forklift, first aid & many more workplace courses, it’s amazing to me that I still get students twice, sometimes 3 times my own age, looking to learn a new skill. The feedback & growth will always be a never ending factor of your life, so enjoy it! Whilst it lasts… 😂🚀

Learn & Adapt: Absorb company culture, processes, and industry nuances. Communication: Clarify expectations, ask questions, and seek feedback. Initiative: Proactively seek tasks, offer solutions, and take ownership. Networking: Build relationships with colleagues and seek mentorship. Professionalism: Be punctual, reliable, and maintain a positive attitude. Growth Mindset: Embrace challenges as learning opportunities and stay adaptable. .Goal Alignment: Understand how your role contributes to overall business objectives. Ethics: Uphold integrity and confidentiality in all interactions. Reflect & Improve: Continuously evaluate performance and seek ways to enhance skills and contributions.