Intern Insider: How to Land and Succeed in Your Internship

In this edition of Intern Insider, we are excited to highlight Stephanie Ellis, Marketing & Communications Director at RELI Group, a dedicated industry expert with a passion for the growth and professional development of interns. With a wealth of experience mentoring emerging talent, Stephanie offers valuable insights into securing and successfully navigating internships. In this interview, she shares her tips on how interns can stand out, achieve professional balance and build meaningful connections throughout their journey.

 

Meet the Expert: Stephanie Ellis

First, let’s explore the most rewarding parts of her journey, her approach to guiding others and what fuels her dedication to professional growth.

 

What inspired you to develop a passion for mentoring interns and guiding them through their professional journeys?

My passion for mentorship began during my years in higher education, where I worked closely with students and young professionals. Seeing them grow, gain confidence, and develop their skills was incredibly fulfilling. I found that mentorship was a way to give back by helping others avoid some of the missteps I encountered early in my career. Now, at RELI Group, I’m fortunate to combine my marketing and leadership experience with supporting new professionals. Watching interns and early-career colleagues unlock their potential and take pride in their work is rewarding and reminds me of the value of guidance, patience and shared experience in professional growth.

 

What are some of the most rewarding aspects of working with interns and seeing their progress?

One of the most rewarding aspects is witnessing their transformation from unsure newcomers to confident contributors. There’s a moment when they start connecting the dots between what they’ve learned in the classroom and the real-world applications within our projects—that’s incredibly satisfying to see. I also love when they bring fresh perspectives or unique ideas that challenge me and the team to think differently. Their progress reaffirms the importance of nurturing new talent and reminds me that mentorship is a two-way street; as much as they learn from us, we learn from them too.

 

How to Become a Standout Intern

What key qualities do you believe make an intern stand out in a competitive industry?

In a competitive industry, the interns who truly stand out are those who show initiative, adaptability and a willingness to learn. It’s impressive when they take ownership of their work, ask thoughtful questions and aren’t afraid to seek feedback or guidance. I also value interns who bring a collaborative spirit and communicate well, as these qualities make a difference in a team environment.

Adaptability is crucial too—industries like marketing and communications are ever-evolving, so the ability to pivot, learn quickly, and apply new skills is essential for success. Those who demonstrate these traits not only contribute to the team but also set themselves up for long-term growth in their careers.

 

What are some common mistakes interns make, and how can they avoid them?

A common mistake interns make is hesitating to ask questions, often because they’re concerned about appearing inexperienced. However, asking questions is a sign of curiosity and eagerness to learn, and it helps them gain a clearer understanding of expectations. Another pitfall is underestimating the importance of communication; sometimes, interns don’t update their supervisors on their progress, which can create disconnects. Being proactive in providing updates is essential.

Additionally, some interns try to handle everything independently rather than seeking support when they need it. Learning to recognize when to ask for help shows maturity and a commitment to delivering quality work. To avoid these mistakes, I advise interns to embrace a growth mindset—be curious, communicate openly, and view feedback as a tool for continuous improvement. It’s okay not to know everything; what matters most is their openness to learning and growing from every experience.

 

In what ways can interns take advantage of feedback to continuously improve and distinguish themselves?

Interns can leverage feedback as a powerful tool for growth by actively seeking it out, reflecting on it, and implementing changes. The key is to view feedback as an opportunity rather than criticism—it’s a roadmap to help them build on their strengths and address areas for improvement. One effective approach is for interns to ask specific follow-up questions, such as, “How could I approach this task differently?” or “What skills would help me improve in this area?” This shows they’re engaged and eager to adapt.

Taking visible steps to incorporate feedback also distinguishes them. For instance, if they receive suggestions on improving their presentations or writing style, applying those tips to their next project demonstrates both adaptability and a commitment to excellence. Over time, these incremental improvements build confidence and make interns stand out as professionals who are receptive, resourceful and always looking to better themselves.

 

 

Maintaining Professional Balance and Building Connections

What advice would you give to students who are struggling to balance an internship with their academic responsibilities?

Balancing an internship with academic responsibilities can be challenging, but with some intentional strategies, students can make it work. My first piece of advice is to get organized—using a planner or digital calendar to map out assignments, work shifts and deadlines can help them visualize where their time is needed and prioritize accordingly. It’s also crucial to communicate openly, both with their professors and their internship supervisors. If they’re facing particularly busy periods in school, letting their supervisors know in advance can lead to some flexibility or adjustments in workload.

Another important tip is to set realistic boundaries. While it’s tempting to go above and beyond in an internship, they should be mindful of their bandwidth and recognize that both school and work commitments require energy and focus.

Finally, I encourage students to prioritize self-care. Balancing these responsibilities can be demanding, so maintaining healthy habits and getting adequate rest are all essential. It’s a learning experience, and the skills they develop in managing multiple priorities will serve them well in their careers.

 

How can interns effectively network within the organization to build meaningful connections during their internship?

Interns can build meaningful connections by being proactive and intentional in their networking. One of the best ways to start is by reaching out to colleagues across different teams for informal one-on-one conversations. Setting up a casual coffee chat or a brief virtual meeting allows them to learn about various roles and projects within the organization. During these conversations, I advise interns to come prepared with thoughtful questions that show genuine interest, such as asking about the person’s career path, current projects, or advice for succeeding in the industry.

Another effective approach is for interns to volunteer for projects or team events outside their usual responsibilities. This not only helps them gain exposure to different areas of the organization but also demonstrates a collaborative spirit and willingness to contribute. Being active in team meetings—whether by sharing ideas or asking insightful questions—is another way to leave a positive impression. And finally, following up is essential: a simple thank-you email or LinkedIn connection request with a personalized note can solidify these interactions into lasting connections that may support them long after their internship ends.

 

 

Making the Most of Your Internship and Beyond

How can interns apply their experience to secure a full-time role or further their academic journey after their internship?

Interns can leverage their experience to secure a full-time role or further their academic journey by emphasizing the skills, accomplishments and lessons gained during their internship. First, I recommend they keep a record of their achievements and contributions, especially any measurable outcomes, such as projects they completed, improvements they suggested, or feedback they received. This concrete evidence will be invaluable when they’re updating their resume, LinkedIn profile, or portfolio as they prepare for future interviews.

To strengthen their candidacy for a full-time role, interns should also express their interest in staying with the organization if that’s their goal. Having an honest conversation with their supervisor toward the end of their internship can clarify potential opportunities and next steps. If no immediate roles are available, maintaining connections within the organization can keep them top-of-mind for future openings.

 

Navigating Your Internship with Confidence and Purpose

Stephanie’s insights provide a comprehensive guide for interns looking to excel in their careers. Her passion for mentorship shines through in her practical advice on standing out, building connections and navigating the challenges of balancing work and academics. Follow Stephanie on LinkedIn to gain further inspiration and insight into making the most of your internship journey.

 

Join #TeamRELI!

If you’re seeking an internship opportunity that will boost your confidence and sense of purpose, visit our careers page today!