INTP PART 5

Finding Your Passion or What Makes a Job Right for You?
Rationals - Finding Knowledge and Competence

In this five-part series, we're examining each personality type and job fit. Rationals may have a problem with the Boomer phrase, "Finding Your Passion." Many Rationals are suspicious of strong emotion. For them, life satisfaction equates to having Knowledge and Competence.

Many of our early Presidents were Rationals, such as John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe. A common characteristic is a vision of the future and the ability to make that vision come true.

The most reserved of the Rationals is the Architect (INTP). They store huge amounts of information in their heads and can analyze problems with great insight. They are often drawn to professions where they can be their own bosses, such as optometrist, plastic surgeon, neurologist, or scientist. They may become lawyers, architects, or financial analysts. Many are found in the higher levels of academia in such fields as archeology, chemistry, philosophy, or mathematics. They may show a strong creative bent as a musician, inventor, or photographer. Some restore antiques or old cars. Says Don, "I like having my own business as an optometrist. I am constantly reading about new advances in the field. My work must be of the highest quality. My reputation has caused many patients to come to me because they have problems that were not solved by other treatment professionals."
The drive towards constantly increasing their knowledge base and being highly competent is what gives Rationals a sense of personal satisfaction.
People want to have a life that gives them a sense of personal satisfaction. Here are links for the other three temperaments:

The Toughest Interview Question
"Tell Me about Yourself"





A Rational might want to emphasize their ability to analyze systems and to create new designs. Tony, a Rational Fieldmarshal was applying for the Manager of Information Systems. He answered the Tell Me about Yourself Question in this manner:
"As you are well aware, the field of Information Technology has seen a lot of changes in the 30 years that I have been in the field. New software and new technologies are constantly being introduced. It is a constant challenge to maximize the competitive advantage while minimizing costs. In general, people who are attracted to IT are self-educating problem solvers. But the rate of change and pressure on the staff can be so high that people get burned out. One of the innovations that I used at my last company was giving spot awards to individuals who volunteered to show new techniques to colleagues. Many people in IT concentrate on their own projects and don't pass information along and the spot awards have encouraged a more communicative environment. I'm now looking for a new challenge in a larger sized company and believe I would be a good fit for your needs."
In each case, the person answering the question gave a true picture of how he or she solved problems and brought value in their last situation. None portrayed themselves in a phony style. None are likely to end up in a mismatch with their skills not fitting the new position.

You Wear What You Are (Maybe You Shouldn't)
Fitting Clothes to the Job


Most Rationals wear dark colors and don't want to fuss much about what they wear. They can get stuck in a rut and become too "geeky-looking." It's good if they come out of their intellectual dark room every few years to see if their clothes send the message they want others to hear. Marina upgraded to blazers and more tailored slacks and found her opinions had more impact.


Your clothing is the easiest way to identify yourself. You don't have to become a clone to show membership in a group, but if you refuse to show any sense of membership, you're not likely to get the spot you want. Remember, there are more Guardians than any other temperament and they are very sensitive to "norms."



Dealing with Stress from Work: Rationals
How do you deal with work-related stress? Each personality type has different stressors and copes in different ways. Better understanding of your own stressors and coping mechanisms can help you reduce the tension and anxiety work stress often creates.


Since Rationals search for knowledge, competence, and eternal truths, when these needs are blocked, they become stressed. When Rationals experience great stress, they experience thoughts that tell them either that they must act or think in a particular way or that they must not act or think in a particular way. The outside observer sees the Rational as driven by compulsions or prohibitions.
The Fieldmarshal is driven to lead. They want things to be logical, to be recognized for their accomplishments and to be respected for their visionary ideas. Sometimes they are forced to be harsh with others to accomplish their goals. If their harshness triggers high emotionalism from workers and rumblings of disrespect, they can become hypersensitive to their own feelings and have outbursts of emotion. When high stress is triggered, they can become ritualistic in their behavior in an effort to control both the outside world and their inner emotions. It can help to talk to a trusted person whose counsel can help bring back balance. Also silent support from others along with the resolution of the crisis will restore equilibrium. Says Joan, "I have the entire responsibility for my area's non-profit organization. When contributions shrunk, I had to cut back on some programs. Some people hated me for my decisions. My second-in-command quietly backed me up and asked me why I was brushing my teeth so often. I hadn't realized it. It was as if I wanted to brush my bad words and their bad words away. Now people are used to the cut-backs and the grumbling has mostly stopped -- so has the excessive teeth brushing."
The Mastermind sees situations from their own unique perspective and they enjoy finding new solutions to complex problems. They are driven to implement their ideas whether or not others can see their vision for improvement. If they are given no support, they dig in their heels and work all the harder to achieve their vision. Stress comes when they are forced to deal with too many unexpected events or if they are forced to be too extraverted for too long. The stress manifests itself by obsessive thoughts on external data and feelings of the world being against them. They can recover if they are given time to be alone, get their tasks rebalanced and have time to pursue their visionary solutions. It's best if others do not try to give them advice or suggestions. Says Vince, "I can see ways to make information more accurate with less effort which will greatly benefit the organization. Unfortunately, most people can't see what I see until I actually can give them a working model. Luckily my current boss has faith in my visions and gives me some free reign. He doesn't ask me to account for all of my time and gives me a heads-up when a specific deadline is coming up. This is so much better than my last boss who pressured me all of the time that I became less effective and wanted to withdraw from everyone."
The Inventor is always imagining something new and bounces their ideas off willing listeners. They are usually very positive and often laugh off anything negative. But if excessive negativity comes their way and/or they become physically exhausted, their fluid imagination works overtime and obsesses about problems. They can withdraw and sleep a lot while their mind deals with the issues. In the worst case they can become phobic and lose their friendly social abilities. It's best if they can walk away from their problems for awhile and let their brain rest. Meditation often helps. Quiet support from others for their physical needs can help. Says Nathan, "I'm basically a positive person, but every so often I just crash. I feel exhausted and sleep a lot. I usually come out of it in 2-3 days. When long weekends occur, I don't want a list of chores to do. I need real recovery time. Getting extra rest and doing something playful helps me get back to my normal self."
The Architect prides themselves on their objectivity and ability to impartially analyze and organize thoughts. They enjoy tough critiques that help them to hone the exactitude of their thoughts. What they don't like is strong emotional expression directed at them and being denied the alone time that they need. If this goes on too long, they become highly stressed and may emphasize their logical thinking to the extreme. They become overly sensitive to relationships with others and can lash out emotionally. To achieve their normal state again, they need to be left alone and not asked about their feelings. They also need reduced responsibilities until they recover. Says Tina, "I'm the one they go to when they have a really complex problem that needs solving. Last year I was pressured by my new boss to do too many things and solve too many problems. He even swore at me when I couldn't get results back to him quickly enough. I learned long ago that I can't function under that kind of behavior. So I took two days off and then went to see my old boss who had been promoted. I now report directly to him and have more independence and more peace."


Dealing With a Shrinking Job Market
When the economy tightens, eventually the job market shrinks. When jobs shrink, bosses are more likely to keep “utility players” who can handle a variety of roles.
Don’t:

• Advertise your fear about losing your job.
• Come across as an “old fogie” who resists all change.

Do:

• Evaluate your skills and see what new ones you can add to be more valuable to your company.
• Talk positively about solutions you can bring to company problems.
• Be active in networking with others about potential opportunities.

Rationals, who comprise a small percentage of the population, can come across as arrogant or too intellectual. Like Idealists, they need to translate their visions into concrete facts that are understandable to the more numerous Guardians and Artisans. Since Rationals seek expert status, they can sometimes have trouble moving into a new area where they are a novice. Sticking with a no-longer-needed skill set will ensure that they are on the lay-off list. They can profit by doing a risk analysis of different options and actions.
All employees need to learn how to talk positively about their past efforts and current plans to keep a company functioning. They need to be seen as a part of the solution. For new employees, it is necessary to show their dedication to the company by working hard, turning out quality work and staying away from gossip and complaints. Getting a reputation as a hard worker goes a long way in contributing to job security.
Experienced employees also need be seen as hard working plus they should take advantage of the network of contacts they have within the organization. Having a positive attitude, coupled with their deep knowledge of the organization and understanding of the current situation will give them the edge in keeping their job.

When Should You Take Career Risks?



The last letter of how you scored on the Keirsey Temperament Sorter gives a hint at how you are most likely to react when faced with a potential career change. Generally speaking the probing Perceiving types are more likely to take risks and move faster than the scheduled Judging types. The scheduled Judging types usually investigate and carefully plan before they make a career change.
There are many triggers for taking career risks. The current salary may be too low to survive on or the person can be driven to become wealthy. The company may be laying off people or going belly up. The career may be a poor fit causing the person to feel anger, sorrow, or anxiety. The person is driven to follow a long-held dream. The person moves to a different area and can no longer ply his/her trade in that area and must make a change. I'm sure you can think of some others.
Career changes require some skills in risk assessment. The probing Perceiving types are the most likely to seek out and accept risk. The scheduled Judging types are the most likely to want to contain and minimize risk. If the probing Perceiving types jump without assessing, they may land in hot water. If the scheduled Judging types keep trying to contain risk without assessing, they may miss opportunities and find they are the lobster in the pot of now-boiling water.


All Artisans are probing Perceiving types as are two of the Idealist types (Champion and Healer) and two of the Rational types (Inventor and Architect). They are all more drawn to change and risk and need to look more closely at the cost questions, as they tend to focus on benefit rather than cost. If they do not move quickly enough while they are still excited about the opportunity, they will lose their motivation.
Now matter how much you plan, nor how much you are excited about the change, there is always a chance it won't work out. It's always a good idea to have a plan B and a plan C in case A doesn't work out.


Networking is Key in a Tight Job Market
The vast majority of jobs are never advertised nor posted on the web. How do you find them? Through your network of friends, acquaintances, co-workers and former bosses. Networks are important in times of lay-offs both within and outside your company. So what is networking all about? It is connecting with others for fun and mutual assistance.
Conscious, purposeful networking helps to

• Uncover opportunities and to keep options open
• Identify problems that people will pay you to solve
• Increase timeliness in achieving your objectives

What you might want from a network

• Get an introduction to someone who may be able to help you
• Gather specific information that you want or need
• Gain visibility and increase your reputation
• Keep up to date in your field
• Learn a new skill

What you might have to offer your network

• New ideas and critiques of others’ ideas
• Specific knowledge or expertise
• Mentoring or teaching
• News of changes in the field
• Giving feedback and appreciation
• Increasing other’s networks

Those of us who are more extraverted may find networking easy, while those who are more introverted may need to rely on friends who are good networkers. Some network for practicality while others network for ingenuity. Some network for factual information while others network for human interest. Some only network to achieve an objective while others network to respond to opportunities. Which aspects of networking are more interesting to you?

• Guardians tend to be the most aware of the structural and logistical aspects of businesses and organizations. They don’t like to make changes unless there are proven benchmarks. Their most successful contacts come from working to improve business operations or smooth people interactions. Their networks help provide stability to themselves and others.
• Artisans live in the now and want excitement in their lives. They are pragmatic and want something that works. Artisans are most successful if they make connections to deal with crisis and change and to energize others to action. Their networks help uncover opportunities.
• Idealists want to improve the future for others. They are proponents of self-development. Idealists are most successful when they network to help others succeed and to influence organizational change. Their networks provide inspiration for others.
• Rationals are the least common of the different personality types. They drive themselves to be knowledgeable and competent, but often are less aware of the personal aspects of business relationships. They are most successful when they network to enact strategies or to design new systems. Their networks bring new ideas.

Networking may be the key to finding and landing your next job. If you begin your networking efforts with the objective of using your own personal strengths to help others, you’ll find that the reciprocal benefits make the effort more than worthwhile.

INTP PART 4

Four Ways to Leave Your Lover Ending a Relationship Gracefully By Dr. Lovegood You believe the relationship is over, finished, kaput. Now how do you tell your partner? Part of the answer depends on your partner’s temperament.

You don’t need to be coy, Roy 
If your partner is a Rational, they may not even see this coming. Rationals are well known for completely missing hints, suggestions, and even outright statements of dissatisfaction. You will need to be very direct. Keep in mind that this may be the first time your partner has heard you, and they may be willing to do an awful lot to keep you. Communicate as matter-of-factly and unemotionally as you can. You may find your relationship is not completely dead.


Are you are vulnerable for an affair?
By Dr. Lovegood



Everybody in a long term relationship wonders at some point if they are in the right relationship. They wonder if they might be happier with someone else. Many times a good part of this wondering is subconscious. People aren’t even really aware that they are questioning the relationship.
There are two things that cause most infidelity (not including constant infidelity of people unable or unwilling to make a sexual commitment). Those two things are needs not being met and consciously or unconsciously looking for greener grass. If your needs are not being met, you are vulnerable for an affair. Of course, people’s needs vary by temperament and type, but here’s a short summary.

Rationals want to be esteemed for their incisive reasoning and ability to not be swayed by illogical emotional appeals. They can become vulnerable to an affair if they have no intelligent admiring audience for theories or their intellectual expression is squelched.

Infidelity
By Dr. Lovegood
The temperaments tend to have different reactions to their own infidelity. Some find it easier to justify than others. Some find it easier to justify a series of short term affairs (they always return to their "true love") and others find it easier to justify a long term affair ("it's not like I'm catting around"). In America, all types can practice serial monogamy, moving from one relationship to the next but never having more than one sexual partner at a time. Sometimes a person believes that they have been forced into a marriage. In that case, they may not feel a commitment to the partner, so an affair can be justified by those of all temperaments.

Rationals tend to be faithful, with Masterminds (INTJ) the most likely and Inventors (ENTP) the least likely. As a rule, Rationals have a more manageable sex drive than other temperaments. Sex is still very important to them, but usually not as all-consuming except during the teen years. Rationals are the most likely (along with Promoter and Crafter Artisans) to separate sex and love. When they do that, they may have little trouble justifying an affair. Inventors sometimes act like Artisans, going for the adrenaline high of conquest.

INTP PART 3

Rationals in Sports
Rational Architects are drawn to intellectual pursuits such as mathematics, physics, and strategic planning which they can apply to sports. As athletes, they are constantly analyzing, categorizing, and visualizing future contingencies. They gravitate toward individual sports where they compete against their own goals.


Complementary Pairings (Part 1)
Idealists & Rationals



The most common type of pairing is the complementary type. Rationals and Idealists complement each other as do Guardians and Artisans. We’ll look first at Rationals with Idealists and then Guardians with Artisans in the next article. Rationals and Idealists both live in the world of what might be. They’re more likely to look for solutions to problems in how they think rather than what they do. Both are likely to enjoy long conversations about ideas, although Rationals prefer logical ideas and Idealists prefer people-oriented ideas.
Rationals are drawn to Idealists because they are good sounding boards for the Rational’s ideas, and they readily express positive emotions. Idealists are drawn to Rationals because they are able to understand the Idealist’s ideas and have excellent emotional control.
Jesse is a Rational Architect (INTP). He felt very awkward around women. He didn’t know what to talk about and didn’t like small talk anyway. In college, he met Aria, an Idealist Counselor (INFJ). He was amazed at how easy it was to talk to her. He didn’t even have to think about it. She loved listening to his ideas, commenting on them, adding to them, and occasionally debating him on some of them. Love hit him like a thunderbolt.
Claudia is an Idealist Teacher (ENFJ) with very high expectations for love. She found herself rejecting many different men because they didn’t live up to her ideal of the perfect soulmate. Then she met Jeff, a Rational Mastermind (INTJ). He loved listening to her dreams and aspirations. She knew she could trust him not to tell anyone else her secrets. Eventually, she did figure out he had flaws, but by that time, she was far gone.
Dr. Keirsey recommends Rational-Idealist pairings and suggests that the best combinations would be the ‘opposite,’ that is, ENTJ with INFP, ENTP with INFJ, INTJ with ENFP, and INTP with ENFJ. Each of these pairs has the ‘N’ in common, but nothing else. Anecdotal evidence appears to support his suggestions. If the couple has too much in common, they are likely to have some obvious weak areas. For example, a Rational Inventor (ENTP) with an Idealist Champion (ENFP) have only one letter different. This couple is likely to have lots of fun generating ideas and excitement but may have difficulty actually bringing ideas to fruition. Also, it is likely that neither one of them will be wild about housework or maintenance. Couples with a lot in common may find it easier to communicate but may also find it more difficult to get everything done.

Women and Romance
Part 4: Rational Women
By Dr. Lovegood
Rational women tend to be late bloomers on the dating scene. They are sometimes unaware of or don't wish to follow cultural norms which dictate what is considered feminine. As they get older, men often appreciate their logic and general lack of emotional outbursts, along with the fact that Rational women tend to clearly state what they think and want.

Mara is a Rational Architect (INTP). She had a steady boyfriend in high school. They broke up when he pushed for a further commitment and she realized he wasn't what she wanted long term. She has dated off and on since then and enjoys getting to know new people. She's had some serious boyfriends, but she hasn't found one she wants to keep yet. Her mother is worried that she'll never get married since Mara is already in her thirties and has no boyfriend. Mara figures it will happen when it happens.

Care and Feeding of a Mate
Part 4: Rational Mates
By Dr. Lovegood



Rational men aren't particularly interested in typical gender roles. Their masculinity is not threatened by a partner who does yard work, car repairs, or extreme sports. Often women find it hard to communicate their wants to their Rational mates. The key is direct, calm statements. Rational men are often oblivious to hints, and both of you will be happier if you communicate in plain English.
Like Rational men, Rational women are often perfectly happy playing the hard-charging corporate player to their mate's more domestic lifestyle. Because women are socialized differently from men, Rational women are much more likely than their male counterparts to catch hints and indirect communication. However, they still prefer clear statements.
Rationals tend to be the easiest on upkeep. Their wants tend to be few, and they generally place few demands on their mates. In fact, one of the biggest complaints about Rationals is that they are too independent and at times seem to neither want nor need anyone else. At times, most mates of Rationals wonder why the Rational wanted a relationship at all.
Sometimes Rationals can seem so self-reliant that a mate can wonder if they really have anything to offer. This tends to occur when the Rational is afraid of being openly vulnerable. They can maintain a façade of autonomy to hide how they really feel. However, they usually enter relationships precisely because they really do need other people.
The key to keeping your Rational happy is to provide support and a listening ear while not demanding too much. Offering shared activities including sports, sex, music and the like are also likely to be appreciated.
One thing virtually all Rationals need is time. They need uninterrupted time to work on whatever project has caught their mental eye. It is not uncommon for them to work until they drop, get a few hours of shut-eye, and then get up and keep working. This can go on for days, with the Rational surfacing periodically for food and family activities. During this time, they are likely to appreciate someone to bounce a few ideas off of. The best way a mate can help is to listen, keep them from being interrupted, and remind them of important commitments coming up.
An important thing to remember is that most Rationals are disgusted by emotional outbursts. A mate who cries, pleads, begs, yells, and throws things is very likely to cause the Rational to withdraw even more. A Rational can talk about almost anything if it is discussed in a logical, emotionally neutral way.
Another thing Rationals need is someone to listen and respond intelligently to them. This can be difficult if they are talking way beyond you. Ask questions so you can understand the background of what they're talking about. Sometimes they forget that the other person doesn't have all of the background knowledge that they do. Sometimes they may discuss things which turn out to be difficulties in relating to other people. This has to be handled very delicately. You can give opinions in a calm way but not judgments.
The bottom line with Rationals is to give them a lot of autonomy and intelligent conversation. Remember that they really do need you. Support your mate and they'll give you mental stimulation, freedom, and visions of the future.

How To Argue With A Mate
Part 4: Rational Mates
By Dr. Lovegood


The wall between Rationals and others is their view of others' stupidity and incompetence. If a Rational believes that another person is being illogical, irrational, or just plain stupid, they will not respond positively to anything they have to say. The fastest way to get a Rational to stop communicating meaningfully is to say that they are incompetent or idiotic or to start behaving or talking in a mindless crazy manner.
Overall, Rationals are reasonable and reasoning people. They are willing to discuss just about anything as long as the discussion remains civil and lucid. For Rationals, civil can include yelling matches with each person describing the other's theories as unable to hold up under scrutiny, ill conceived, and just plain wrong. After these raised voiced sessions, Rationals are likely to have respect for their opponent if that opponent can reason cogently.
The easiest way to tell that a conversation with a Rational mate is getting nowhere is if they shut down and refuse to discuss things or very (im)patiently repeat their same logical arguments over and over.
Jessica (Idealist Champion ENFP) and Kwasi (Rational Mastermind INTJ) had only been married a short time when Jessica began to doubt that Kwasi really loved her. When they had been dating, he had been so attentive and always happy to see her. After they got married, he became more likely to be annoyed when she "interrupted" him. One time while he was at the computer, she came dancing in wearing nothing but high heels. He looked briefly at her and asked her to wait 5 minutes. They began having fights over whether he really loved her. He would point out the logical reasons he loved her and couldn't understand what her problem was. But Jessica wanted to be loved illogically. After learning about their personality types, Kwasi learned what he could do to regularly reaffirm their relationship. Jessica learned how to recognize the more subtle signs of Kwasi's love. He learned how to express appreciation for her uniqueness and openness, and she realized that he really did love her.
If a person with a Rational partner hits that wall, there are a couple of things to do. The first is to allow time for both partners to calm down. The non-Rational partner should see how they can frame their issue in a logical manner which their partner can understand. Rationals can argue so specifically and technically on a particular issue that they miss the big picture. They can also argue so globally that they miss the particulars. Whenever possible, tie your argument onto theirs. Show how what you are wanting is consistent with their theories and beliefs. Rationals are also willing to bargain, trading one favor for another. There is a logic to doing something illogical if it makes it more likely that the Rational will get something they want.

Parenting and Temperament
Introduction to a Series
By Dr. Lovegood
The parent-child relationship is the one where the tensions between different personalities can be most clearly seen. When we make friends or choose a partner, we are developing a relationship between equals. The parent-child relationship is hierarchical, with much more clearly defined roles for each. You can break up with friends or lovers, but you generally can’t divorce your parents or your children. Because parents and children are stuck with each other, the battles can be devastating, particularly for the children. There’s an old joke which says that children and grandparents get along so well because they have a common enemy.
One thing which I believe causes a lot of problems between parents and their children is that parents feel a certain amount of ownership or responsibility for their children’s actions. This can be good when a parent realizes that their behavior has contributed to their child’s problems. Most of the time, though, it simply causes a humongous tug-of-war. The parent cajoles, pleads, demands, and threatens to get a child to behave the way they want them to. The child rebels, becomes passive-aggressive, or outwardly complies. If the child will not comply, the parent feels guilt, anxiety, and anger. This can lead to the classic rejection: “No child of mine would ……”
Temperament theory is a huge help so that parents can understand why their children act the way they do. The child’s behavior may have absolutely nothing to do with parenting, either good or bad, and may be simply a function of the way they were born. Parents who understand temperament can help their children develop the way they were meant to be. It can make parenting a much more relaxed and enjoyable affair. It can also help children understand why their parents behave the way they do and how to best communicate with their parents.
For the next several weeks, we’ll be looking at the different kinds of parents and exploring what makes them tick. For now, let’s look at sometimes funny ways to identify the kind of parent a person is.

Type of Parent	Guardians	Artisans	Idealists	Rationals
Preferred form of discipline	Rules and consequences	School of hard knocks	Do we have to?	Logical consequences
Favorite thing to do with child	Read books	Wrestling / tickle games	Hugs / Craft projects	Building / experiments
Children need to learn	Discipline	To be flexible	Who they are	To think
Would be most upset if child cut from	Honor society	The team or the play	Earth club	Chess club
Reaction if child made a touchdown	Boom sticks	Air horn	Tears	What touchdown?
Reaction if child being bullied	Talk to authorities or tell child to wait it out	Teach child to beat snot out of bully	Sue everyone!	Teach child verbal come backs
Want child to grow up to be	Member of congress	Terrorist	Cult Leader	Mad scientist

Shoes!

INTERNSHIPS

Turning Your Internship into a Full-Time Position
By The College Advisor



A growing number of employers are using internships as a way to get a first look at job applicants. If they like you, they'll be more likely to hire you when you graduate. It also gives you an opportunity to size them up. Are they the right size company for you? Do you like the company culture? Will there be opportunities for growth? Employment is a two way street—both parties need to benefit from the deal.
Here’s how you increase your chances of being a first pick:

1. Can-Do. Are you positive and willing to do anything assigned to you? Can you accept critique without becoming resentful? Do you show willingness and a sense of humor? If you do, you are one step up on the ladder to being hired.
   
2. Unwritten Rules. All companies have a culture that is full of tradition and unwritten rules. Do you ask questions of colleagues and pay attention to how people interact with each other? Do you apologize when you have unwittingly offended another? If so, you are on step two.
   
3. Seriously Persevere. Are you building a reputation of being dependable and accurate? Are you learning from your mistakes? Do you seek guidance from your supervisor and coworkers? Now you are on step three.
   
4. Hit Deadlines. Getting work done on time is necessary for any company's reputation. If you can't make a deadline, do you give your supervisor enough warning? Are you aware of priorities so you put your energies where they most count? That's step four.
   
5. Expectations and Goals. Are you meeting the expectations of your supervisor, your co-workers, and yourself? Are you learning about goal-setting? You'll be a mediocre employee if you are clueless in this area. Start setting goals for yourself as well as meeting your supervisor's goals and you'll be at step five.
   
6. Communicate…Communicate…Communicate. Even if you score I as the first letter on the Keirsey Temperament Sorter, you can't run away from communication. Both businesses and marriages fail when communication fails. Don’t bug your supervisor by being too dependent, but be sure to keep your supervisor in the loop about important things and you're at step six.
   
7. Flexibility. Emergencies occur. Upper management has a new priority. A critical delivery is late. For those scoring J on the last letter of the Keirsey Temperament Sorter, you may find these unexpected changes to be frustrating, but you'll still have to learn to be flexible to keep things rolling. If you can do that, you're at step seven.
   
8. Teaming. Those scoring F on the third letter of the Keirsey Sorter usually have an easier time of teaming up with others than those scoring T, but a certain degree of team work at times is necessary. If you're not a natural at teamwork, you probably won't be put in a situation where there is high demand for that behavior, but when it is necessary do your best to be cooperative to be on step eight.
   
9. Mentoring. Your supervisor has to check up on your work and rate you. A mentor is usually a co-worker who teaches you the ropes and gives you enough guidance so your early learning in the company goes more smoothly. Mentors can be tough or friendly. They can be social or just stick to business. No matter the mentoring style you need to adapt to, you'll have an edge to step nine if you can get someone to coach you.
   
10. Enjoyment and Interest. If the job and the company don't give you some enjoyment, it is not a good fit. Some companies are more playful and some companies are more sober. If your style and the company style are in conflict, this is not the right job for you. Also the work you do needs to be interesting. If you're bored, it's a no-fit. But if you enjoy the company and are interested in the work, you're at step ten and a good candidate for being hired when you graduate.

Making the Most of Your Internship(s)

by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.
Career counselors, employers, and others have long touted the importance for college students to work one or more internships during their college years, and a recent study released by the Vault.com shows that college students are listening: almost 9 out of 10 (86 percent) college graduates reported completing at least one internship, and more than two-thirds (69 percent) reported completing two or more internships.
So, knowing that you will have one or more internships during college, what are the keys to making the most of your internship? What follows are the 12 keys to internship success. Follow these guidelines and you should be well on your way not only to a successful internship, but to a successful career.

1. Set Personal Goals. While someinternships are very structured, others are not, so you need to spend some time before you start the internship setting goals that you want to accomplish. Maybe it's deciding on what area within marketing that you want to specialize, or learning new skills, or building your network. Whatever your goals, you will feel a greater sense of accomplishment once you achieve them. Hint: Setting unrealistic goals could make even a good internship seem bad, so make sure your goals are realistic and attainable in your internship.
2. Have Regular Meetings with your Supervisor(s). Sound obvious? Well, maybe, but you may get a supervisor who never schedules meetings with you or travels quite a bit, so you have to make sure to have regular meetings where you can share experiences and lessons learned -- both good and bad -- as well as give progress reports. Hint: While you want to keep your supervisor abreast of your accomplishments, remember to also be a good listener and learn as much as you can during these meetings.
3. Tackle all Tasks with Enthusiasm and a Positive Attitude. In just about every company, the new hire/intern is going to have to "pay his or her dues." You will undoubtedly be given some gruntwork to do, such as making photocopies, but the key is to complete all your work assignments with the same level of enthusiasm and professionalism. Hint: You might also consider working extra hours (beyond the required number for the internship) to show your work ethic to your supervisor(s).
4. Avoid Negativity. The quickest way to kill a good internship is being negative. So, avoid complaining, being rude, disrespecting coworkers, arriving late, leaving early, being closed-minded, missing deadlines, appearing arrogant, wearing improper attire, acting unprofessionally, appearing inflexible, and taking part inoffice politics. Hint: A common mistake among interns and new hires is treating secretaries and clerks as being beneath them -- avoid this behavior at all costs.
5. Never Shun a Chance to Learn More About the Company/Industry. Take every opportunity presented to you to attend company or industry meetings, conferences, and events; participate in training workshops; and read all company materials. Hint: Meetings may appear (and actually be) boring to you, but they can often offer a good chance to increase your knowledge, network, and build relationships.
6. Get as Much Exposure as Possible. Some of the best internships rotate you among departments and supervisors, but if yours doesn't, don't let that stop you from tackling new tasks, meeting people outside your department, and attending company social events. The more you are exposed to new ideas and new people, the more you'll learn. Hint: Joining the company softball team (or other informal group) is a great opportunity to meet new people in a relaxed and informal environment.
7. Don't be Afraid to Ask Questions. Always remember that an internship is a learning experience for you. While the employer expects to get a certain level of work from you, you are not expected to know everything. Seek advice and raise questions whenever you encounter something that is not familiar to you. Be open-minded about new ideas and procedures -- remember that you don't know everything and that your professors didn't teach you everything. Hint: Smart people know that there really is no such thing as a dumb question, so ask before doing.
8. Take Initiative. Employers love employees who dive into tackling tough problems and who think "outside the box" in finding solutions. Just make sure you work with your supervisor(s) so you don't overstep your authority -- and make sure you share successes with her. Hint: There is a fine line between taking initiative and being perceived as a "know-it-all," and for internsespecially, it is best to err on the side of caution.
9. Find a Mentor. A mentor is someone at a higher level in the organization that looks out for you and makes sure you are learning what you need to know and accomplishing what you need to do. A mentor can also shield you from office politics and be a good sounding board for you to discuss ideas, ask questions, etc. Hint: Your supervisor could be your mentor, but it could also be another person within the organization.
10. Network, Network, Network. One of the key tools of job-hunting is utilizing your network to find your next career step, whether another internship or a job upon graduation (and beyond). Buildprofessional relationships with your supervisor(s) and other managers in the organization. These people are also a good source for getting other job-hunting advice and tips from their years of experience. Hint: Even if you have a bad experience on an internship, never burn your bridges because you never know when it could come back and hurt you. Always leave on good terms.
11. Leave with Tangible Accomplishments. One of your goals with any internship is leaving it with some tangible results - both for your resume and your career portfolio (if you use one). Maybe you developed a brochure, computerized an inventory system, organized a sales conference, met with clients, tracked industry trends, etc. Hint: Keeping a journal may help you remember all the things you accomplished on your internship.
12. Enjoy Yourself. Most internships are great experiences, so make sure you have some fun while you're working and learning. Don't be so uptight that you are perceived as something you're not. Hint: Just make sure you don't overdo the fun -- and avoid office romances.

Getting the Most Out of Your Internship

Internships can help you learn about the inner workings of the industry while getting your foot in the door with a prospective employer. But you'll only get out of your internship what you put in it.

Learn what to expect when you walk in the door and get the most out of your internship with these tips:

Research Your Internship Beforehand
If you're into writing press releases and working with the media, you're not going to be happy working with a graphic designer or copywriter in an advertising agency. PR and advertising are different entities and it's important your internship is a good fit for you.

Be Professional
Most interns are in their early twenties and may not have worked in a professional environment before. Be respectful and show up in professional attire.

Many internships lead to full- or part-time positions within the company. The more you treat your internship as an opportunity to enhance your career, the better your chances of turning your internship into an opportunity for more responsibility and even a paid position.

Internships Don't Equal a Free Ride
Many interns go into the internship with the notion that they're not getting paid so it's not a real job. Not only is an internship a precursor to your advertising or PR career, it's your chance to meet professionals in the business and gain valuable contacts.

Be willing to work hard and do what is asked of you. Don't check for Emails from your friends, make personal calls or play on the Internet.

As mentioned before, interns are viewed as potential employees. If you're goofing off now, the bosses won't think you'll be any different when they're giving you a paycheck.

Take the Initiative
Show your enthusiasm for the industry by asking questions and letting the proper people know what part of the business interests you most.

Being actively involved in your internship shows you can be a leader. During your internship you can do everything from writing press releases to help create an ad campaign.

Question Everyone
What's a typical day like for a Public Relations Director? What does an Account Executive do? Are the copywriters happy in their jobs?

These are questions you need to ask. You're talking about your career here and this is your time to find out exactly what it's like to be working in a PR firm or advertising agency.

Don't Miss Time
Everyone gets sick and that's perfectly understandable. Missing once or twice during your internship is okay if you have to. But don't dismiss your internship as something you don't have to take as serious as a job just because you're not getting paid.

Most interns are getting college credit and you don't want a report to follow you back to your internship director. Plus, you could secure a job for yourself or burn your bridges. Remember, professionals in the business you come in contact with during your internship can help you get a job at their company or somewhere else.

Be a Leader
Get your hands messy and get to work. Don't settle for making copies when you could be writing a brochure, designing a print ad or organizing a media event.

Ask your supervisor for more responsibility. Always ask what you can do to help and ask others what you can do to help them as well.

Don't Fade Into the Background
Speak up and make suggestions. You don't want to be a smarty pants but don't think your opinion isn't valued just because you're an intern.

If you have an idea, share it. Just be sure you can back up those ideas.

Don't bash a team's ad campaign just because you don't like it. Make suggestions on how they can make that campaign even better.

An Internship Isn't Like Showing Up for Class
You're there to learn but you're not there to sit in a corner and observe. Interns who only observe are often forgotten. It's the interns who get just as involved with projects as employees, if not more, that stand out.

Your Ticket to a "Real" Job
In your internship, you could encounter the president of the company, the Creative Director, the PR manager as well as copywriters and graphic designers. Any one of the people you come in contact with at an agency or PR firm could be the key to getting you a job in the industry.

Hard workers get noticed and get jobs. These are people you can use as references after your internship is over. You always want to make a good impression.

An internship is a great opportunity to learn more about your chosen career. It's only as good as what you make of it and your time will be over before you know it. Spend your time wisely and your internship will be your first step to a successful career.

The In's and Out's of Internships

Students Share What They Learned From Their Internship

Applying classroom learning to the real world is one of the main goals of a good internship experience. In her “Internship in Business” class, Professor Arlene DeWitt from Assumption College shares valuable tips she received from her juniors and seniors taking the class.

When asked, Professor DeWitt’s students cited the following benefits to participating in an internship:

1. Solidifies career direction.
2. Helps students learn more about what they want and don’t want to do as a career.
3. Provides an opportunity to apply classroom lessons to real world experience.
4. Offers great opportunities to network.
5. May result in a job offer.
6. Provides varied experiences by introducing multiple aspects of a business/organization.
   Professor DeWitt’s class offered these tips for students interested in doing an internship:
   • Earn more responsibility to gain respect.
   • Be self motivated – get the job done.
   • Be organized.
   • Take initiative/be proactive.
   • Stay focused.
   • Identify the value you personally bring to an organization.
   • Don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and try something different.
   By doing an internship in conjunction with their business class, Professor DeWitt’s students learned how to:
   • Apply organizational behavior and managerial concepts learned in the classroom to the real world.
   • Explore career interests.
   • Evaluate and reevaluate their career goals.
     One of the most important purposes of doing an internship is to get the relevant experience employers require. The juniors and seniors in Professor DeWitt’s classroom identified what stood out as some of the most important things students need to consider and do during their internship experience.

     Internship FAQ's & Myths

     
     

     Internships are work-related learning experiences that provide students, new graduates, and career changers with an opportunity to gain important knowledge and skills in a career related field. As a career builder, internships are a chance to gain exposure to career fields of interest without making a permanent commitment. There are many resources available for finding an internship, including: internship online databases, books such as the Internship Bible, classified ads, networking with professionals and alumni from your college, etc.

     Many organizations use internships as a way to assess and train potential candidates for jobs. Internships are an excellent way to gain experience in a career field of interest as well as an opportunity to try out one or more careers by getting a behind the scenes look at what it’s actually like working in the field. Students will often do several internships to give them exposure to a variety of related jobs or even to check out various careers of interest.

     When's a Good Time to Begin Looking for Internships:

     The answer to this question is as soon as possible. It’s important to allow enough time to locate and apply for good internships. For internships in finance, government, publishing, etc., many of the deadlines to apply for summer internships can be as early as November. Internships are becoming more popular for students still in high school as well. Students who begin doing internships after their first year of college are able to complete several different internships which ultimately provides them with a wide range of experiences and makes them more appealing to employers.

     Where's a Good Place to Find Internships:

     Working with a career counselor, speaking with faculty and/or college alumni, reviewing career resources, checking out the classified ads to prospect for potential employers, and conducting Informational Interviews with alumni or professionals in the field are all excellent places to start finding what internships are available.

     There are many internships offered online through internship sites such as MonsterTRAK,Internships USA, Internships.com, etc. Check with your Career Center to see if they subscribe to any of these resources. Completing a thorough self-assessment will also help to identify key knowledge, skills, interests, and personality traits that are relevant to a particular internship or job.

     What Kinds of Internships are Available:

     Internships are available in a wide variety of fields from both the private and not-for-profit sectors of the job market. Internships may be paid or unpaid, for credit or not-for-credit, and may be pursued spring, summer, or fall.

     What's the Benefit of Doing an Internship for Credit:

     There are many rewarding and worthwhile internships available and some of these can be linked directly with college coursework. Working directly with an onsite supervisor and a faculty sponsor can provide a rich learning experience that includes additional reading, writing, etc., on the subject in addition to the experiential learning that takes place each day on the internship. It is not necessary to do an internship for credit in order to get a valuable internship experience.

     What's the Difference Between an Internship for Credit and One That's Not :

     To receive credit for an internship, students will need to complete a certain number of hours at the internship site depending on the internship guidelines of the college. It’s important to check out a college’s guidelines prior to doing an internship for credit. Usually colleges require additional work be completed and students must meet specific criteria designated by a faculty member who will also act as the internship sponsor.

     Internships not completed for credit are basically an agreement between the employer and the student. There is no formal contract in place and there's more room for flexibility. There also is no minimum number of hours to be completed for the internship.

     Internship Myths:

     Internships Not Completed for Credit are Not as Valuable as Internships for Credit:

     Although it is true that internships for credit are included on a college transcript, employers are looking for candidates who possess the relevant skills and experience to do the job and who already have exposure to the field and know that they are interested. Resumes usually do not distinguish between internships completed for credit and those which are not.

     Unpaid Internships or Volunteer Experiences Cannot be Included on a Resume:

     All experiences related to a particular internship or job can be included on a resume. As a student, relevant coursework, co-curricular activities, community services, volunteer experiences, and previous internships and jobs can also be included on a resume. Again, it is the relevant skills and experience that employers are looking for.

     All Internships Completed for Credit Must be Unpaid:

     College credit is granted by the academic institution and it does not prohibit employers from paying interns a fair wage or stipend. Colleges generally encourage and support employers to pay for work completed regardless if it’s being done for credit or not. Students interested in receiving credit for an internship will often do one or more internships for credit during fall and/or spring semester and then do a not-for-credit internship during summer break.

     There is no Difference Between Doing an Internship During Fall or Spring Semester or Doing an Internship for Summer:

     Usually colleges require that students pay tuition for summer internships for credit. The amount will depend on the number of credits received and the costs associated with credit at a particular college. Internships completed during fall or spring semester usually are rolled into the regular tuition.

     What is the Difference Between Doing a Summer Internship and Working at a Summer Job:

     Ultimately internships should include some form of training along with direct supervision of the work involved. The purpose of an internship is to introduce and train for a particular job or gain experience in a particular career field. Summer jobs are done mainly for compensation and usually include more of an entry-level position such as cashiers, lifeguards, ride attendants, camp counselors, or working at a retail store, restaurant or resort.

     Developing Internship Goals

     
     

     Before checking out the internship listings online or contacting employers about potential internships, make sure you make a list of goals and establish what you hope to gain from doing an internship. By skipping this step you may find yourself in an internship where you are unhappy and one that is not related to your future career goals or aspirations. On the other hand, an internship is a time to explore different career fields especially if you are unsure of what you want to do after graduation.

     Why Do You Want to Do an Internship:

     Internships will provide experience to see if a particular industry or career is the right choice for you. By doing several different types of internships, students can compare different career fields and better understand where their skills and interests are best suited. For example, if you are a business major and interested in marketing and advertising, you might want to get an internship in both of these areas to find out more about each one and learn about the duties and responsibilities of each job.

     What Do You Hope to Gain From an Internship:

     Internships offer experience and a way to see what it’s actually like working in the field or industry. An internship will provide relevant experience in a field to include in a resume as well as providing you with professional references and networking contacts.

     What are Your Specific Career Interests & Goals:

     Perhaps you are interested in pursuing a career in your major or minor and you want to go out and try it out before committing to a field. You may be interested in pursuing something totally different than what you are studying in college. Remember, organizations make their hiring decisions based on college performance as well as any co-curricular, professional, and volunteer experiences of the applicant.

     What Type of Work Environment are You Looking to Do:

     Are you seeking a large Fortune 500 company or a non profit agency in which to work. Think about the type of environment where you thrive best and what culture you will find yourself feeling the most comfortable. Smaller companies often provide new hires with an opportunity to learn many facets of the business as well as a chance to move up in the organization rather quickly. On the other hand, if a company is too small their may be little room for upward mobility or you might enjoy the exciting challenges and teamwork which are often a part of the large corporate culture.

     Where Do You Want to Intern:

     If you are planning to do your internship during the college semester, you will need to find an internship in close proximity to your college. During the summer months you may prefer to find an internship close to home to avoid having to pay for housing and personal expenses or you may be interested in moving to a place where you plan on finding a job after graduation or someplace totally new where you’ve always wanted to live.

     Are You Looking to Do a Paid, Unpaid, or Internship for Credit:

     Although there are a significant number of internship that pay (and some quite well), there are still many internships that are unpaid. If you are looking to gain experience in a non profit agency, there usually is not money available to pay interns to work for the summer. Sometimes employers who offer unpaid internships require interns to do their internship for credit.

     What are Some Internship Alternatives:

     Transcript notations and 1 credit internships have recently become more popular since they do not require that students pay a large sum of money to do a summer internship. Some colleges even allow students to do internships for credit during the summer and have those credits awarded in the fall semester (and rolled into fall tuition) as long as total credits for the semester are kept under 18.