Landing an internship while in school is such a great accomplishment. It prepares you for life outside of school and sets you up for success by making you a more responsible member of society.

One of the biggest reasons to get excited about an internship is that it presents an opportunity to grow. There is only so much you can learn at school and with an internship, you are able to practice and apply what you learned to real-life situations in your work.

So how can you make the most out of your internship experience? Follow the tips that helped me and I know you will have an unforgettable internship unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.

1. Create a list of goals

At the marketing firm I interned for, they had a lot of practices that I wasn’t 100% sure how they would help me, but it became very clear towards the end of my internship. One that really stuck with me was to create a goals list.

Setting your goals in anything that you venture is an investment in your career. The same rule applies to anything you value in life. This will help you become fully disciplined and at the same time be successful by making continual progress.

2. Prove your responsibility

Being responsible is an important skill required in the job arena. Your internship experience makes you more responsible and accountable for what decisions you make and how you execute what’s been assigned to you.

3. It’s okay to ask questions

Don’t be afraid to ask questions or for advice. Whether it is advice about your field, feedback on performance, or even career moves, they are usually more than happy to help. Asking questions is a great icebreaker for your coworkers to know more about you, and you never know what you may learn over a cup of coffee and a conversation.

4. Accept Feedback

No one likes to be criticized and performance evaluations can be a little scary. You will probably make some mistakes and receive constructive criticism about your work from both your colleagues and your boss. Always remember that it’s not personal. It is for your own good and growth and it will improve the quality of your work in the long run.

5. Learn about yourself

Internships show you quickly what you’re good at and what you’re not good at. Then, it gives you time to improve on those things. The result? You become super proficient, ready to flourish and show off your new set of skills.