Securing an internship is pivotal for high school, college, graduate, and postgraduate students eager to enhance their education and career prospects. At Indelible Learning, we believe that internships are more than just a resume booster. Indeed, internships are a chance to grow, explore, and gain valuable skills that will help you in your future life and career.
We’ve mentored many students and faculty over the many years. Along the way, each has taught us as much as we’ve taught them. As a result, we learned invaluable lessons. We wanted to share some of those lessons with you. Hopefully, these will help you make the most of your time with us. Here are some key strategies for success:
Harness the Power of Intrinsic Motivation
Intrinsic motivation is that inner drive that sparks genuine passion, interest, and enthusiasm in working on something. Along the same lines, it’s about doing things because you find them meaningful and engaging, not just for external rewards. At Indelible, we know that this kind of motivation turns learning into a journey of discovery. That, in turn, fuels your growth and propels you toward success in your internship.
Stay Organized
Organization is more than just a skill—it’s a way of respecting your own time and the time of others. If, for example, you commit to doing something at the meeting, it does not reflect well on you if you claim that you were never assigned that task afterward. Remember to keep track of your commitments, manage tasks effectively, and communicate any delays promptly. By doing so, you build a reputation as a reliable and professional team member, paving the way for future trust, ongoing collaboration, or employment opportunities.
Respect for Time and Resources
In a dynamic work environment like ours, time is one of the most valuable resources. Respecting it means being thoughtful about the projects you take on, the time you are willing to commit to them, and the support you seek. If we have a pre-arranged meeting, do not cancel it at the last minute, unless there is an emergency or you have a valid reason. “I forgot” is not considered professional in any setting. Focus on how your contributions align with the company’s goals and avoid diverting team members into tasks that don’t directly benefit the mission.
Show Gratitude
Gratitude is a powerful life skill. Gratitude lies at the heart of meaningful professional relationships. Acknowledge the mentorship, guidance, and opportunities you receive. Remember, some of our leaders, particularly those in senior roles, choose to invest their time in your growth when they could be focused on countless other responsibilities. Your appreciation makes a difference, and it’s this attitude of gratitude that leaves a lasting positive impression.
Commit to Hard Work
You get out what you put in. So, put in the work. There’s no substitute for hard work and dedication. When you give your best effort, it doesn’t go unnoticed. At Indelible, we understand life’s challenges and strive to accommodate our interns. We foster a supportive environment that encourages a healthy balance between work and other commitments. However, when you take on a task, put your heart into it. The more you invest, the more you’ll gain, both personally and professionally. As with everything in life: the more you put in, the more you will get out of it.
Communicate Effectively
Effective communication skills are the key to success, both personal and professional. From drafting a clear email to articulating ideas in meetings and asking good questions. Good communication skills are crucial in any career and life in general. Effective communication skills enable you to connect, collaborate, and make your voice heard. They help you build strong relationships, paving the way for future success in professional and personal lives.
Embrace Challenges, Don’t Play the Victim
We all encounter challenges in life. Our struggles might differ, but they are all part of the life journey. You are not alone in facing them. Challenges are inevitable. But, it’s how you respond to them what truly matters.
At Indelible, we encourage a problem-solving mindset. Rather than seeing yourself as a victim of your life’s circumstances, we support transforming obstacles into opportunities for growth. It’s easy to fall into saying: “I don’t have the resources,” or “I do not have anyone to guide me”. Instead, seek out the wealth of available resources. In today’s world knowledge is everywhere, just waiting to be tapped into. Let your perseverance shine and appreciate the resources at hand as you rise to each challenge.
Maximize Every Opportunity
Every moment at Indelible is a chance to learn, grow, and make a meaningful contribution. To benefit, seize these opportunities—whether big or small. Expand your skills. Build your network. Leave a positive impact on the projects you undertake. Embrace each task as a valuable experience, and let your enthusiasm shine through in everything you do.
A Message for Parents
Parents, your support is invaluable as your children embark on their internship journey. Encourage them to take initiative and fully embrace this experience from the beginning —whether it’s researching companies, preparing their resumes, emailing resumes or reaching out with thoughtful questions. Internships are more than just stepping stones; they provide students with opportunities to build essential 21st century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, creativity, problem solving, and self-management. These skills prepare students for an ever-changing world. They are vital for students to thrive in the jobs of the future. By fostering the development of these skills, you help set your children up for long-term success and resilience that they need in their careers and beyond.
At Indelible, we offer more than just learning experience. We provide hands-on guidance, personalized mentoring, and access to a network of dedicated professionals. As students embrace these opportunities, they equip themselves not only for success in school but for the challenges and triumphs of life beyond formal education.
Why Your Journey Matters to Us?
At Indelible, we believe in the power of potential. We are a community of innovators, educators, researchers and mentors who genuinely care about making a difference in the world—one student at a time. Some of our former interns have gone on to excel at prestigious institutions like Stanford, UC Berkeley, Vanderbilt, UCLA, UCSD, UCI, and many others. Some have pursued graduate studies at top-tier schools like the Georgia Institute of Technology and USC, while others have taken on impactful roles in medical schools, research labs, and other renowned organizations.
We are proud of every intern who has walked through our doors, and we continue to welcome those who are ready to learn, grow, and become better versions of themselves. If you have the drive to seek mentorship, embrace challenges, and contribute to our shared mission, we are here to support you every step of the way. At Indelible, your journey matters—because we believe that together we can build a brighter future for generations to come.
Jasminka Vukanovic-Criley MD, FACP, FHM is a multiple award-winning physician, from cancer researcher, internal medicine physician, and Medical School Associate Clinical Professor to entrepreneur. She has mentored many undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students and faculty. She is the Principal Investigator on studies from the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Education creating research-driven #edtech games and digital media to improve health, civics, science education, and healthy habits. Dr Criley is also a founding Board member of Physician’s Weekly. She can be reached on X at @criley_md and at www.linkedin.com/in/jasminka-criley-md