network (is that cool or what?). Why was she a successful intern? “My eagerness to help wherever and whenever needed,” she says, “I never said no when someone would ask me to help out. I learned that attitude is everything. Chances are that as an intern you are going to be asked to do some of the most menial office jobs, but regardless of how mundane the task you should always do it with enthusiasm. Once people see that you are positive and helpful they are more willing to give you more exciting tasks.”

 

Romelle Ecung says successful interns can handle a variety of tasks and will work to gain the confidence and trust of others leading to greater responsibility. Let's face it, if you can't or are unwilling to do the mundane duties why would they ever give you the cool jobs? Remember, the more you do, the more you'll be asked to do and the more you will learn. You'll be well liked, too-and that's important. Bottom line: Be their go-to intern.

 

Besides being an intern with a great attitude who is willing to go above and beyond the call of duty, what else can you do to make this a valuable learning experience? You should be watching, listening and learning. Observe the culture. How do people interact with each other? How do things get done? What are the unwritten rules of the department and company? Identify the stars of the office (not the successful jerk, though!)-you know, the ones you want to be someday. Why are they successful? These individuals will be your role models. You can learn a lot from them just by observing. Try taking it a step further. See if you can meet with them. Check with your supervisor (remember, before you get any perks you have to be a great worker) and see if it's okay for you to try and set-up informational interviews with some of the executives you admire.

 

In the meeting, find out how they got to be where they are, what do they look for when they hire people, what is it they love about their job, what should you be doing now to build for your future in entertainment?

 

A word about assistants. Assistants in the entertainment business can be pretty powerful. They may not make the big money decisions, but they hold the keys to the gate. If you want to get to the key players, you'd better respect their secretaries. You want the assistant to be on your side. In fact, it pays to have a positive attitude with everybody you meet in the office. One day an individual may work in the mailroom, the next day he or she could be your boss!

 

On top of all that, keep doing your homework. Learn how your department runs. Try to learn the who's, how's and why's. Get to know people outside of your department. What do they do? How does their work relate to your department? How does it relate to the company as a whole?

 

Oh, and don't dress like a student! Look around the office, how are the employees dressing? Dress like the people you want to be someday. You'll be taken more seriously.

 

After the Awards Ceremony (It's The Relationships, Stupid)

 

You just completed your internship. By being a good intern you probably have a better idea which skills you need to develop. You know, the ones they look for when they hire people? Work on them! Make yourself easier to hire!

 

All businesses, but especially the entertainment business are about relationships.

Stay in touch with your former co-workers, but don't be a fair weather friend. In other words, it doesn't really look good if the only time you stay in touch with people is when you need something from them. Send them holiday cards, notes, etc. just letting them know what you are up to. If you see an article you know they'd be interested in, email it to them. Don't overdo it, though! Be friendly, but keep it professional. It's a simple, yet effective way to stay in touch that will pay off in the long run.

 

There are many different career possibilities in the entertainment industry as well as many different types of businesses…studios, networks, production companies, talent agencies, record companies, recording studios, public relations companies, promotion companies, radio stations, etc. There are so many possibilities…Well, what are you waiting for? As they say in the movies: “Action!”

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

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