If you have landed an internship or anticipate having one, let us help you make the most of it. Time can fly by, and you don't want to miss out on the opportunities available during your time with an organization.

Here are six helpful tips you should read to maximize your experience:

Set clear goals.

Before starting your internship, you will want to have clear goals in mind of what skills and knowledge you hope to gain from your internship. Be sure to discuss your goals with your manager so you can work together through your professional development and growth.

Expand your network.

Your internship is an opportunity for you to build relationships with team members at various stages in their career, from entry level to executives. You never know where a new relationship can lead.

Pay attention and ask questions.

Treat your internship as a true learning experience and soak up as much information as possible. Be sure to ask questions and learn about the company structure and functioning, even if it’s not directly related to your role. The more you learn, the more you will be able to take with you into your career.

Identify potential mentors.

Having a mentor can be key to success early in your career, and your internship is no exception. Try to identify a potential mentor and learn about their career path, why they chose the field, and identify some of the most important lessons they have learned from working in the industry.

Take advantage of all opportunities.

In your work, be sure to take on both small and large tasks and go above and beyond in your work. Network and meet people through lunches, team outings, and professional development opportunities being offered.

Stay connected.

Once your internship ends, it is important to try to stay connected. Continue to build upon the relationships you made during your internship by reaching out via LinkedIn, email, and phone.

Visit Ascend’s Job Seeker Resources page to learn more about these strategies and other helpful tips.