How to get started: The internship/fellowship checklist for success

Internships, fellowships, early-career jobs, and volunteer opportunities are all stepping stones that help bridge the gap between the classroom and real-world application. They give you hands-on experience, allow you to expand your professional network, and help you clarify your career goals. Whether you're preparing for a summer internship, a competitive fellowship, or your first job, there are key steps you should take before, during and after the experience to ensure you make the most of every opportunity.

Here is your checklist for success:

Before: Lay the groundwork

Before you step into your new role, it’s important to do your homework in preparation.

• Research the company or institution
  Learn everything you can about the organization you’re joining. What’s their mission? What recent projects and/or development have they completed? What achievements or accomplishments do they list on their websites, discuss in podcasts, mention on social media, or feature in the press? Being informed will help you walk in with confidence and formulate interesting questions that demonstrate genuine interest during the interview and to your supervisors and colleagues as you continue your journey.
• Understand the role and expectations
  Review the posting description, appointment offer, and any other information shared by your organization to help you prepare for the role thoroughly and clarify expectations with your internship or fellowship mentor or job supervisor before your first day. This ensures that you are fully prepared to meet the needs of the role and can align your goals with the learning objectives and organizational priorities. For ORISE participants, be sure to check your Zintellect.com dashboard or access it through ORISE GO for onboarding and program information and watch for any last-minute messages or email from your ORISE point of contact or mentor. Reach out if you have any questions!
• Set SMART goals
  Your college or internship supervisor may have specific goals for your experience, but don’t stop there. Take time to create your own SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—based on your career aspirations. These goals will guide your actions and give you a framework to evaluate your progress later. If you need help in setting these goals, Indeed.com has an article with tips and examples to get you started.

During: Maximize the moment

The way you conduct yourself during your experience can leave a lasting impression and pave the way for future opportunities.

• Make a great first impression
  Arrive early, dress professionally, and bring a positive, can-do attitude. Be friendly and respectful to everyone, from fellow interns to senior executives. First impressions matter, and they last.
• Be visible on LinkedIn
  Add your new role to your LinkedIn profile to show your professional growth and signal your ambitions to your network.
• Build your network
  Take initiative to meet people across all levels and departments, as well as external stakeholders like customers and suppliers. Then, connect with them on LinkedIn to keep the professional relationship going long after your experience ends.
• Gather letters of recommendation
  Don’t wait until you need them, ask two-to-three people you’ve worked closely with for recommendation letters while your contributions are still fresh in their minds.
• Be curious and engaged
  Ask your colleagues about their roles, backgrounds, and career paths. Talk with supervisors about the skills they value most and use this time to gain insight into the lifestyle and expectations of your chosen field.
• Document Your Achievements
  Keep a running log of your accomplishments, projects, and any measurable impacts you played a role in to help you update your resume and LinkedIn profile. It’s easy to forget, so making a quick note to record the “wins” assists in capturing the information and allows you see your progress along the way.
• Ask for Feedback
  At the midpoint and end of your internship or fellowship, request feedback from your supervisor and peers. Use this input to fine-tune your skills and better prepare for your next step.

After: Reflect and Follow Up

What you do after your experience is just as important as what you do during it. Take time to reflect and follow-up.

• Conduct a self-assessment
  Reflect on what you’ve learned, the skills you’ve gained, and areas where you can improve. Compare the SMART goals or other tools you used in the beginning of your assignments and use this self-assessment to inform your next steps and set goals for future opportunities.
• Update your resume and LinkedIn
  Add your role, accurately listing dates, accomplishments, and responsibilities. Remember to check your documented achievements list for details. If you’re allowed to, upload samples of your work and highlight new skills gained.
• Express gratitude and stay in touch
  Send thoughtful thank-you notes to your supervisor and anyone who made a positive impact on your experience. A sincere thank-you can reinforce professional relationships and show your appreciation. Ask if you can connect with them on LinkedIn or through email. Maintaining connections with colleagues across different STEM backgrounds can broaden your perspective and provide opportunities for collaboration in the future.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s your first internship or a fellowship that aligns with your long-term goals, these experiences are what you make of them. They’re not just steppingstones—they’re launch pads for your future. With preparation, engagement, and follow-through, you can turn any opportunity into a catalyst for long-term career success.

If you are looking for a STEM internship, fellowship, or postdoctoral research opportunity, be sure to register for and checkout Zintellect, where all Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education opportunities are listed. For additional assistance, please reach out to experienceorise@orau.org.

Sources:

Bravo, E. F. (2025, April 24). Five tips to stand out in your internship. Making Waves Education Foundation.

Indeed Editorial Team. (2025c, March 3). 21 Helpful Internship Tips for Success (With Importance). Indeed.

10 tips to make the most of an internship. Columbia University for Career Education. (n.d.).