Dear Future Intern

Dear future intern,

Hi!  Welcome to your ministry placement site.  You have been commissioned here for a purpose that only you can fulfill.  Remember that, no matter how hard or easy things are.

I am going to give you some tips to make this the best internship ever.

   1.     Always keep communication open between you, your supervisor(s), and your colleagues.  Confrontation may or may not come easy to you, but regardless, it is vital to keep the doors open.  Make sure your needs are known to ensure that you have the most fulfilling work experience.  Don’t be afraid to talk about your feelings.

   2.     I cannot stress this enough, always ask for help when you need it.  Don’t let pride make you think you can do everything single-handedly.  You can’t.  You’re not alone, so don’t pretend that you are.  Ask for help the moment you need it, and don’t be afraid.  If you’re a guy, don’t live up to the stereotype.

   3.     Know your boundaries and make them clear.  Ladies, be sure to set clear physical boundaries with “clients.”  If you don’t, things can and will get messy really fast, and trust me, you don’t want that.  Side hugs are your best friend.

   4.     Allow yourself to be available on your work days.  Everyone loves a willing and available intern.

   5.     Get away on your days off and do fun things.  Don’t stay inside your room unless you’re sleeping—get out and explore the area and surrounding cities.

   6.     Invest yourself as much as you can while you’re at your placement.  This will also ensure the most fulfilling experience.

   7.     Don’t neglect your friends from back home.  While it’s important to immerse yourself in what you’re doing, try to keep contact going with them; especially on off time.

   8.     If you get homesick, try to have some form of familiarity.  This goes back to staying in touch with friends back home.  Write them letters.  Letters are fantastic.

   9.     Pay close mind to the rules of not only your placement, but also the overarching ministry that has commissioned you.

   10.  Self-awareness is your best friend.  Actually, self-awareness should be as close to your heart as the art of the side hug.  Know your needs.  If you’re an introvert, be an introvert.  If you’re an extrovert, be an extrovert.

Of course there are many other things that you will need to do and learn, but these will come with time.  Know that you are not perfect, and give yourself the grace to accept that fact and love it.  Finally brother or sister intern, love thyself.   You are beautiful just the way you are!

All my best to you,

Laura Tompkins