For those of you lucky enough to be in the next wave of summer associates, get ready: you’re about to embark on an exciting, meaningful, eye-opening, and often overwhelming summer at UPMC. You’re going to learn more than you probably thought possible—about your specific department, UPMC as a whole, and the corporate world at large. You’re going to discover what areas suit you and which just aren’t your style. And while your experience will undoubtedly be unique, I hope my time at UPMC can help prepare you for yours. So, from a veteran to the rookies, here is a brief guide to surviving and thriving as a summer associate:
1. First things first: if you’re working in the Steel building, prepare to be outsmarted by the elevators. Many of you are probably wondering, how did a girl who gets befuddled by elevators land an internship at UPMC? Trust me, I’m not the only one. This may not make sense now, but remember this for your first day: look for the hand sanitizer; if you can see it from your elevator on the first floor, turn left when you get upstairs; if you don’t see it, turn right. Plenty of us have turned out of the elevator only to walk toward doors that don’t actually open. And elevator doors close slowly, so anyone still on the elevator will see you turn around and walk to the correct doors.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You won’t know everything coming into this program, and no one expects you to. Everyone I’ve met here is incredibly friendly and happy to help when you’re feeling lost, so never feel like you can’t seek them out for guidance.
3. Take advantage of all the networking opportunities this internship provides. You’ll have several opportunities to meet managers, directors, and executives throughout your summer at UPMC. You never want to force networking, but do take advantage of being able to get to know and learn from these people. Attend as many networking events as possible and ask questions whenever you get the chance.
4. I don’t want to play favorites, but as a former Marketing and Communications summer associate, I can’t help but offer some advice on spending a summer in the cave. That’s right future Marketing and Communications interns, you’ll be spending your summer in what’s been deemed the cave. To paint a picture, this summer there are 12 of us in a small conference room. Almost any time a manager enters the cave they note how quiet we are, and I’m still not really sure how it always works out this way. When the door’s closed we’re usually turning the stress balls that are meant to calm us down into weapons that we launch at one another. Oh, and if anyone brings in something sugary for us, all bets are off. One day, three of us surprised the group with treats, and it was pandemonium. Given that we are, in fact, expected to get work done amidst all the chaos that is the cave, you probably won’t be surprised that I recommend bringing headphones for when you really need to focus or when, let’s face, the other associates are driving you crazy.
5. Don’t be glued to your cell phone. An executive recently told us he notices employees our age are constantly on their phones. Even though you may be checking your UPCM inbox, your managers don’t necessarily know or assume you’re being productive on your cell. Use it when you need to, but do be aware that when older generations see college kids on their cells phones there’s a good chance they assume you’re “twittering” or “facesnapbookchatting.”
6. Be open-minded. Many of you will come into this program thinking you know exactly what kind of work you want to do throughout this summer and beyond, but your goals and interests may change. Let them! Try new things. Say yes to assignments that weren’t on your radar. Shadow someone in a different department. The only way you’ll ever really know if you’re in the right position is if you try them all.
7. Every day from 2-3, pastries in the MyHealth café are only $1. Just sayin.
8. Always carry a pen and paper. You never want to be in the position where everyone else is taking notes and you’re awkwardly trying to figure out what to do with your hands or worse, having someone give you an assignment that you then forget because you didn’t write it down. Even if you’re just going to be talking to someone briefly, it’s always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.
9. Get to know the other summer associates. You may be dreaming of rubbing elbows with all the impressive managers and executives you’ll be meeting, but your fellow summer associates are impressive, too! I’ve learned so much from the wonderful, talented interns I’m lucky enough to work with, and you will, too.
10. Have fun! So cliché, I know, but in the end are you really going to remember that Excel sheet you put together, or are you going to look back on this summer and remember the overall feel of it? Work hard, of course, but stay sane, too. Besides, if you’re not enjoying your time at UPMC, chances are you aren’t putting out your best work.
I hope these tips help you make the most of your summer at UPMC!
By Molly Skubak, Summer Associate
My Career@UPMC 