More tips on maximizing your summer public interest experience
Summer is approaching quickly, and folks here at the PSLawNet Blog cannot wait! For many of us, summertime = summer job or internship!
A couple of weeks ago, the PSLawNet Blog highlighted some tips to maximize your summer public interest experience. As we’re all aware, a public interest experience offers a glimpse into how public interest and pro bono attorneys use the law as an instrument of social justice. A summer experience also allows one to cultivate practical skills that are useful in any number of settings.
Here are some more tips from the experts:
Network, Network, Network.
- Networking ≠ Schmoozing
Even though many of you might equate networking with schmoozing, they aren’t the same thing. Networking is simply building relationships, and even friendships, among the folks you work with. It is an extraordinarily valuable tool. In all honesty, many professionals in the law world would admit that their professional networks are their most valuable professional asset.
- Express a Genuine Interest in Someone
We realize that it can be intimidating to approach someone and ask he or she to have a cup of coffee with you. But most public interest lawyers are very receptive to making new contacts, and to helping law students. Our advice is simply to show a genuine interest in the person you’d like to meet – or the work they do – and go from there. In the long term, it’s one of the best time investments that you can make.
Plan your exit strategy and stay in touch!
- Identify Loose Ends before Last Week
Be sure to accurately check the status of any of your projects and make sure you’re aware of the right point person to update. Often, a memo on the status of all that you’ve worked on is a helpful tool for your supervisor and successors. It’s likely a good idea to start the memo with case or project summaries before your last week, so that you do not leave anything out!
- Keep in Touch!
When folks at your summer job tell you to keep in touch, they are sincere. Harkening back to our point about professional networks, keeping in touch is an excellent way to allow everyone to stay abreast about what you’re up to and where they’re at. You would not want to miss an opportunity perfectly tailored to you because you didn’t make the call or send the email.
Smile, Share & Laugh!
- Take Stress in Stride
Remind yourself that it is summer, after all. Regardless of your experience, no supervisor expects you to be stressed out all the time. Aim to be efficient while you’re at work, but remember that work-life balance is a healthful thing.
- Share Laughs, Not Just Work!
While we’d warn against inappropriate office gossip and venting to co-workers, be sure to get to know your colleagues. Knowing more about them–and allowing them to know you–will be helpful both personally and professionally. In most offices with which we’re familiar, a good sense of humor goes a long way.
