Whether you’ve already secured a summer internship/research assistantship, are finalizing plans, or are still exploring opportunities, your summer experience is an important step in your career journey. Internships, research, and summer jobs provide far more than a line on your résumé—they are powerful opportunities to build skills, expand your network, and gain clarity about your professional goals.
Here’s how Harvard students can make the most of their summer experience and set themselves up for future success.
From Student to Professional: What to Expect
The transition from being a full-time student to functioning in a professional workplace can feel like a big shift. Unlike college, where feedback is frequent and expectations are clearly outlined in a syllabus, work environments may be less structured. Feedback can be infrequent, projects may be open-ended, and collaboration is often central to success.
Understanding these differences ahead of time—such as navigating office dynamics, managing your time, and working as part of a team—will help you adjust quickly and approach your role with confidence and professionalism.
Tip: Review these six pitfalls to avoid as you navigate the student to intern/professional transition.
Set Intentional Goals Before You Start
Before your first day, take time to reflect on what you want to get out of your summer experience. Are you exploring a new industry? Building technical or transferable skills? Learning whether a specific work culture fits your values?
Setting personal goals early allows you to be more proactive during the summer. Meet with your supervisor in the first week to clarify expectations, priorities, communication preferences, and success metrics. This shared understanding can lead to a more productive and rewarding experience for both you and your team.
Build Relationships and Expand Your Network
One of the most valuable aspects of any summer role is the people you meet. Networking doesn’t mean awkward conversations—it means building genuine professional relationships.
Introduce yourself to colleagues, connect with fellow interns, and take initiative to schedule coffee chats or lunches with people across different teams or departments. Ask questions about career paths, skills, and daily work. If possible, connect on LinkedIn and stay in touch after the summer ends. These relationships can become mentors, references, or future collaborators.
Tip: Review the MCS Guide on Making Connections for effective networking strategies.
Be Professional and Add Value
Treat your summer internship like an extended job interview—because often, it is. Showing up on time, dressing appropriately, communicating clearly, and being organized all contribute to your professional identity.
Look for ways to add value beyond your assigned tasks. If you finish a project early, ask if you can support another team or take on something new. Being reliable, curious, and proactive helps you stand out and demonstrates your commitment to the organization’s success.
Tip: Take a look at the MCS resource on professionalism for some of MCS’s recommended tips, including the MCS Professional Attire Guide.
Stay Organized, Open, and Reflective
Keep track of your projects, accomplishments, and skills learned throughout the summer. This makes it easier to request feedback, prepare for performance check-ins, and update your résumé later. Be open to constructive feedback—it’s a key part of professional growth.
Midway through the summer, check in with your supervisor to reflect on your progress and discuss opportunities to deepen your learning. Near the end, prepare a summary of your accomplishments and thank the colleagues who supported you. Ask about next steps, referrals, or recommendations if appropriate.
Tip: Check out the MCS recommended portfolio resources for projects.
Succeeding in Hybrid or Virtual Internships
If your summer experience is remote or hybrid, being intentional is especially important. Visibility doesn’t happen automatically in virtual settings, so schedule regular check-ins with your supervisor, actively participate in meetings, and seek out virtual networking opportunities.
Make time to connect with colleagues through video chats or informal online events. Share updates on your progress and accomplishments so your contributions are recognized, even from a distance.
For additional tips for success with remote summer experiences, read the Muse Article, Do’s and Don’ts to Ace Your Virtual Internship.
Be Mindful of Your Digital Presence
Your digital brand matters. Employers often review candidates’ online presence, from LinkedIn to other social platforms. Be mindful of what you share, follow your employer’s policies around email and internet use, and avoid posting anything negative about your workplace or colleagues.
Curating a professional, authentic online presence can support your career goals now and in the future.
Finish Strong and Look Ahead
As your summer experience wraps up, tie up loose ends, complete or transition projects thoughtfully, and express gratitude to the people you worked with. Update your résumé while details are fresh, and reflect on what you learned about yourself, your interests, and your next steps.
Most importantly, remember to enjoy the experience! Summer roles are not only about career preparation—they’re also opportunities to meet new people, explore new places, and grow personally and professionally.
Tip: Update your resume using the MCS resume templates, guides and examples.
Talk with an MCS Advisor
Every student’s summer experience—and career path—is unique. If you’d like help setting goals, reflecting on your experience, updating your résumé, or planning next steps, the Harvard Mignone Center for Career Success is here to support you. Schedule an appointment or stop by drop-in hours to connect with an MCS advisor and make the most of your summer—and beyond.
