A word from Mary Crane…
Copyright © 2018 Mary Crane & Associates.
Checklist for a Successful Summer Work Experience
Prior to Day One
- Do a commute test run. It’s absolutely critical that you arrive on time throughout the summer, and especially on your first day of work. Remember, you have one opportunity to create a first impression. It’s better to arrive 30 minutes early than five minutes late.
- Check your Day One outfit. Ensure that it is clean, pressed, and does not require mending. If you’ve purchased a new jacket or blazer, clip any threads that have tacked the rear vents closed. Check your shoes. They should be polished and the heels should not be worn down.
On Day One
- Focus on creating an impression that you are confident and professional. Avoid creating an impression that communicates: I am entitled; I am better than anyone else; I am not a team player; or I deserve praise and recognition for completing assignments on time.
- Be prepared to introduce yourself professionally by stating your name clearly, extending your right hand for a firm handshake, and making relaxed eye contact.
- If you are scheduled to attend an orientation program throughout Day One, use that time to start building relationships with your fellow summer hires. Many summer associates naturally gravitate to fellow hires from the same school. Start expending your network of contacts to include summer hires from other schools as quickly as you possibly can.
- Be prepared to start work immediately. If you are immediately assigned to a work team, pull out your pad of paper and pen and start recording assignments as they are delivered. If anything is unclear about your assignment, ask clarifying questions immediately. (Do you need a draft or a final work product?)
- Show interest and enthusiasm in all that you do and in everyone with whom you meet. Remember, on Day One the odds are good that the receptionist knows more about the practice of law and your particular employer than you do. Seek to build allies and relationships throughout the organization.
Manage Time & Projects
- Set aside a chunk of time every Sunday to preview the week ahead. Review the status of ongoing assignments and key deadlines, and anticipate opportunities or challenges that could arise. Do not arrive in your office on Monday without a game plan for the week.
- Be prepared to constantly revise your game plan. On an hour-by-hour basis, you may need to reprioritize specific tasks and larger assignments. Be prepared to constantly ask yourself, “What’s the most important thing that I need to accomplish during the next 20 minutes?”
- Forget multi-tasking. Multiple studies have confirmed that the human brain is not structured to multi-task. Try performing two tasks at the same time, and you will only succeed in doing both tasks about 50 percent well. Instead of multi-taking, focus on mono-tasking. Give a short period (aim for 15 minutes) of undivided attention to your most important task. At the end of each 15-minute period, address emails and voicemails. Then repeat.
- Ask for feedback, and demonstrate that you hear and will respond to any constructive feedback that you receive. When a senior lawyer indicates that you need to improve a particular skill set, immediately visit your favorite recruiter. Ask for his/her assistance in addressing this issue. (Could you please point me to an online tutorial or a personal coach?)