Ways to Network During Your Internship

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Networking is the bain of many people’s lives, but it doesn’t have to be boring. If you’re genuinely interested in building your career, it can be exciting to connect with other people in your industry and beyond. Although it might sound scary to meet new people, remember that you already have one major thing in common to talk about: your industry.

Attend company or in-building networking events

Most companies will have regular events which facilitate networking opportunities. Often, these won’t say ‘networking’ in the name, but will be presented as a social event. However, once you’re at the event, you’ll find that speaking to other people in your company and at other companies which may share your building (particularly if your office is located in a co-working space) is actually networking in itself. ‘People buy the person’, they say, and if you can connect with somebody on a social level, whether you’re discussing work or not, they’ll remember you for future work opportunities.

Speak to people in your company informally

Simply meeting someone by the water cooler or while brewing your daily coffee can be a form of networking. Always make sure that you’re friendly and professional, which can be hard in big companies when there always seems like so many faces and names to remember. However, that person you offer to pour a coffee for could be your boss’s boss, or they could be working in a related team that’s looking to hire people at the end of your internship. Conversely, being rude to the people in your office can have the exact opposite effect. You never know what opportunities could come your way, so always be professional. 

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Be proactive in looking for events outside of work

Outside of your company itself, networking events exist in New York City in abundance. Eventbrite is one of the best sources of networking events, particularly for those historically misrepresented in certain industries. For instance, Women in Business Bites takes place regularly on the third Monday of every month, with a light atmosphere with drinks and nibbles. Events like this are the perfect way to expand your mind beyond your internship company to the wonders of New York City itself.

Say “yes,”  even if it doesn’t seem like networking

Networking opportunities can arise in unexpected ways. Networking is not just limited to official events which brand themselves as being designed for such, but can happen on coffee trips, drinks or even lunch. If a work colleague invites you to anything outside of the office, this could lead to networking opportunities. In fact, anytime you’re outside of your house you could unexpectedly meet someone in your industry. 

Simply meeting someone and making a good impression lets them put a face to a name for future opportunities—you never know what it may lead to! So in terms of professional invites, it’s always good to say ‘yes’ because the situation may unfold in any direction. Always be friendly, carry your business card, and always act professional and you will be surprised how networking opportunities can find you.  

Why You Should Do a Summer Internship in NYC

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New York City is the world’s center of business, creativity and design, so it seems like an obvious place for your summer internship. There are so many reasons to complete your summer internship in New York City, so if you’re on the fence just think about the following.

It looks good on your resume

Employers can’t deny it, the words “New York City” look good on a candidate’s resume. This is because New York is the centre of world business. Employers also know how competitive it is to find an internship here. By completing your summer internship in NYC you’re showing you’re a fighter. The words tell future employers that you fought for the internship above other outstanding candidates and that you could make it in the competitive, fast-paced world of work here.

All of the big companies are located here

Employers know that top companies place their offices in NYC. Almost all major companies have a New York office and brand names such as this will stand out on your resume. When looking for an internship, why not try for the most recognised companies? In NYC, you can find everything from marketing internships at Google to investment banking internships at Morgan & Stanley to fashion internships at Vogue. An internship such as this will set you up for a great job after graduating or finishing your internship and you may even be offered an opportunity at the company itself.

It’s the city of opportunity

New York is incredibly well connected. Whether it’s within or across industries, the opportunities to meet people and to network exist in abundance. There’s always something going on in New York, from lectures to official networking events, and you never know when you might meet someone who could offer you your future job.

It’s a great place for personal growth

Living in New York, even just for a summer, will help you grow as a person. The city is tough both emotionally and professionally, with competition in offices often being high, but it’s the type of challenge which will make you stronger as a result. Every summer, high school students, college students and graduates come to New York City to intern and they all come out the other end more business savvy, more mature and with a stronger work ethic.

It’s a fun place to spend your summer

It’s okay to admit that you’re enamoured with the flashing lights of the greatest city in the world. A summer in New York is not just about boosting your resume or professional experience, it’s also extremely fun. The summers here are long and warm with free events on almost every night of the week, from private events to summer programs run by the city’s museums and Bryant Park, offering free music, education and activities to busy New Yorkers. Plus, with all the other summer interns coming to the city, you’ll have an instant group of people to explore with, something which in itself is pretty special. So, what are you waiting for? New York City is calling, so get those applications flowing in.

How to Feel at Home During Your New York Internship 

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New York City is busy, buzzing and at times isolating. Especially if you come from a small town, it can seem like a challenge to feel at home during your internship. But there are plenty of things you can do to make yourself feel more at home in the city; you just have to be proactive and indulge in a little me time.

Find a place of solace

One of the main reasons behind feeling homesick when you’ve started a new internship in NYC is how busy and overwhelming life may feel. This could happen in any city and it’s simply due to starting something new out of your comfort zone. At the beginning of an internship in particular, you’ll likely be living and working with brand new people on unfamiliar tasks. But just going for a walk out of your office at lunch time or from your home in the mornings or evenings can allow you to find a place of solace. 

Whether that’s a peaceful garden you discover by wandering the streets, such as the Ford Foundation Building or a particular bench in Bryant Park is up to you. Even something as simple as going to a multinational company which you recognise from home can remind you of home through the similar interior. Or why not chat to the barista at your local coffee shop to make those coffee breaks just that extra bit familiar and friendly? The place you choose to be your hideaway is particular to you.

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Keep in contact with friends and family members

Although people often talk about “making it on your own,” the truth is that the people who are most adjusted away from home are still in contact with friends and family members. This doesn’t mean you have to speak to people from college or your hometown every day, it just means you shouldn’t deny the need to speak to familiar people to get you through the new experience of your New York City internship.

Talking to people who already know you, your situation and your background can instantly make you feel at home, even if they aren’t physically in front of you. A quick chat with an old friend or a family member can be the pick me up you need during a long, draining week of meeting new people.

Do things that remind you of home

The little things can make a huge impact on your mood. Take the time after your internship to relax, which can mean exploring New York or watching the same old Netflix show you always used to watch at home to remind you that nothing has really changed. Head to your local grocery store and buy the food you normally eat with your family and suddenly everything will feel much easier to digest.

Make an effort to make new friends

Making new friends is one of the best ways to feel at home during your internship. If you open your mind to meeting new people, you’ll be surprised how easily and deeply you can connect with someone, if only for a short time. Particularly when you get the chance to connect with other interns through co-living, you’ll find people with similar outlooks and in a similar situation to you. When you can share the highs and lows of your internship with other interns far away from home like you, suddenly you’ll find that the difficulties of adjusting to New York City become part of the charm. When you can bond over a train delay or an overbearing boss, the situation becomes lighter, and you’ll find yourself seeing things differently and even feeling at home.

Try new things in your new city

Travelling is a trade-off. You might feel homesick, but the new experiences you can find by going outside of your comfort zone to a new city can counteract that. New York is perhaps the most varied, buzzing city in the world, so take advantage of the many free events happening around the city throughout the year. Use websites such as Eventbrite and Facebook (where you can browse events near you by category) to try new things during your internship and you’ll soon forget that you even felt homesick in the first place.

How to Save Money During Your New York City Internship

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There’s a lot to get used to once you finally make it to New York City for your internship, including how expensive it can be. Here are a few tips for how to save money during your stay:

Take public transport

Although it might seem like a lot to take in at first, the New York City public transport system is one of the best in the world and more often than not it’s the fastest way to get around town. The NYC subway costs just $2.75 one way for any length of journey, making it the best way to save money on your commute. If you’re getting the subway to and from work, it may even save you money to get an unlimited pass Metrocard, which is priced at $121 but allows you unlimited rides on the subway, buses and trams for a month. That means, if you get the subway more than 44 times in a month, you’ll be saving money by going with the unlimited pass. 

If you want to get taxis late at night or for other reasons, the best way to save money is to ride share. Uber, Lyft and Via Van are all well respected ride sharing apps available to download and use in the New York City area.

Make your own lunch (or know the cheap places to buy lunch)

Lunch in New York City can be one of the biggest drains on an intern’s budget. While permanent employees might go to salad bars for their daily lunch, that $11 salad a day will soon add up, when really you could be saving that money or spending it on other things like exploring the city. The best way to save money on lunch is to buy some tupperware and bring your own lunch to work. You can make sandwiches or salads in advance the night before and simply throw them in the fridge for the next day. Although it takes some forward planning, this could save you $55 a week (or more). And remember, you can take advantage of the free coffee provided in our apartments to save money on your morning Joe, too, just bring a reusable thermos or cup and carry it with you to see how much you could save. The same goes for water, too. Why spend $1.50 on a bottle of water when you can fill up a reusable bottle at home or at the office?

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Find your local grocery store

Buying food at bodegas or smaller grocery stores can cost you more than you may realise. Explore your local area or the area around your work to find the cheapest, healthiest grocery store possible and you’ll be surprised how much money you’ll save. If every time is 10% more expensive at a small store or a commercial store, that soon adds up. Our favorite affordable grocery store in New York City is Trader Joe’s, which is famous among interns for selling high quality produce at a reduced price.

Focus your social experiences on free events and activities

Things in New York are going to be opening up again before long, and once they do, it will be very easy to spend a lot of money socializing in NYC, but it’s also very easy not to. There are plenty of events and activities with a hefty cover charge, but these are often not worth the cost for an intern when you can have just as much fun at something free. NYC is overflowing with free events and activities, from promotional launch nights of brands to activities such as exploring the city’s beautiful parks. You can find the latest free events on Eventbrite by restricting your search to ‘free events only’.

Thrift shop for clothes

If you need to go shopping, you’ll be relieved to hear that New York has as many cheap stores as expensive ones. Particularly when it comes to clothes, the city truly shines if you know where to go. Although thrift-shopping has become more and more fashionable, you can still save plenty of money by going to stores such as Urban Jungle in Brooklyn, where you can pick up $4 shirts and $10 shoes like it’s normal.

Things You Should Know Before You Start Your New York City Internship

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It might be overwhelming at first (but you’ll get used to it)

New York City is a lot to take in at first for some people, especially those from smaller towns in the US or the rest of the world. It’s busy, people shout on the streets and at times you can feel isolated. However, the one pitfall interns can fall into is not pushing through the initial stage of the shock of their arrival in New York. You’ll be surprised with how quickly you can adapt to a city which at first sight might not feel like home to you. 

Everybody moves at their own pace, so whether it takes you days, weeks or months, be patient with yourself and push through any feelings of being overwhelmed. With time, you’ll see the business as liberating (or you won’t even notice it), you’ll see any noises as simply background noise and you’ll become connected to the city itself. Once you know your way around and have connected with other people, whether they’re your roommates or your colleagues, you’ll suddenly be able to see the amazing tapestry that is New York City.

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You might have to fight to be recognised in your internship

Of course every company is different, but in general the working culture in New York is faster and more competitive than elsewhere in the world. The hours might be longer, there might be more people willing to work on the same tasks and your boss might expect more of you than other internships you’ve completed in the past. This is because New York is the center of world business; there are so many people who wanted the internship you’re about to do and your employer will expect you to prove yourself worthy of the position. But this isn’t a bad thing.

Rather, it’s an opportunity to push your professional skills to their limits. You will be challenged like never before and you will come out the other end with a better resume and better career prospects for the future. Particularly if you’re on a short internship, there is nothing wrong with trying your best to prove yourself (within reason for your own physical and mental health, of course), but be prepared for this and know it is normal is the first step. If you do a good job, you’ll find you might in fact be asked to come back or even hired for a permanent job at your new company.

You might have to draw your boundaries at work

At the same time, you need to know if your employer is exploiting the New York City working culture to take advantage of you. No matter what, you still need to know your value and value yourself throughout your internship, as your wellbeing should always come first. A good way of telling if your employer is taking advantage of you is to compare the workload and hours of your internship to those of the permanent employees in the company.

As an intern, you should not be expected to be the last to stay on at night in the office on a regular basis. If everyone is working long hours, as is often the case in banking internships and finance internship, you need to accept that this is the nature of the industry, but you should not be closing up the office at 10pm on your own. Make sure that you build a social life away from work for yourself. In particular, it’s good to have friends outside of your office, such as roommates, to allow you to draw a mental line between work and leisure.

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New Yorkers are not all of one type

You’ll hear a lot of hype before you arrive about what New Yorkers are “like,” People often say that New Yorkers are cold (and other such generalizations), but often the people saying these things are not New Yorkers.

The truth of the matter is that New Yorkers are people, and no two people are alike. Yes, there are rude New Yorkers who might shock you when you first arrive, but there are also incredible kind New Yorkers who will watch out for people on the street or on the subway, and in fact the culture of New York in times of crises is nothing less than a caring community.

Just as in any big city (or anywhere), you cannot trust everyone you meet, you’ve got to keep your wits about you and you’ve got to be sensible at the same time as having fun. Your internship will teach you a lot about yourself that you don’t already know; the best way to be prepared is to not expect anything (good or bad) from the people you about to meet and to just try your best to be open yet savvy.

It won’t be all work, work work

At least we hope not! New York is the greatest city in the world, so don’t let the intense working culture worry you about whether or not you’re going to have fun during your internship. Most New Yorkers operate on a work hard, play hard mentality and you’ll find that the city in fact gives you an increased amount of energy, as there is so much going on every second of every day and it’s a wonderful adventure to explore and experience it all.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Internship

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So, you’ve landed that internship in NYC that you always dreamt of and your start date is on the horizon. Now is a good time to start thinking about how you can get the most out of your internship, whether you’re embarking on a three month internship or a year’s program. During your time at your new company, you’ll want to learn as much as you can and make a good impression for the future. Here are our top tips on how to do just that.

Ask questions

Come to your internship with a spirit of inquiry. Even if you think you know a lot about the industry already from college or previous internships, there’s always going to be things you don’t know and as an intern, you’re there to learn. This means asking questions not just about your day to day tasks but about the company and the industry in general. 

You can learn a lot from your supervisor and other colleagues who have been working at the company for longer than you, and you’ll be surprised how much insider knowledge or business acumen gets left out of textbooks. Don’t just ask questions about the area you’re working in, try talking to people in other departments about their work and you might just uncover an interest that you want to pursue in your next internship. The more you ask (when the time and the place is appropriate, of course), the more you’ll learn and the more you’ll get a better idea of what your future career will be like.

Be flexible

Don’t go into your internship expecting it to be exactly like the job description, letter by letter. Companies evolve and roles overlap and this is a good thing. If you’re asked to help out with another team’s work or in an area which isn’t your strong suit, be flexible and try your best. This is one of the best ways to learn in an internship, as it pushes you outside of your comfort zone. Of course you should always be cautious to ensure your employer isn’t exploiting your role as intern, but having a varied set of responsibilities is nothing but good for your future resume, and you may even find a new area in which you excel.

Put yourself forward

Be the person who always puts themself forward for new tasks and challenges. This shows your employer that you are proactive and it is also good for your own professional development, as you’ll stretch your professional skills to new lengths. This means if your company is looking for volunteers at the soup kitchen, volunteer, or if they need an extra person in the writer’s room, put up your hand. Showing that you’re enthusiastic and willing to help the company in whatever way you can is one of the best ways to make the most of your NYC internship.

Keep the future in mind

By keeping the future in mind, you’ll make a good impression in the present. Remember that everyone you meet at your company could be a future work colleague, so ensure that you’re always professional, kind and honest in your interactions. Remember that certain unprofessional traits, such as always being late to meetings, will make a bad impression for the future and that people remember the bad along with the good. Look into future career opportunities at your company, including how people in your field normally progress and where past interns in your role are now. It’s important to always look forward, because an internship in NYC is a great investment in your future as well as your present.

How to Find Summer Housing in NYC

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Finding housing for your summer internship in NYC can be a challenge. Most rental contracts are for an entire year, not the 1 or 3 months that you may need your accommodation for, and places which do offer short term rentals are often overpriced or scams. But with a little know-how you can navigate this complex world of the summer internship rental with no problems.

Use rental websites (with caution)

Sites such as Craigslist and Spareroom offer plenty of private ads for ‘sublet’ rooms during the summer, which are short term rentals where the current resident is moving out early or just for the summer period. You might have to take over the person’s portion of the contract or sign a sublease, you might not. Either way, this is a commitment so you have to be careful that you know what you’re getting. Craigslist in particular is known for scamming unsuspecting newcomers to the city. Make sure you do your research on the neighborhood and find out as much about the apartment and roommates as you can. 

Normally, if something seems too good to be true (i.e. it’s incredibly cheap in a popular area), it probably is. Watch out for up-front fees or any other attempt to take money before you’ve moved in, as this can also be an indicator of a scam. In these situations, you don’t have an accredited company to verify that the listing is real, so try to get a video tour or a friend in NYC to look around the apartment for you first.

Explore college summer housing

Several NYC colleges, such as NYU and Columbia, turn their dormitories into intern housing during the summer. These rooms can be a good option for your internship because they’re safe, secure and you’ll be able to live with other interns at a similar life stage to you. You can find more information on NYU’s summer housing here and Columbia’s rooms here. The only issue is competition; these rooms get booked far in advance and because so many interns want to live here, the rates are often much higher than other accommodation options during the summer. If you do decide to go with one of the dormitories, be sure to do research on the neighborhood, as university neighborhoods can vary widely in character and safety in NYC.

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Dive into coliving

Coliving combines the best parts of the above accommodation options without any of the negatives. Co-living brings together like minded individuals, many of whom are interns, and places them in friendly apartments with shared facilities and common areas as well as plenty of social events to make it easy to meet new people in NYC. Because everything is run by an official company, you know you’re getting the real thing with no scams even before you move in. 

At Outpost, you can see a video tour of your future apartment and be assured that all of our locations are safe and well positioned for your commute into the city. We have a strong community of interns every summer who all arrive in the city excited to explore and make the most of their time in NYC. Plus, our flexible contracts mean you can stay for as little as one month or longer if you choose, so it’s the perfect option for that short internship (or that job offer that might come after your internship and extend your time here!). We’re also committed to ensuring that our rates are always competitive and affordable for interns, as we know what it’s like when you’re just starting out.

Questions to Ask During Your Internship Interview

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Internship interviews can be stressful. Whether you’re looking for a summer internship, a 3 month internship or a 6 month internship, you don’t know what you’re going to be asked, what the company is looking for or what you can expect from your interviewer. However, interviews are also an opportunity for you to find out more about the company you’re applying to work at. 

There are so many different companies in New York City and so many different intern roles that it’s worth finding out a bit more before you commit. Plus, asking questions can be an opportunity to show off your expertise outside of the questions that they ask you. Here are the questions you should ask before you sign on the dotted line.

What does the job involve day to day?

Before you rush excitedly into an internship, check that you will be interested in and prepared for your day to day tasks. Internships can vary from making coffee to researching, pitching or creating work of your own, so it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into. For instance, a marketing internship or a journalism internship might involve writing or editing website copy, while a legal internship or an investment banking internship is likely to be largely research focused. The best internships are the ones which interest you the most, so discuss the tasks you’ll be expected to do with your interviewer before you accept the role.

What are the training and development opportunities?

Internships are all about learning new skills so you need to know what you’re going to get out of this role. Think about what skills your supervisor can teach you and what exactly it is that you want to learn during your time at this company. You want to make sure that the company is invested in training you and developing your career skills, so that you can find employment after your internship. At the same time, don’t arrive at the internship with unrealistic expectations; you’re much more likely to be given responsibility at a small company than on a Vogue internship, but this doesn’t mean that either is the wrong choice.

What are the hours (or other commitments)?

Before you start an internship, you need to figure out what the terms of your contract will be. Are there any other commitments outside of your regular hours, such as event hosting or weekend work? Make sure you have the time and ability to commit to everything the internship involves before signing and, of course, always read the contract (although this comes after the interview!), particularly if you’re starting an internship abroad. Remember to always ask questions in a positive and polite manner and express your enthusiasm in tasks which you truly are interested in working on.

Where are your past interns now?

This is a good indicator of how helpful the internship will be to your career, plus it will give you ideas and aspirations for your own career trajectory. It’s great news if past interns are now doing jobs which you would like to move into one day, perhaps even better news if they’re still working at the company itself, as this shows a good retention rate and might mean that you have a chance of a job after completing the internship, too.

Ask a question about a recent project or campaign the company worked on.

This is optional and depends on the situation, but it can be a good move to ask a question of this type which shows your interviewer that you’ve done research on the company outside of the interview. If you know the names of clients they worked with or news articles which featured them recently, it shows that you’ve got your finger on the pulse of the industry and that you really want to work there (as opposed to applying to twenty internships with the same cover letter and with little thought given to any of them). The question(s) you ask will vary by industry, but a question about market trends in an investment banking internship interview or the latest look book in a fashion internship interview could be the thing that makes you memorable above other candidates.

Best of luck with your internship interview. And remember, you can ask questions too! 

Ways to Stand Out During Your Internship

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You’ve found that perfect internship you’ve always wanted and you’re about to start your first day in the hustle and bustle of New York City. Maybe there’s a whole group of interns of maybe you’re the only one in a sea of much more experienced, senior colleagues. You want to stand out to get a good recommendation or maybe even a job after your internship finishes, but how?

Perfect your timing

Timing is key in an internship, particularly at the beginning. It’s important to be on time (or even slightly early) for work not only on your first day but on every day of your internship. Being on time won’t make you stand out on its own, of course, but being late will do the exact opposite--people remember lateness more than you may expect. Equally, timing is important when you leave at the end of the day. It makes a bad impression if you frequently have to leave work early so try to always stay until the end of your specified hours and, if possible, later (only if there is work to do). 

However, this doesn’t mean you should let your employer take advantage of you; staying late occasionally shows your enthusiasm for the job but it’s not necessary to stay more than a little after your contractual hours unless you’re specifically asked to do so. Your lunch break should be short and sweet; you can gauge from the other members of your office what the normal habit of taking lunch is in your company. As above, the important thing here is simply not to make a negative impression which makes you stand out for the worst.

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Know when to talk to your supervisor and when to keep to yourself

This is a key tip to standing out as an intern in your new company. Always keep in mind that, although you’re doing work for your supervisor, you’re also creating work for them because they have to spend time creating tasks for you and checking over your work. On top of this, they have their own work to do which may be completely unrelated to the piece that you’re working on, meaning they have a lot to think about beyond just supervising you. This means that you have to find the balance between being proactive and being restless. 

Typical advice for interns is to be proactive, which of course is important, but if you’ve finished a piece of work at the same time as you can see your supervisor having a minor work crisis, the best thing is to wait until they’re available to talk. At the same time, don’t twiddle your thumbs idly and be honest when you have the capacity to take on more work. 

Before you ask a question, think about whether you could work the answer out by yourself by simply Googling it. Supervisors will be impressed with independent workers who need little supervision, while at the same time you should always reach out if necessary. Standing out is rooted in how much value your work adds to the company; did you make life easier or harder for your supervisor during your internship? The people who make life easier are the people who get hired.

Be kind and transparent

Everyone who works in the company you’re interning in is human, too. Humans appreciate kindness and can tell when someone is being untruthful or overly competitive. If there are other interns in your company, don’t see them as rivals, but as colleagues. Offer to help with the work of others without always needing to take the credit for everything you do. Be helpful and kind at every opportunity you see (does your colleague look tired? Make them a coffee!). If you put the good of the team and the company ahead of your own personal agenda, people will take notice. It’s that type of person that your supervisor will want permanently on their team.

How To Guide: Landing A Job In NYC

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There's one thing you'll learn after some time in New York. It is that sometimes, it's not about what you know, but WHO you know.

This is perhaps something to be expected, especially as the city is the hub for almost all globally-recognized companies.

 

But what if you, like some of our members, had moved to the city with no prior experience of ever even being here? Or moving all by yourself, without a single familiar face to help you navigate through the different ways of making it in the Big Apple?

That's why we at the Interns.nyc are incredibly passionate and invested in what we do, and what we offer through the community we have built.

It helps connect our members who are new to the city, to the ones who walked the talk when it comes to securing their dream job.

Oscar and Simon, gettin' some groceries

Oscar and Simon, gettin' some groceries

The ones like Oscar Ochoa - a Refresh Installer Technician at SA IT Services - and Simon Bogdanov- a UX designer at a growing start up company. Together they offered some tips that you might find helpful in your job search. So read on!

1. Social media is the best networking tool 

  - Oscar

Follow the people you're interested in, especially those living in New York. For example, if you want to work in the journalism or the media industry, stalk the industry's personalities on social media.

They usually throw and attend various events. You can look them up and see where they're going to be at. Be there too.

2. Find and befriend like-minded individuals

  - Oscar

Like-minded people will usually meet up at different events that can serve as a great networking platform.

If you're interested in the tech industry, for example, go to startup meets where you'll get to know those who work in start-ups.

You can even ask Outpost's CEO Sergey Starostin as to the events that he goes to.

3. Download networking apps and use them

  - Simon

Eventbrite is a great platform for professional networking. You can also use digital.nyc. The events posted there are mostly for tech, but they are more curated. It's a great way to meet new people who might be able to introduce you to new opportunities, or people who can open doors for you.

4. Utilize co-working spaces

  - Simon

Voyager HQ, Galvanize New York, and WeWork are always hosting events that are focused on networking. Especially for those who are interested in tech and start-ups. They also offer co-working spaces where you can meet people of the same interests. There are also plenty of start-ups using these spaces as their base.

5. Choose the right events

Look out for details of the events. Go to the ones that have sponsors. Because the ones without can be a waste of your time. Also, sponsored events mean free food!

Facebook: Simon Bogdanov , Oscar Ochoa Cerrato

Instagram: Simon Bogdanov, ozkr_8a

 

 

How To Guide: Using That Internship To Secure A Full-Time Job

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In a city as competitive as New York, internships can be just what you need to open the door leading to full-time employment.

Jordan with some Outpost Club Members

Jordan with some Outpost Club Members

However, while experience and an introduction to the industry you're thinking of pursuing are pretty much guaranteed with internships, employment is not.

So what does it take to change this?

Outpost Club’s former member, filmmaker Jordan Key, is here to share some tips.

1. Be Friendly

“People are more inclined to hire someone they like.”

You want to be as friendly as possible, to send out a vibe that will get others to like you. Because sometimes it's not just about whether you're good at something, but also if your prospective employer likes you.

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You need to get to know the other interns too, because they also have connections. And if you build a friendship with them, you will end up helping each other out.

2.  Let Your Interest Be Known

“Not all companies want to hire their interns full-time, but if they know you're looking, they will want to help you out.”

When you're interning, you have to let your immediate bosses know you're interested and that you're also looking for a full-time job. This will lead to a more natural conversation between you and your bosses.

My first internship didn't lead to a job with that particular company, but my then boss recommended me to be a stand-in for a cooking show. One of the people I met there then got me on a CBS show - Elementary. That's what got me on other shows, and work on other legitimate film sets.

3. Show Eagerness to Learn

"You want them to know you're interested in all aspects of the internship, because you don't know what's going to lead to that immediate job."

I hated editing before I did my internship. I still hate it. But my then bosses offered to let me sit in on an editing session and I was like, "Yes, please let me."

This also shows you're a go-getter.

Jordan getting the chance to meet Dev Patel!

Jordan getting the chance to meet Dev Patel!

4. Network, network, network

“You don't want to be that person who just wants a job. You want to show more about yourself, that you're also interested in them as a person.”

Always go to the social events organized by the company you're interning in. So if they are going to a bar, you go to that bar. Whatever they're doing, you join them because you want to get to know them more.

On top of that, always ask your immediate bosses or other interns if they know about any networking event.

For example, on the first day of my internship, one of my co-workers threw a networking party and invited us all. That's the nice thing about being an intern - you're in the office, you're already in that environment. So make full use of it.

5. Look Out for The Right Networking Platforms

“From my experience as a filmmaker, Facebook has proven to be very effective in any of the art-related fields.”

Join different Facebook groups where there is always someone throwing a networking event.

The other nice thing about Facebook is that you can be professional even when asking about a job. And since you're Facebook friends with them (possible contacts), you get to see their personalities, what they're interested in, and start developing a relationship with them, so they don't feel like they're being used. 

Outpost Club, being a co-living space with members from various professional backgrounds, also offers a great networking opportunity. Jordan, for example, had stayed at our Flatbush House while completing his internship in the film industry. But he wasn't the only one. We also have, among many others, Yasir Afzal - a former advertising intern; Simon Bogdanov – an expert at making it in the start-up industry; and professional musician Ammon Swinbank.

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So check out what we have to offer to make your internship experience fun and most importantly, successful.

Facebook: Outpost Club and Jordan Yoshi Sims

Instagram: outpost_club and Jordan Sims

 

 

 

Life As An Intern In NYC, As Told By One

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Yasir Afzal didn't need much time at all to describe his experience interning in NYC.

"Felt like home," he said, a simple three-word statement which embodies a feeling every NYC newcomers hope for.

The man who hailed from Richmond, Virginia, had stayed at Interns.nyc's Knickerbocker House throughout his 10-week internship program at McGarryBowen in June last year.

It was, in his own words, "the best decision I could have made when moving to NYC as a first-timer."

Having experienced life in the Big Apple, Yasir now wished to share the things he had learned with others who have either recently moved to the city for an internship, or those who are planning to do so in the near future.

So read on to learn more about his experiences, and maybe pick up a tip or two on how to make the most of your time in one of the most exciting cities in the world.

Yasir at his internship with mcgarryBowen

Yasir at his internship with mcgarryBowen

Q: Tell us about your internship experience here.

“Overall, being an intern in NYC allowed me to gain the confidence already within me to do something I never thought I’d be able to pull off. Fake it till you make it I always say.”

I, along with 16 other interns, were split by department and given accounts to work on over the course of the internship. Interns ranged from juniors in college to a 30-year-old who wanted to become an advertiser.

Throughout the internship, mentorship sessions/workshops were set up by HR where industry vets and agency employees would share valuable information about the advertising world.

I was able to work on high exposure brands which I was then able to see in real-world settings (i.e. TV spots).

Q: What was the most exciting bit about your internship?

“Look out for FREE events on Facebook!”

I got to meet Jim O’Heir, who plays Jerry Gergich on Parks and Recreation. He wrote and starred in an indie movie where one of my agency’s Creative Directors helped produce. I, along with four other interns that RSVP’d to go, met him for drinks in a fancy bar in Times Square beforehand, and got a private viewing with Jim and other cast/crew members at the movie theater around the corner. All drinks and movie tickets were paid for!!!!

Ya know, just a normal Wednesday in the Big Apple.

The morning of the Summer Solstice, I got to practice yoga with about 200 other yogis in the middle of Times Square. The event was sponsored by Aerie, and we all got to keep the yoga mats they branded.

After it was done, I hopped on the subway and was still able to make it to work on time. Definitely a surreal moment finding peace and tranquility in the middle of all the hustle and bustle that is Times Square at 8 a.m. on a weekday.

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Q: What were the challenges you faced?

“NYC has no time for second guessing.”

It was very easy to get left behind both in the city itself and in the workplace, so I really had to make an effort to be seen and heard.

BUDGET. I spent waaaaay too much on alcohol. Pregame > buying drinks at the bar.

(Also), living with a roommate can be tough, but living in a whole HOUSE of roommates can be even tougher. Find your balance.

Q: How did you overcome these challenges?

“Leave your old life behind and come to NYC to start a fresh, new one.”

While it is fun meeting new people, having to also live with them can be a challenge. I definitely had to have an open mind and prioritize RESPECT. If you use your time in NYC and at Interns.nyc with positivity, then you’ll be able to make friendships that’ll last a lifetime!

In terms of packing, think minimalist. Be open to the city. Make eye contact with everyone. Talk to people you wouldn’t normally talk to. Try new cuisines. New York is the portal to the world. There are so many languages spoken in the city and so many different cuisines to enrich your pallet.

Stay aware of your surroundings and always make sure you have your wallet, phone, and keys on you. BRING AN EXTERNAL CHARGER. It’s a scary feeling when your phone is on low battery, and you just took the wrong subway and got yourself lost (happened to me multiple times). Carry some cash for drunk munchies at Halal Cart at 1 a.m.

Q: How did your stay in Interns.nyc help you overcome the challenges you faced?

“They helped relieve so many stresses and took care of a lot on the domestic end.”

That really helped in terms of me being able to allocate a lot of my time and energy on other things.

Since I graduated college a couple of weeks before I moved to NYC, I was already under a lot of stress and pressure. So it was so nice to be able to rely on Interns.nyc for a lot of the trivial stuff, like not having to bring toilet paper or having to worry about keeping kitchen necessities stocked.

Interns.nyc also has really good locations throughout New York City that are near public transit and grocery store, so I always felt like I was in the middle of things and not on the outskirts of town.

Q: Did you find the environment and the facilities provided by Interns.nyc helpful for your internship?

“NYC is so full of different energies; it was nice to have a place to come back to and feel a sense of calm.”

Yasir with other Interns.nyc members

Yasir with other Interns.nyc members

My time at the Knickerbocker House was clean and spacious. I just had one roommate, which really helped space-wise. Very modern aesthetic and positive energy.

Q: What should the future interns expect from their stay here?

“Coming into the house I never expected to meet people I felt so connected to.”

If you are staying long-term at an Interns.nyc house, be involved! Meet everyone in the house and share your life with them.

Obviously, you can’t make friends with everyone, so just stay as respectful and positive as you can, and everything should be just fine. 

Q: Any advice for future NYC interns?

“People don’t remember what you did, they remember how you made them feel.”

Be yourself and enjoy your time in one of the greatest cities in the universe. I certainly did.

Want to know more about Yasir? Follow him on social media.

Facebook: Yasir Afzal

Instagram: yasb0ss

 

Reasons Why Interns.NYC Is The Place For Interns

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Looking for an accommodation in New York City can be quite a daunting and a tiresome task. Especially if you're only planning to stay in the city for an internship that lasts a few months.

On top of the high rental price, you also have to be prepared to sign a lease with a duration that is perhaps longer than the length you desire. And then there is the whole moving in process that should be unnecessary for a short stay.

That is why a co-living setup, like Interns.NYC, who is managing our apartments is becoming a popular choice among interns. It provides an affordable all-inclusive package, worry-free move in, and a community that will instantly make you feel at home.

Jordan Key

Jordan Key

Jordan Key, a former film intern here in New York, had stayed in our Flatbush House for exactly these reasons.

"The move in process was very simple and easy. It literally took me a few minutes to settle in as everything was pretty much there," he said. "The best part was not having to go through a long leasing process."

To help you get a better picture of what Interns.nyc co-living setup has to offer, we have also compiled all the perks available at our six houses. 

1. Value for money

New York is already one of the most expensive cities to live in. So why waste your money on furniture, kitchen appliances, or even simple things like bedsheets?

At Interns.nyc, with a membership price that starts at as low as $690 a month, you get high-speed wi-fi, top quality furniture and kitchen equipment, as well as twice-a-week professional cleaning services, just to name a few.

Every floor also has its own laundry unit that you can use for free at any time!

Now think of all the money you get to save, and use instead on other things that can ensure you have the best New York City experience.

2. Hassle-free move in

Interns.nyc always strives to make the move in process as simple as possible, so those staying with us can immediately get down to whatever brought them to New York City.

Hence why we went with a month-to-month membership concept that will allow you to decide yourself, the duration of your stay. This way you don't have to worry about the hassle of signing a lease. Basically, you can move in and move out whenever you like.

Also, all our bedrooms come fully furnished with not just a bed, but also shelves, cabinet spaces and reading lights.

So all you need to do is bring your suitcase and we'll help you settle in, hassle-free!

Jordan agreed. "Especially as I was new to New York City. Interns.nyc's houses were almost like a college dorm, but better, because they are nicer. And there was also a TV," he said.

3. Community and friendship

Internships can take up most of your time. After all, it is the opportunity for you to learn and impress. The better your performance is, the better your chances at securing permanent employment in the future.

But this means that most of your days will be spent at the place of your internship, making the process of forming friendships not as easy as, say, when you're in college.

With co-living, you get to meet people who share the same story as you, either in the house you're living in, or those from our other houses.

And at Interns.nyc, we are always organizing different events that can help with the bonding process.

Just recently we threw a Valentine's Day party that saw more than a dozen of our members participating. It sure helped break the ice, and made our new members felt welcome!

"The social events were a good way to meet new people," said Jordan. "They helped a lot because when I moved to New York, I barely knew anyone."

4. Co-working space

All our houses come with a fully furnished co-working space that allows you to work at maximum productivity level.

Yes, this includes an endless supply of good quality coffee powder that will help get you going all day and all night long!

And as you are paying for membership instead of just rent, you can move between the co-working spaces at our six different houses.

"I like the fact that there was a printer," said Jordan. "The couches were also very comfortable to work on."

Outpost Club

5. Great location

Our six houses are located all around Bushwick, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn and Ridgewood Queens. They are close to the subways as well as Manhattan, so you don't have to waste time commuting or worry about being late to work!

There are also plenty of reasonably-priced local stores, restaurants and bars scattered around our houses. Whenever you need a break, you know there's a place for it nearby.