D is for Downtime; How to use every second to your advantage

Let's face it. A college-age intern, especially one from DePauw, is used to a much different style of working.  We are taught to get things done quickly, correctly, and efficiently, but also while thinking critically about what it is we will produce.  College students are no strangers to meeting deadlines, but are not used to having ample time to complete things.  Sometimes employers are not ready for a "fresh" face with new ideas, and an enthusiastic drive to get it all done right  here, right now.  It takes time for both your supervisor to adjust to your work ethic.  It also takes time for you to figure out how to work as an intern.

Using my downtime to read the paper
and to catch up on Education news online!

I would consider myself to be a "self-starter." After I understand the task at hand, I don't need someone to hold my hand in order to complete it. I do, however, need to be able to ask questions in order to get the "story straight" for whatever I'm doing.  Creating an open environment where you feel comfortable asking your supervisor questions and for advice is a vital part of the first 2-3 weeks at your placement.  It is also important, however, that you integrate your work ethic into the workplace to which you have been invited. As an intern, you should not expect the way things are done to be changed for you.

One consistent aspect of every internship I have ever had is again, something college students aren't extremely accustomed to: downtime.  Having periods of time throughout a day or week where no deadlines are approaching and no work is pressing does not necessarily mean that you aren't working hard enough, or aren't doing a great job.  It is sometimes hard for us to understand why downtime is not only okay, but also a great time, Harvard agrees. It is extremely possible that you have completed everything you need to do for the time being.  Sometimes, there just simply isn't an exact task for every moment of your internship. Don't waste it being bored! Use your downtime!

 Here are some Do's and Don't's regarding how you should spend your downtime:

DO's of downtime: If you feel the amount of downtime you encounter exceeds moderate amounts

During my lunch break,
I went to hear the CEO of Federal
Student Aid discuss the current
state of college funding in America.

each day, be sure to ask your supervisor for more work, or ask if you can add another level of complexity to what you're doing.  Research and study more about what you are doing, similar projects that have been done, and the organization you are working for.  Learning more about the company might spark some additional ideas for projects or improvements that you could ask your employer if you could work on.  Read the newspaper or online news updates to stay current with the headlines, especially if your internship is somewhere that deals directly with big issues in the news (cough cough, Department of Education).  Take this time to watch webinars or to read "how to" articles about aspects of your job that you are less familiar with.  Maybe use this time to do some deep, critical thinking; the kind you would never have time to normally. Downtime = better "you" time.  Downtime can also be the perfect time for you to get organized for future days, or to go through emails that might not have been important before. If your work environment/supervisor is open to it, take a short coffee break to stretch your legs and clear your mind. Some of the best ideas can be a result of using your downtime effectively.

DON'T's of downtime:  Taking advantage of the fact that you don't have anything to do, or were not given enough work to keep you busy, is NOT what you should do with downtime.  Remember that your work during this internship (even if unpaid) will effect your reputation and what those you work with think of you.  Future recommendation letters, networking, and even future careers can come out of a successful internship.  Using your downtime to simply do nothing, is a waste of not only your time, but also your employer's time.  You should refrain from using your downtime to work on personal projects.  It might be alright to answer a couple personal emails in your spare time every now and then, but it is not appropriate to engage in personal activities such as online shopping or social media.  Downtime is only positive if you are using it to better prepare yourself professionally or for your position.

Just checking out the beautiful view while reading
at the National Library of Education! It's great to get out
of the office every now and then.

Downtime, whether it be a few minutes here or there, or a half-hour after lunch, can be one of the most productive times of your day. Finding new things to read, learn, and explore, even if only for a few minutes can become the highlight of your work day.  Having short downtime breaks here and there can also help you to be more focused at times when you have a lot to.  Downtime is a natural part of any internship.  It is impossible for an employer to know exactly how fast you will be able to work, but it is very possible for you to fill your work time (and your downtime) in the best way imaginable.