First week as an intern — how to make the right impression from day one

Just finished my internship. Reflecting on what I did right and wrong in week one.

What worked:
- Brought a notebook everywhere and actually took notes, signals you're serious, means you don't ask the same question twice
- Introduced myself to everyone I met, not just my direct team
- Asked "what would be most useful for you this week?" rather than waiting for tasks
- Stayed slightly past the typical end time on day one

What I'd do differently:
- Ask in week one: "How is success defined for my internship?" I only found out in week 4
- Set up 1:1s with key people proactively rather than waiting to be invited

First impressions stick. Week one is worth more effort than average.