I’ve had a few internships in the past, but none have been like my experience at BDO Digital. I’ve learned the true meaning of professionalism and the phrase “work hard, play hard.” I’ve also realized that BDO Digital's products and services relate very closely to everything I’ve grown to understand about the business world. Here’s a few things I’ve learned:

Unified Communications

One of the first products I was introduced to at BDO Digital was Microsoft Lync; a Unified Communications platform used for online meetings, audio and video conferencing, instant messaging and voice calling. What I learned is that I should be more like Lync! Don’t be afraid to communicate with everyone around you. Make connections and get to know the people who you work with directly and those who you may never work on a project with. It is important to understand the organization as a whole, rather than just your own department. The only way to do this is through communication.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

After being introduced to Microsoft Dynamics CRM, I can’t imagine how a company would succeed without it. Logging your connections with current and future clients and keeping them organized is key for success. I’ve learned that you should also keep your own personal CRM system… aka LinkedIn. Everyone you meet at your internship is a portal for connections in the future. Collecting colleagues’ business cards or adding them on LinkedIn will help you keep track of everyone you meet and help you succeed down the road when you are looking for future opportunities.

Microsoft SharePoint

Microsoft SharePoint is a place to share, organize and discover information. It can be intimidating at times to speak up in a business meeting or to present an idea to a supervisor, but it is so important to share your ideas and collaborate with others! If you don’t think you are ready to share your idea, write it down. Having your thoughts and ideas on paper or your computer screen allows you to go back to them when you are ready to share.

Digital Marketing

I’ve learned a lot about Digital Marketing from my internship. Branding, designing, SEO, videography and social media are extremely important in today’s digital landscape. Remember, even as an intern, that you are creating your own brand too. Make sure that every day you show up to the office you are displaying something that you are proud of. Whether that be your outfit, your attitude or the work you turn into your manager. Brand yourself. Be creative. When people search your name on the internet or ask around about you, make sure what they find is positive information and a great image.

Managed IT Services

BDO Digital's Managed IT Services offering provides our clients with 24/7 monitoring, management and support of any IT challenge. Your manager is not much different. Always remember that your managers or supervisors are there to help you and guide you with your internship experience. They want it to go just as smoothly as you do. Questions, concerns, challenges? Express these to your manager. They’re on your side and ready to support you!