Tips
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Dos and Don’ts in your Host Organisation
DOs
Do arrive to work on time each day, be punctual, and always apologise if you arrive late. The same is for lunch time (typically 1 hour) and any breaks you may be given.
Do give your best effort when taking on tasks and do the tasks with motivation – if you do the jobs well you should be rewarded with more responsibility over the duration of the placement.
Do remember that the first two weeks will be slow, your supervisor does not know your abilities and needs to see what you are capable of, so your first two weeks are very important to make a good impression.
Do dress properly for the job, unless your supervisor allows it, you should not wear jeans, trainers, sports tops, hats, etc; proper office clothing is normally black/brown shoes, trousers, and a shirt or clean top. You will not be taken seriously if everyone in the office is “dressed for the office” and you arrive in jeans and trainers. As the old saying goes “you dress for the job you want, not for the job you have!”
DONTs
Don’t use the computers for personal e-mail. Sometimes your supervisor may allow you to check your e-mail but always ask permission first. Instant messaging should never be accessed in your workplace.
Don’t ever download personal attachments or computer programmes from the internet on to your company computer. Doing so could cause serious and costly damage to your host organisation, and will result in your immediate expulsion from the internship programme.
Don’t imagine that any job is too small, take every task as if you are being tested and do your best
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, you are here to learn and your supervisor knows this, if there is a problem then just speak or ask someone – inside the office, communication is the most important skill you can have.
Remember, all companies have different rules and dress codes, make sure you become familiar with the company’s policy during the first week and you are unsure of anything – just ask!
*MOST IMPORTANT*
The most important thing you will take with you to work each day is your attitude – bring a bad attitude and you will become frustrated over the period of the placement.
Bring a good attitude each day and treat the placement as valuable working experience – you will be rewarded for your efforts! Your attitude will decide how you get along during the placement and is vital to your success in any job!
Dos and Don’ts in your Host Family
This is a general list of “Dos and Don’ts” in a host family, however please remember that each family will have their own rules so it’s best to speak with your host family about this to ensure that confusions do not arise. This is not a definitive list but is a guideline to make the transition less stressful.
DOs
Do remember that you are in a family home and rules/traditions vary from family to family – ask your host family if you are not clear on any of their rules.
Do remember that in the mornings their may be more than one person waiting to use the bathroom/shower, so be as quick as possible, or make arrangements with your host family on bathroom/shower times.
Do remember that if you return to your host family late in the evening or at night that others in the house may be asleep, so be as quiet as possible not to wake anyone.
Do remember that good manners and politeness are an everyday occurrence and should be practiced in your host family too.
Do note that clothes are normally washed no more that once per week and the host family do not iron your clothes, you make arrangements to use the iron whenever you need it.
Do respect family curfews and check with your host family before you go out.
Do remember to HAVE A GOOD TIME AND ENJOY YOURSELF!
DON’Ts
Don’t go into rooms that are normally private such as other people’s bedrooms and private bathrooms.
Don’t take food from the fridge or cupboards without the permission of the host family; however, don’t be afraid to ask for a cup of tea/coffee or snack.
Don’t use the house telephone without first informing the host family that you would like to use it and also tell them where you will be calling.
Don’t make calls from the family telephone if you do not have a pre-paid calling card or if you must use the telephone with no card, make sure to reimburse the host family for the telephone call immediately after you are finished (remember local and internet calls in Ireland are not free, they are charged for).
