As your summer experience draws to a close, be thinking about how to leave a good impression on the firm or organization you have been working for, for several reasons. First, employers typically do not extend offers to summer associates who came in, worked 8 hours and went home without forging any relationships with others.
Develop a professional relationship with your mentor and potential recommender
Ideally there has been an attorney or two that have taken you under their wing this summer. If not, seek out the attorney who you have had the most contact with. 1. Show an interest in the mentor - Your mentor can provide you with important insights into the culture and politics of the firm or organization. They also may be relied upon by the decision makers to determine if you are a good fit into that culture. 2. Ask questions - Be direct and focused, don’t waste your mentor’s time by beating around the bush. A deep conversation on one or two specific topics is much more valuable than a cursory conversation on ten unrelated topics. 3. Accept feedback - Ask for it! Be sure your mentor understands you won’t feel threatened or become defensive, and don’t. 4. Say ‘Thank you’ - Let your mentor know that you appreciate the time and interest that he/she is investing in your future. This will help generate large dividends now and in the future, especially when you need a recommendation.
Be social, just not THAT social
Being the life of the party is not the impression you want to leave. Remember, your professional reputation is being formed.
Ending a Successful Summer
View your summer as an extended job interview. Always comport yourself with professionalism. You want the employer to see you as a colleague. Seek out and get to know the decision makers. Work on projects with them, or just spend a moment asking about their career path. Be friendly to all support staff, you never know whose ear they have!