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Being detail oriented
by Halley
I know not everyone is detail oriented by nature, and, being naturally detail oriented, I tend to forget that easily.
Follow up:
That being said, as an intern, it is critical that you pay attention to detail. You need to force yourself to do this, or you are going to have serious problems earning respect and projects from your supervisor.But, you might say – I’m an idea person! I am a deep thinker! My ideas will change the world! I don’t doubt any of that. But if you can’t implement your ideas and execute all of the little details with some level of competency – your ideas won’t get anywhere.
When I was an intern, I compiled data for a project called the Global Manufacturer’s Resource Guide – not the most glamorous thing I’ve done in my career, but I ended up with a great project to add to my portfolio once the internship was done. And then the editor-in-chief was willing to listen to my ideas. I was able to come up with my own story ideas and even got to help create a timeline on manufacturing history [in case you haven’t figured it out yet, I was working for a manufacturing magazine].
If you come at it the other way, saying “I’ll share my big ideas first, and then do some detail work,” employers are not going to be happy. Even if they are exceedingly patient, as I tried to be with an intern that worked for me, eventually they are going to tell you to suck it up and do some real work. Every job requires some attention to detail. The first time you send out a typo-laden email to your boss, you’ll find out what I mean. Just like you wouldn’t turn in a paper to a professor without paying attention to detail, or proofread your resume before a job interview, you shouldn’t be careless with your work.
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