Once Elizabeth Swaby, brand manager, Pepsi Jamaica steps into a room, you feel her charismatic energy. That effervescent personality has been a permanent accessory for this young executive since her days interning at some of Jamaica’s leading companies. But it was enthusiasm, hard work and consistent delivery of high quality work which she felt distinguished her from her colleagues during the period and laid the foundation for a smooth transition into the world of full-time work.

Internships, especially during the summer, can be very rewarding, Swaby says.

“The knowledge and opportunities one can accumulate are often greater than you expect and the rewards remain with you for life,” she tells the Jamaica Observer.

Swaby’s résumé touts internship experience at GraceKennedy Remittance Services and CGR Communications, to name two.

Those laid the groundwork for roles such as chief executive marketing officer at Campus Clutter, project manager at Event 2 Event Limited, and marketing manager at Honey Bun Jamaica. Now, she executes brand campaigns and promotional plans across the island for Pepsi Jamaica. She is currently leading the Pepsi Refresh Tour campaign, a five-week, islandwide execution which features pop-up music events and trade activations which will culminate in a concert with dancehall showstoppers Busy Signal, Spice, Baby Cham and Bugle at Pepsi 214 on Saturday, August 13.

Swaby, a graduate of Campion College and the University of the West Indies, shares her tips for interns with Career & Education. She tells students how to be memorable, stand out from fellow interns and make employers remember them.

1. Be punctual, always! The early bird gets the worm, right? Showing up on time or even a little ahead of time exclaims, “I mean business!” Your colleagues will get to know you better and will get to appreciate having you in office. Be on time and seize that workday!

2. Treat all tasks with equal enthusiasm and drive. From simple things like creating a spreadsheet, to more complex tasks or interacting with the company’s clients, always give your best or nothing at all. Your efforts should never diminish, but should always grow.

3. Do more — without being asked. Take on more work and impress your supervisor and colleagues with your dedication and interest. Never be afraid to input ideas and opinions towards assignments. If you know something needs to be done, confidently assert yourself as the intern who’ll see to it.

4. Be resourceful when completing tasks. Always research a topic thoroughly before asking another colleague or manager for assistance. Come up with a solution or idea to deal with the problem or task. This way, you show that you can handle things on your own.

5. Develop and maintain professional relationships. Forming relationships with colleagues throughout your firm and in higher positions will earn you an enviable network of contacts. The relationships you make throughout your firm will boost your personal development and make you quite memorable.

6. Seek out constructive criticism. Be open to receiving constructive criticism from your colleagues and manager. Being confident in receiving critique exemplifies your interest in improving yourself and adding more value to the company.

7. Build a portfolio of your work. Be sure to keep a portfolio of your completed projects so that you have it as reference when you’ve completed your stint.

8. Understand the personalities in your office. You will meet a host of different personalities in your career and knowing how to work with all types will guarantee you success for a lifetime. Understanding and knowing that different positions have different personalities will bring ease to your working relationships and will help you to better approach, interact and work with people from all departments and backgrounds. This will impress your boss with your ability to manage relationships and get the best out of every co-worker with whom you interact.

9. Commit to applying what you learn in all areas. Take all the skills you acquire and apply them so that they stick with you forever. Utilise them in the career you’re working towards building and write down whatever you learn, be it big or small.

10. Let your personality be loud. First impressions always count. Wherever you go, make your mark and leave a statement by carrying yourself well. Apart from dressing for the part, market or brand yourself through your personality. Your personable demeanour will win over your colleagues and clientele will gravitate towards you.