8 Tips to Succeed in Your Tech Internship

Hey everyone! We are bringing blog post on KTP's website! If you have any constructive feedback whether that is grammatical issues, or software bugs with the blog, please let us know! This list of 8 tips is not exhaustive, but I tried to be really intentional about the benefit of keeping these things in mind at your Internship. For that, I will be skipping more obvious advice (aka: do your job, arrive on time, etc.).

1. Hide Your Knees (Most of the Time)

Some of us (myself included) learn this the day before we start: no visible knees in business attire. Even in business-casual settings, shorts are rarely appropriate. My older sister summed it up:

“I’ve worked here for years and still have no idea what any of the guys’ knees look like.”

Women usually follow the same guideline—unless the company culture clearly allows otherwise. If you are unsure, observe what colleagues wear on Day 1 and decide from there.

• Check the handbook. Macy’s, for instance, provides a detailed dress-code PDF during onboarding.
• Prioritize “strategic comfort.” Look for pieces that feel like pajamas but look professional.
• Watch the thermostat. At Macy’s Technology (Johns Creek), I froze on the first floor but felt fine on the third; now I bring layers when I know I’ll be downstairs.
• Tech teams dress down. Sneakers are common in engineering departments—just follow the lead of senior teammates.

2. Start a Personal Dictionary of Acronyms

Tech internships introduce verbiage that can sound like an alien language.
Create a running list of acronyms, each with a brief definition and helpful links (internal or external). You’ll remember terminology faster and leave a resource for the next cohort—an easy way to stand out. Also... AI is REALLY good at helping you format those tables!

3. Network Intentionally

Intentional networking is not about buttering up the highest-ranking manager in the room.
Talk with coworkers, listen to their stories (whether personal or professional), and have some non-work conversation. Once a relationship forms, don't be shy to ask to connect on LinkedIn! Always remember, authenticity builds trust.

4. Build Friendships with Other Interns

Networking is great; friendship is better. Even interns in other departments may later land jobs at places you’d love to work. As my fellow KTP board member (and Oracle intern) Ethan Ogle says:

“Enjoy the experience—plan hangouts with people who are in the same boat and eager to make friends.”

5. Learn to Ask Good Questions

Before pinging your manager, try Google or ChatGPT. If that fails, identify the best teammate to help. Managers juggle many tasks, so well-targeted questions lighten their load and showcase your resourcefulness. Many interviewers even ask,

“What’s the first thing you do when you’re stuck?”
Make sure your answer is richer than “I Google it.”

6. Own Your 1-on-1s

Whether it’s your manager, project lead, or mentor—you should schedule regular check-ins. Being proactive keeps you visible and demonstrates initiative.

7. Follow Department Norms, Not Just Company Norms

Culture can vary wildly between departments. Observe how your team prefers to work, and adapt. Suggest improvements when appropriate; experimentation shows creativity and an ability to navigate multiple viewpoints.

8. Never Pretend to be Busy

I want to thank my friend Batu (Software Engineering Intern @ Amazon) for this tip, it completely slipped my mind which is funny since I am guilty of this. It is not helpful to pretend to be busy. The internship is for you to get an idea of what a full time role looks like, but it is also an opportunity to refine and increase your technical skills in a way that you just can't replicate with schooling. If your plate is empty, ask your manager or teammates whether they need assistance. When you have nothing to do, the internship is not serving you—and you are not serving the team. Stay proactive and diligent to make the most of the opportunity. If you are not doing anything for days at a time, the internship isn't serving you well. Make the most out of what you have by being diligent.