But, while an internship does often include the capacity to serve as an occupational "try-out," it also provides you limited time to prove your worth.  In any field, flawless work and professionalism (including professional appearance) are the most substantial influences on your supervisor.  However, there are a few more aspects to successful interning that are often overlooked.

First, it is vital to create a presence in the office.  If they don't know that you exist, they will probably not consider you for employment.  Show up, slap on a smile, pop your head around the office, and say "good morning." Yes, your fellow employees are busy, but never too busy to say hello.  Find out a little about the people you work with every day, and make a way to connect to them.

But, you may have woken up late because you were up all night worrying about your finances due to your new unpaid internship.  Or, your girlfriend dumped you and you forgot to study for that anatomy elective you most likely shouldn't have signed up for.  You can cry during your commute, but when you walk into the doors of the office, it is game-time, prime-time even. Clear your head - take a deep breath, and try to impress yourself.  You'll find that the feelings of producing work that you're proud of will linger longer than the negativity stemming from outside sources that could possibly bring you down.

Next, participate! Assimilate yourself into the work environment that you are interning in.  If you aren't satisfied with the work you are being assigned, do it promptly and properly, and ask for more! Your level of involvement in an internship will most often be determined by you.  If you prove you can handle a full plate, you'll keep getting served.

Also, there is always action going on at an executive-level that, as an intern, you will never be able to physically be a part of.  It is important to understand everyone's role in the office so you can truly understand the importance of yours.  Requests may be denied sometimes, but ask to sit in on important high-level calls or client meetings.  Even if you aren't given the chance to directly observe everything that is taking place in the office, you'll show that you are interested.

However, showing that you're interested is only the beginning.  Actually getting interested, and doing some research is the next step. Companies keep entire work histories on shared drives, and often they do not mind you browsing the archives to get to know the background behind all of your projects.  This enables you to learn the clients, see what has worked for them in the past, and also see what has already been done so you can provide something fresh when you get your chance.

So, you have taken steps to create a personality within the office and done your research, now inject some individualism into your work.  Show that you bring something to the table that the agency or company currently lacks.  Don't address their shortcomings, but instead highlight your personal abilities. Make your productions stand out, and innovate according to your skills.

If your passion is writing creatively, combine that with a business prose, and you may find yourself being handed many more writing assignments that you enjoy.  If you've got design skills, flaunt them. You'll have one short semester to separate yourself from the hundreds of ferocious others that will also enter the employment rat-race, fighting for the same handful of jobs armed with polished portfolios and carefully crafted cover letters.  So, be your awesome self, and make the most of your opportunity.  You've already gotten in the door; show that you are determined to keep it that way.