Interns are expendable. There's no way to sugar-coat it. So it is primarily the intern's job to impress the employer, future or present. I interned twice. Once was during university. People gave me a research project. I did it. No one asked me anything, no one made me make any coffee and it was super easy. I stepped out with a recommendation and a course grade but nothing else. 

Second time was for an agency. They made me write everything others wouldn't but I did it quicker than anyone else would. In short order, they gave me more duties. I ended up with a permanent job before my internship period was over. Bottom line is I got lucky. Luck usually prefers kicking you in the nuts. Here are the five big ways to avoid that uncomfortable feeling in the end.  

Avoid the easy just because it is easy
You can intern anywhere and get a certificate. Unfortunately, internships need to be in line with your field of work. If you want to be a mechanic, you don't want an internship at a restaurant. Big name employers usually require more effort from you simply because they know you will be using their name in the future to get a better job. The work may not be easy but it's worth it. 

Don't go in blank
Know the job before you go in. Interns aren't usually considered amazing from day one. They do the job none of the full time employees want to do like make copies or park the boss' car. You go in, show everyone you know your stuff and you become amazing.     

Don't bog down cause of the money
Many internships will be unpaid. Whatever they DO pay will feel like the peanut shells thrown away by a zoo monkey. The choice is hard: can you get by without a big month end cheque?  

Don't think it's not a real job
Just because the money is nearly non-existent doesn't mean an internship is a mock exam. It IS a real job because it will pave the path to further real jobs. It's not practice, it's a building block. What you learn, who you meet and what you produce are meant to translate into a better paying job in the future. 

Avoid sitting silently in the corner
Speaking of who you meet, an internship isn't ever about the money you make. It's all about the people who see you. So step up, step out and talk. Say something even if you think everyone else will think it is stupid because interns cannot have ideas. If that is the case, you're in the wrong place. 

Writer is Editor of the career, tech and automobile publications of The Daily Star. He is also an entrepreneur of a baby clothing business and previously worked in advertising as a Senior Copywriter