Whether you take an internship or work part time, remember to make the most of your summer job. Take Keith Ferrazzi's advice. The relationship and networking expert, and author of "Never Eat Alone, and Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time" (Currency/Doubleday, 2005), points out that you shouldn't look at summer employment as an extension of high school. In other words, take it seriously and realize that it can open up a whole new world of opportunity. Here are some of the major differences between the classroom and the real world.

You can't succeed alone in the real world.
In the classroom, it's all about individual performance. Success in real life requires relationships derived from networking. Who you know determines how you can effectively apply what you know in your internship, and in real life.

There's more than one valedictorian in real life.
In school, everyone's striving for the same honor. But with so many different paths available in a company, you'll get further by helping others achieve their tasks, too, rather than trying to outdo them during your internship.

Advisors will not be assigned to you at internships
Schools may provide counselors from the time you first set foot on campus. Once you step off campus, however, it's your responsibility to find the guidance you need during your internships. Start connecting with people you respect in the office who can help you get a leg up.

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