Boring Internship?

Lauren Berger is CEO of http://www.internqueen.com. Berger tours the country speaking at colleges and really bringing the internship message to life. Lauren Berger is known as "The Intern Queen" after participating in 15 internships during her four years of college. She was named #5 on YouthMobile's list of Top Youth Marketing Minds for 2010 and also #5 on BusinessWeek's Top 25 Entrepreneurs 25 and Under this year.

You spend hours each day in front of the computer. Sometimes they stick you at a round table with absolutely nothing to do. You sit. You wait. You stare off into space. You stare at the screensaver. We've all been there before and experienced pure BOREDOM. Here's the thing, YOU decide if your internship is going to be boring. It's not the employer's job to constantly put assignments in front of you. With any internship or entry-level job, there will be down time and it's up to YOU to make the most of your time. Below are 3 quick tips that can turn your boring internship into an amazing opportunity. Have fun and good luck!

• Make Every Day a Busy Day. If your boss or direct internship coordinator isn't supplying you with work each day ask them if you can ask others around you if they need assistance. This will give you things to do and also put you in front of other executives at the company. As soon as you finish tasks, you should be asking others if they need help. This shows that you are dedicated and take initiative. You are a leader and employers want to see that.

• Read Everything. It's your job to read anything and everything you can get your hands on throughout your internship. Trade publications are some of the best resources at an internship. Each industry has a few magazines that are field-specific. Get your hands on these as often as possible. If you're interning in Hollywood, you should be reading The Hollywood Reporter and Variety daily. Don't have anything to read on the job? Bring work-related materials from home. Print out the latest industry-specific blog articles or career advice articles. Your goal for the summer should be to educate yourself as much as possible about that industry.

• Be the Social Planning Intern. A quick solution to a boring work environment can be a simple ice breaker or night out for the team. Be the intern that steps up and coordinates a social activity for all of the other interns. This will give you an opportunity to connect outside of the office and in a more stress-free environment. Your fellow interns are priceless connections for your future. These are your future colleagues in business. Nurture these relationships.

• Set Informational Meetings. You are a student -  milk it! Ask your internship coordinator for permission to set up general meetings with other executives in the office. Send them professional emails introducing yourself and asking to schedule 5 minutes to sit down and chat with them. Pick their brain and ask them how they got started and for advice on your career path. This will liven up your rolodex and give you something to look forward to.