Freaked out by the prospect of your first internship? Don't worry. Impressing employers is nothing compared to impressing admissions officers. (For starters, employers don't make you jump through hoops of fire, a rumored requirement of admission to Yale.) This summer, you can keep your boss happy and get the most out of your internship, by following some of these tips:

Do the job right. The most important rule when completing work-related tasks is also the simplest: follow directions. That might seem like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how easy it is to get things wrong. To prevent mistakes, make sure you write down all relevant instructions as they're being given to you. If you want to go above and beyond your requested duties, make sure your overachievement is welcome. It's better to give your boss what was asked for than to turn in a massive project no one has time to evaluate.

Introduce yourself. Try to meet everyone in the office and learn their names. Find out what each of their roles and responsibilities are. Not only will this give you insight into the way your company works, you might also pick up a few extra projects along the way. Remember, an internship also offers you the unique opportunity to interact with people from different age groups and backgrounds. Take advantage of your time at work, because it's a rare chance to get perspective of life outside of high school.

Be prepared. Don't get caught empty-handed. CollegeJolt tells interns, "Whenever your boss calls you into their office, go in with a pen and paper. NEVER go in their office without a pen and paper. This shows that you take your job seriously and that you begin each task with a sense of urgency and importance.

Work hard. Sure, you may be relegated to the copy machine most of the summer, but no matter what task you're assigned, it's important to complete it to the best of your ability. Stop thinking of an internship as busy work and start seeing it as a chance to prove yourself. A strong work ethic and positive attitude are integral to making a good impression on your higher-ups. That, in turn, motivates them to expand your responsibilities, thus giving you more career experience.

Seize opportunity. Sometimes, proving yourself means taking matters into your own hands. Lindsey Pollack says, "Asking, “What is a good thing for me to work on when you’re busy and I have nothing specific to do?” shows that you are a go-getter who wants to contribute and learn as much as possible. And, you may get assigned a cool project that no one else was smart enough to ask for—something that you can highlight on your résumé and promote in future job interviews."

Be curious. Express your enthusiasm by asking questions and volunteering for interesting tasks. Y-pulse advises, "Ask around anytime [you] hear about a meeting or event happening that [you] find even remotely interesting."