Entering data into Excel. Creating a media list with 1,000 reporters. Tracking online conversations for a client. Copy/paste jobs. If you’re an intern, chances are you’ll have to do some not-so-fun jobs this summer. Even though you might think some tasks are mindless, the details are important to any project.

Here is a list a ways to be more detail oriented:

1. Listen. No, seriously, listen. Are you listening to me? Listening is more than just acknowledging you heard it. Listening is a physical process that take conscious effort. Check out Pick The Brain‘s guide to active listening.
2. Confirm the details. Something I like to do is when I get an assignment with certain deadline information is repeat that right back in an e-mail. Sometimes, the sender will make a type-o and when they see the date, it might help them to correct it. Also, you will have the deadline information in writing so you’re off the hook if the deadline is wrong.
3. Check your work. Then check it again. And, just for fun, check it one last time. It’s so easy to turn in a project as soon as you’re done without checking it, but you really need to look it over before you turn it in. Another suggestion might be to have another co-worker check it.
4. Write stuff down. Going green is great, but it might be easy for something to slip your mind if it’s not written down. Whatever system you use, make sure there is a way to check on it in case you mentally forget it. I know I will never be rid of sticky notes.
5. Take breaks when you’re feeling overwhelmed. If you are frantically trying to finish a project just to finish it, chances are you will make some mistakes. Make sure to take a mental break by reading something or going for a walk before you get back to work. Or, check Twitter.
6. Ask for feedback on your work. This should be a given, but make sure you’re asking for feedback and then ask when the entire project is complete.
7. Practice makes perfect. You’ll make mistakes. And that’s fine. Keep practicing and keep asking questions — you’ll be able to grasp the details soon enough.
8. Ask why. When you completely understand the scope of the project and strategy of it, chances are you’ll be able to do better work. As interns, we’re often assigned tactics — make sure to ask how this fits in the scope of the entire project.
9. Don’t get distracted. Having another e-mail account up, listening the music and having a conversation with a neighbor are all ways for you to get distracted during your work. When you’re working on a project, turn off the outside noise and concentrate. Yep, that means turning off Pandora, too. I’ll be the first one to admit I like having these side distractions, but you can get better work done without them.
10. Have a good attitude. You’d be surprised how much a better attitude can help you focus on your work. Even if you’re not doing the glamorous work that you thought you’d be doing (hint: PR isn’t all glamour, if any), an attitude adjustment can help you get where you want to be.

How do you keep focused on the details? Any tips to add?

Photo by mixedmedia on Flickr.