Internships are fantastic ways for you to gain experience in the field you hope to have a career in, or even in an adjacent field. We all definitely want to make sure that we make a great impression (especially on the first day) and that our boss actually loves having us as a part of their team. Despite our best efforts, from time to time we may…slip up a little — unintentionally, of course. And when we finally realize what we accidentally did or didn’t do, we’re already kicking ourselves because we wish we had done or said something differently. It happens! But the person in charge may not always be super forgiving…a mistake could literally cost you your position! So to make sure those mistakes don’t happen again, it’s important to first acknowledge those big internship crimes, and while we’re being honest here, I’ve definitely found myself being guilty of a few of those! That being said, NEVER…
1. Arrive late.
In fact, you should be in the office/on the job before your boss is! Get there and get right to work. If you don’t know what task you should be working on first thing in the morning, then make it your duty to plan ahead and find something to work on before you even begin the day. I always feel comfortable when I leave the office with an approved article pitch for next week, so I know exactly what I’m working on next time.
2. Not talk to anyone.
This isn’t the place for you to be shy and not speak up or offer input in some way. Yeah, you’re there to learn but that doesn’t mean that you should sit on your hands while you do it. Try to talk to your coworkers — even if you’re just contributing to a small conversation. Your coworkers are also great connections for the future, so you don’t want them to think of you as the quiet intern they hardly knew — or worse yet, forget who you are! Before I leave the office, I like taking some time to talk one-on-one with my boss, sometimes about non-work related things as a way for us to get to know each other better.
3. Get too comfortable.
Yeah, you want to be comfortable where you are, but there’s a boundary you don’t want to cross…You’re an intern — a fresh, temporary member of your team. Avoid thinking that you can do as you please or push your luck in any way. Make sure you play by all the policies. Also, physically speaking, don’t slouch lazily in your seat — you might come off as uncaring!
4. Use your phone the entire time.
Okay, I doubt anyone would actually use their phone the entire time they’re working, but don’t pick up your phone every time you get a text, tweet, or notification that someone liked your photo on Instagram. Once in a while (like during a lunch break) is okay, and to respond to an extremely urgent message is fine, but don’t push your luck with Snapchat selfies at the desk, or tweets about how much of a struggle walking through the city in high heels is.
5. Apply makeup at your desk.
If you need to to reapply the lipstick that you accidentally ate off when you had lunch, go to the bathroom — don’t sit at your desk and hold your phone up to your face in an attempt to fix your makeup or hair. Your boss expects you to work when you’re at your desk, and if you get caught in the middle of a touch-up, well, good luck.
6. Be rude to coworkers or your boss.
Your friends may think that you’re the sassiest person they’ve ever met, but that won’t seem very cute to your boss or coworkers! Be polite and respect everyone around you.
7. Talk badly about anyone behind their back.
If for whatever reason there’s gossip going around the workplace or you overhear coworkers talking badly about someone else on the team, NEVER chime in; it’s not your place and it’s none of your business. Also keep in mind that you literally just got there and don’t actually know everyone the way they all know each other, so you don’t have the grounds to assert any reservations appropriately.
8. Not ask for feedback when someone says that something could be improved.
ALWAYS ask for details about improvements. ALWAYS. You can really learn something for next time so that you can put out higher quality work, and it shows that you actually care about the work you’re doing.
9. Neglect a task.
Never assume that because someone didn’t remind you about something it means that they no longer need you to fulfill the task. It’s your responsibility to stay up to speed on everything that you have to do. If you have questions, ask. If a problem arises concerning the task, let your boss know as soon as possible — don’t try to brush it under the rug (or is the idiom sweep it under the carpet??)
10. Take on a task without consulting your boss first.
I know that having a sense of independence is a great feeling, and it’s a great way to grow, but you still need to clear your ideas with your higher ups first before you even begin work. Requirements for the task could be changed as needed, and it would be a waste of time to go ahead and do something without approval if you screw it up. Plus, your boss will definitely remember if you do that.
11. Leave the office without completing all of the day’s tasks.
If you didn’t finish something that you began doing, and you did not get the permission of your boss to leave it for next time, make sure you work until you get it done. Try not to rush things either because it’s way better to do things right the first time rather than to turn in sloppy work. Trust me, staying an extra 20 or 30 minutes to do something properly is worth it!
12. Leave the office without saying bye to your boss.
I know that some people say that your boss should leave the office before you do, but if there’s a certain time that you must be out of the office by, always say goodbye to your boss before you leave. And say goodbye to your coworkers as well — it’s just common courtesy.
So go forth to your next day of work feeling a little more aware of some common mistakes, but also confident that you won’t make them! Btw, if you’re still looking for a position, be sure to read my post on how to get an internship. And if you like to hit the office in style (and comfort) like I do, check out my post on shoes to wear for your internship.
What other things should you never, ever do during an internship?
