10. Arrive too late or too early
Being on time reflects your work ethic, integrity and values.
Punctuality is important when showing work ethic because it proves you can organize your time, pay attention to detail and dependable. Not to mention, if you are late, it can be interpreted as though you do not want to be there. Additionally, integrity is communicated when you are on time. Setting a time is almost like making a promise; therefore, if you are not on time, you are breaking a promise. Finally, being punctual echoes your values. It shows that you are not selfish and value others time as much as you do your own.
9. Constantly talk about your old job
It is perfectly okay to introduce yourself to your new manager and team and describe what you did at your old job for credibility. It is even okay to very occasionally bring up your old job in casual conversation. However, nobody wants to constantly hear about your old job. It is like always talking about your ex to a date. The past is the past and leave it there. It is time to make new memories with your new internship.
8. Act like an intern
It is completely understandable to ask questions and not understand much. In fact, it is expected. However, be professional and think logically. In analogy, a freshman is easily spotted in college because of the dumb things they do. Do not be ‘that person’ in the office that clicks reply all to a company distributed e-mail or the other person who blurts out a story about their one-night stand from the night before. It is simple, act like you have common sense.
7. Come across as a know-it-all
Although you may have a 4.0 in college and memorize the formula to the quadratic formula, you do not know it all. Sit back, listen and learn. The things you learn about in class will never equal the valuable experience you get in your internship. Although you may know the information, always listen to what your manager has to say because maybe they have a valuable shortcut to teach you. This is your time to learn and put those teachings into practice.
6. Only observe and not take notes
Taking notes is beneficial in many ways. First, it shows you manager that you are listening and paying attention. Also, it helps you remember the information and provides a template for when you have to use it. In a job setting, it is not acceptable to ask something multiple times. You may think you understand how to do a task, but often times when you have to do it on your own for the first time
it looks foreign. Learn the information the first time and apply it by using your notes as a step-by-step guide. Not to mention, you can later use the notes as a desk-reference for your job in case it is ever needed, which shows your boss you can take self-initiative.
5. Not ask questions
Managers know that interns do not know everything. Be proactive and ask questions as needed so you can complete your work correct the first time. A manager would much rather you ask them questions and provide them the work they asked for than not ask questions and have to redo work because it is wrong. Do not be afraid, it will actually make you look like you care about quality work.
4. Fret about a mistake
Again, managers know that interns do not know everything. Therefore, mistakes are expected. Obviously do not continually make the same mistake or make multiple careless mistakes, but a mistake here and there is acceptable. Do not beat yourself up over the number you left out of your first report. Simply fix it, and learn for the next report you create.
3. Play on your phone or use the internet for pleasure
An internship is a job. Treat it as such. If you are caught playing on your phone or leisurely browsing the internet, your manager is going to think you cannot focus enough to do your work, you do not care about your work and your personal life is more important than your work. Be professional and respectful and stay busy. Social media and games will still be there on your lunch break.
2. Ask when it is time to leave
Do not ask when it is time to leave because it looks as if you do not want to be there. Your manager’s time is just as important as your time, so if they are making the effort to be there, you should too. Nobody wants to spend their life at work, so suck it up and at least pretend like you at enjoy your internship.
1. Remain inactive after tasks are complete
Honestly, it is sometimes hard for managers to allocate specific jobs to interns. Therefore, sometimes you may have some down time. However, this does not mean stare into space, take a nap, glare at your computer screen or bug your neighbor. Find something to do. The best advice I can give you, from my internship experience, is take the initiative to ask your manager if they need any help. If they do not need anything, ask them if you can have permission to help others. If so, walk around your floor and meet people by offering
assistance. It will allow you to make an impression on others, learn new skills and network for jobs down the road.
Being on time reflects your work ethic, integrity and values.
Punctuality is important when showing work ethic because it proves you can organize your time, pay attention to detail and dependable. Not to mention, if you are late, it can be interpreted as though you do not want to be there. Additionally, integrity is communicated when you are on time. Setting a time is almost like making a promise; therefore, if you are not on time, you are breaking a promise. Finally, being punctual echoes your values. It shows that you are not selfish and value others time as much as you do your own.
9. Constantly talk about your old job
It is perfectly okay to introduce yourself to your new manager and team and describe what you did at your old job for credibility. It is even okay to very occasionally bring up your old job in casual conversation. However, nobody wants to constantly hear about your old job. It is like always talking about your ex to a date. The past is the past and leave it there. It is time to make new memories with your new internship.
8. Act like an intern
It is completely understandable to ask questions and not understand much. In fact, it is expected. However, be professional and think logically. In analogy, a freshman is easily spotted in college because of the dumb things they do. Do not be ‘that person’ in the office that clicks reply all to a company distributed e-mail or the other person who blurts out a story about their one-night stand from the night before. It is simple, act like you have common sense.
7. Come across as a know-it-all
Although you may have a 4.0 in college and memorize the formula to the quadratic formula, you do not know it all. Sit back, listen and learn. The things you learn about in class will never equal the valuable experience you get in your internship. Although you may know the information, always listen to what your manager has to say because maybe they have a valuable shortcut to teach you. This is your time to learn and put those teachings into practice.
6. Only observe and not take notes
Taking notes is beneficial in many ways. First, it shows you manager that you are listening and paying attention. Also, it helps you remember the information and provides a template for when you have to use it. In a job setting, it is not acceptable to ask something multiple times. You may think you understand how to do a task, but often times when you have to do it on your own for the first time
it looks foreign. Learn the information the first time and apply it by using your notes as a step-by-step guide. Not to mention, you can later use the notes as a desk-reference for your job in case it is ever needed, which shows your boss you can take self-initiative.
5. Not ask questions
Managers know that interns do not know everything. Be proactive and ask questions as needed so you can complete your work correct the first time. A manager would much rather you ask them questions and provide them the work they asked for than not ask questions and have to redo work because it is wrong. Do not be afraid, it will actually make you look like you care about quality work.
4. Fret about a mistake
Again, managers know that interns do not know everything. Therefore, mistakes are expected. Obviously do not continually make the same mistake or make multiple careless mistakes, but a mistake here and there is acceptable. Do not beat yourself up over the number you left out of your first report. Simply fix it, and learn for the next report you create.
3. Play on your phone or use the internet for pleasure
An internship is a job. Treat it as such. If you are caught playing on your phone or leisurely browsing the internet, your manager is going to think you cannot focus enough to do your work, you do not care about your work and your personal life is more important than your work. Be professional and respectful and stay busy. Social media and games will still be there on your lunch break.
2. Ask when it is time to leave
Do not ask when it is time to leave because it looks as if you do not want to be there. Your manager’s time is just as important as your time, so if they are making the effort to be there, you should too. Nobody wants to spend their life at work, so suck it up and at least pretend like you at enjoy your internship.
1. Remain inactive after tasks are complete
Honestly, it is sometimes hard for managers to allocate specific jobs to interns. Therefore, sometimes you may have some down time. However, this does not mean stare into space, take a nap, glare at your computer screen or bug your neighbor. Find something to do. The best advice I can give you, from my internship experience, is take the initiative to ask your manager if they need any help. If they do not need anything, ask them if you can have permission to help others. If so, walk around your floor and meet people by offering
assistance. It will allow you to make an impression on others, learn new skills and network for jobs down the road.