Unfortunately, that is not how everyone approaches an internship. Some people think that an internship is a chance to slack off just because a lot of internships are unpaid, and many just take an internship for class credit. This reasoning usually resonates in a person who is not fully passionate about the internship, resulting in that person becoming careless in the course of the internship. But, of course, this is the wrong way to approach things. At internships, you should give 100%, because many interns can get job promotions if their skill levels and good timing meet halfway.
So what shouldn’t you do at an internship? Having been an intern coordinator in the past, I am able to share with you some sound advice on what you should not do in an internship, advice that just might help you succeed in your next internship.
What to Avoid Doing in an Internship:
- Be rude to your new co-workers. I once had to deal with an intern who sat at his computer and listened to loud music all day long. Listening to music is fine, but this kid didn’t even bring headphones — ever! One can only take so much rock music in one day — I actually like Rammstein’s music, but not eight hours of it! Make sure to be mindful of whom you are sitting near, and don’t make enemies before you even finish the first day of your internship.
- Slack off and refuse to do any work. Just because you’re not getting paid for your internship, it doesn’t give you the right to goof off. Loudly mingling with coworkers, talking on the cell phone a lot, or taking long lunches are not a good thing at an office. Be wise about the decisions you make.
- Burn your bridges. Let’s say you land that dream internship, but shortly after you start working there, you realize it’s not so great. What should you do? Walk out in a fit of rage? Don’t. You never know who you will come across from the company in the future. If you decide that the company is not for you, try to stick it out for the rest of the internship unless you really can’t stand it. And, if you really can’t handle it, give the company due time to find a replacement, and make sure you leave on good terms.
As long as you are productive and do your work, you should have nothing to worry about. Working at an internship can be a rewarding and fun experience — if you let it be. And after all, you never know what opportunities an internship can lead to!
