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Common Internship Mistakes

Common Internship Mistakes

And how to avoid them!

SCALIS EarlyCareers
12 Jun

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How to Avoid Common Internship Mistakes

Before I started my first business in 2018, a Shopify Plus agency that I sold in 2022 to DRINKS.com, I went through 4 different internships in high school and college. I had some pretty great experiences, and also some pretty bad ones…

Now almost 10 years into running my own internship programs at my businesses, I’ve gotten to experience it from the other side.

Here are some of the common pitfalls I’ve seen from my own experiences interning at companies and running my own intern programs. By knowing these mistakes beforehand, I hope you can confidently navigate your internship experience and maximize its potential this summer!

1. Not Asking Questions

Many interns hesitate to ask questions, fearing they might appear inexperienced. However, internships are fundamentally about learning. To avoid this mistake, proactively ask questions and clarify expectations. Employers value curiosity and enthusiasm. You are an intern! Of course you don’t have experience! Your employer knows this and expects this (at least they should).

2. Avoiding Feedback

Some interns shy away from feedback, taking it personally or fearing criticism. Constructive feedback is essential for growth. Regularly seek input from your supervisor and actively demonstrate how you implement their suggestions.

The interns I’ve always hired on after the program is over are the ones that not only received feedback well but then TOOK THE INITIATIVE to act on it and go above and beyond.

3. Poor Time Management

Balancing internship responsibilities, coursework, and personal life can be challenging. Avoid poor time management by using calendars, scheduling tasks clearly, and prioritizing your responsibilities to meet deadlines consistently.

A huge red flag for me is when interns are not able to self-manage tasks, and I have to continually follow-up on open items. The team members you are working with also have their own busy schedules, don’t add to it.

4. Not Networking

Internships are prime opportunities for professional networking. Many interns overlook relationship-building due to shyness or lack of awareness. Introduce yourself to colleagues, attend company events, and connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn.

5. Ignoring Company Culture

Every organization has unique cultural norms. Ignoring or not adapting to these can hinder your effectiveness. Take time to observe and align with the company's culture, including dress code, communication styles, and workplace etiquette.

Don’t change yourself or who you are, but if there is a dress code at the office, don’t be that person who breaks it…

6. Underestimating Small Tasks

Interns sometimes undervalue the importance of seemingly small or administrative tasks. Completing tasks, regardless of their perceived size, with attention and diligence shows reliability and can lead to larger responsibilities.

ALWAYS GO ABOVE AND BEYOND!

7. Not Documenting Achievements

One major oversight interns make is failing to document their accomplishments. Keep track of completed projects, skills gained, and feedback received. This record can be invaluable for future resumes and interviews.

8. Lack of Initiative

Waiting passively for instructions is a common mistake. Stand out by showing initiative—identify areas where you can contribute more, suggest improvements, and actively offer your assistance.

9. Poor Communication

Whether it's updating your supervisor on your progress or discussing a delay in completing a task, poor communication can negatively affect perceptions. Maintain open, clear, and proactive communication to ensure alignment with your team.

10. Not Reflecting on Experience

Internships aren't just about professional work—they're also personal growth opportunities. Failing to reflect on your experiences can mean missing out on valuable insights about yourself and your career goals. Regularly take time to evaluate what you're learning and how it's shaping your career direction.

By avoiding these common internship mistakes, you'll not only make the most of your internship but also lay a strong foundation for your professional future. Stay proactive, open-minded, and engaged to ensure your internship becomes a rewarding stepping stone in your career.

In this episode of Career Hack, Brandon Amoroso chats with Charlotte Lidster, Senior Talent Partner at Chapter 2, about the evolving landscape of recruitment. From leveraging AI to navigating networking in the digital age, Charlotte shares invaluable insights for job seekers and employers alike. Whether you're an early-career professional or a seasoned candidate, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you thrive in today's competitive job market.

Key topics:

🚀 The impact of AI on recruitment and how to use it effectively in your job search.

🧠 Building a strong personal brand and networking on LinkedIn.

✅ The importance of tailoring job applications for success.

🔑 Choosing between startups and corporate environments in your early career.

🌍 International recruitment trends and what to expect in 2025.