6 Worst Mistakes Interns Make

Internships are like the test drive employers need before they seal the deal. So interns, this is your opportunity to show you’re a worthy hire. Show what you are capable of and what value you bring to the table. If you do it well, it can increase the chance you’ll be offered full-time jobs afterwards. To excel your internship, there are some mistakes that you need to avoid at all cost. Be aware of these worst mistakes interns make. You may not even know you’re making these mistakes.

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Taking your internship for granted

While many people are excited for their internship, some of them may not take the work seriously. This is one of the worst mistakes interns make without they often realize it. If you often think that internship is only part of your responsibility in college or just to spare time, you need to get rid of the mindset. Instead, you need to really consider how your actions and behaviors are going to impact you short and long term. Even at internships, performance and reputation matter and can be a gating factor to your future success.

Giving up

There are no employers who like to see their interns give up easily. Everyone makes mistakes but don’t make it as an excuse to give up. Take some times to think how the problems can occur and find the possible solutions. It can be easy to think about all the ways you might make mistakes, but if you are working hard to produce results then the internship will be worth it. You employers will definitely appreciate your effort and see you as interns with good attitude.

Only sitting at your desk

The next worst mistakes interns make is sitting behind their desk all day. Remember, internship isn't just about the work. Internship is also about seeing if you like working at the company or not. It's important to meet new people and learn about the business. You might be tempting to hang out with your peer group, but make sure make time to get to know other employees too, including those who are older. They can give you career advice, help you connect to a future job, and provide strong references.

Underestimating menial tasks

This is one of the worst mistakes interns make easily. You might wonder what being good at photocopying has to do with your ability to do higher-level work. That's because when you start as an intern, you haven't proven yourself in the work world. If you do a great job on the boring work, show that you pay attention to detail, follow instructions, and care about quality, you're more likely to be trusted with more interesting work. So it's important to go into the job determined to do every task well, no matter how menial.

You’re not speaking up

If you’re part of a team of interns, don’t become known as the quiet one who doesn’t contribute. You should also be finding ways to be useful on your own, and bring something new to the table. If you notice a way work could be done more efficiently, contribute your ideas. That's what makes you a good hire and shows your employer that you aren't just there to get college credit.

Not keeping in touch once your internship ends

This one is really important. Once you're back at school or in another job, make sure that you stay in touch with the manager and co-workers from this internship. The occasional email about what you're up to can maintain the relationship and build professional relationships that can help you for years to come.