You may feel pressured to take an internship – especially if you want to graduate on time. But before you accept the first offer that comes your way, make sure the internship is really a good fit for you. After all, an internship is a two-way street: just as you evaluate the company, the company evaluates you. So how can you tell if an internship is right for you?
Here are some questions you should ask about an internship offer before you decide.
47 Questions you can ask about an internship offer:
- What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this position?
- Will I be working independently or as part of a team?
- Who will I be reporting to?
- What types of projects can I expect to work on?
- What type of training will I receive?
- When does the internship start and end?
- How many hours per week am I expected to work?
- Is this a paid or unpaid internship?
- If it’s unpaid, are there any perks or benefits that come with the position (e.g. free housing, meals, transportation)?
- What is the company culture like?
- Do I need to complete any projects or assignments outside of normal work hours?
- What is the dress code?
- Is there any flexibility about when and where I work? For example, can I work from home sometimes or do I need to be in the office at set times?
- What are the company’s core values?
- What are the long-term career prospects for this position?
- Will I have opportunities for professional development? If so, what type of training will be provided?
- What is the negotiation process like for salary and benefits?
- What are the expectations for work hours?
- Will I have the opportunity to shadow different departments/employees?
- Will I be able to take on projects that interest me?
- Can I get course credit for this internship?
- Do I need to provide my own housing/transportation?
- Are there any travel requirements?
- What is the company’s policy on sick days/personal days?
- What are the company’s goals?
- How will my performance be evaluated?
- What are the next steps for someone in this role after the internship ends?
- Is there potential for this internship to turn into a full-time job?
- Who will my direct supervisor be and how often will I meet with them?
- Can I speak with someone who has completed this internship before me?
- Do you have any concerns about my ability to succeed in this role?
- How long is the internship commitment?
- What are the expectations for intern performance?
- Where is the company/institution located?
- What is the team size, and who will I be working with most closely?
- Am I able to take vacation days/personal days during my internship?
- Do interns have opportunities to network with other departments within the company?
- Who should I contact if I have questions or need help with something?
- What resources (books, websites, etc.) are available to help me excel in my role?
- Are there any events or workshops that I can attend to supplement my learning?
- What are the company’s history and mission statement?
- Is it a publicly traded company or privately owned?
- Is there a possibility of extending the internship beyond the original end date?
- Do you have any concerns about my qualifications for this internship?
- Will there be a mentor assigned to me?
- Are there any social events or activities for interns?
- Is there anything else I should know about the position or company before making my decision?
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I ask if an internship is paid?
It’s important to inquire about internship payment arrangements before accepting an offer. Many internships are unpaid, but some employers offer a modest salary or stipend.
If you’re not sure what the arrangement is, ask the employer or your college’s career center. It’s important to know what you’re getting into before accepting an offer.
How do you answer salary expectations from an internship?
When asked about your salary expectations, it is important to be realistic. If you are coming from an internship, you probably don’t have as much experience as someone who has been working in their field for several years. You may want to ask your potential employer what the typical salary range is for someone in your position. This will give you a better idea of whether you are expecting too much or too little.
What do you need to know before an internship?
Before you begin an internship, you should be aware of the expectations and requirements of the position. You should also be familiar with the company’s policies and procedures. It is also important that you conduct yourself in a professional and respectful manner toward your supervisors and colleagues.
Should I accept an internship offer right away?
Internship offers can come at any time, and sometimes they can be overwhelming. It’s important to think about your options before immediately accepting an internship offer. If the offer is a good fit for your skills and experience, you should accept it.
However, if you’re not sure if the internship is right for you, or if you’re not sure if you’re ready to start working yet, take some time to think about your options. There are many things you should consider when accepting an internship offer, such as company culture, the commute, and your career goals.
If you need more time to make a decision, let the company know and ask for a few days to think it over. Ultimately, the decision is yours, but it’s important to weigh all options before making a decision.
What are the qualities of a good internship?
An internship can offer students many opportunities, such as learning about a specific field of work, making contacts with professionals, and gaining experience. However, there are some characteristics that are important for a good internship.
The internship should be in a field that interests the student, and the student should be able to learn from the experience. It is also important that the internship provide an opportunity to network with professionals in the field.
The student should be able to gain hands-on experience in the field and have access to resources that will help him/her learn more about the profession.
Conclusion
Asking these questions in your interview won’t only show that you’re serious about the job, but will also ensure that you’re making the best decision for you and your career goals. An internship is a big commitment, so it’s important to make sure it’s a good fit for you before accepting an offer. Good luck!
