Picking a suitable internship may seem like a no-brainer because it is an impermanent commitment. But you would be amazed to find out how impactful a good internship could be for your professional experience.
Sick of taking the “no job/no experience” roundabout route? An internship opportunity could put an end to that distressing cycle. Internships can offer you an opportunity to work for a firm as a trainee, and soon after, you will be considered employable. But for the best internship experience, you need to ask a few intern-specific questions during your interview and also, the standard probes. The questions below can prevent you from getting yourself a bogus role.
How will my skills be evaluated during the internship?
If they tell you that your performance will not be evaluated, you should reconsider that internship. It is your big opportunity of opting for a job and learning from it, and exploring your skills to find out what you excel at—and where you need further improvement.
What would a typical day at work look like?
You will have to spend a few months here. Therefore, it is best to get an idea of what kind of work you will be entrusted with every day. Ask them if you will be spending time working independently or attending meetings with co-workers. Will your role at work involve spending most of your time in a cubicle, or is it more hands-on? It is a clever move to find out what you are opting for before accepting the role.
Do interns come back looking for full-time job opportunities?
This question is crucial because people opt for an internship to broaden their job prospects. Landing a good job after graduation is the sole motive of an internship. You probably want to work as an intern for an organization that would be interested in hiring you after you have completed your internship and education. If former interns often come back to work as full-time employees, they might have had a great experience working there.
Inquire if the internship is paid.
Full-time jobs pay employees for their work. But unfortunately, not all internships are paid. Before starting, you should ask how you will be paid. If it is an unpaid internship, you can at least ask them to compensate you for your traveling expenses. You may also ask for class credits.
Ask what norms the company follows to offer the interns a positive work experience.
Some employers hire interns because they often treat them as free labor. Then the poor saps are made to work to their bone. Ask your employer what norms and resources are in place to offer a positive work experience to the interns. The lack of effective norms to safeguard the interests of interns could be a warning sign for you.
Now you are all set to conquer the world. Good luck!
