What do you do if your corporate communications internship supervisor is unimpressed with your performance?

1 Ask for feedback

The first step to improve your performance is to ask for feedback from your supervisor. Don't wait until the end of your internship or until you receive a negative evaluation. Seek regular and constructive feedback throughout your internship, and show that you are willing to learn and improve. Ask specific questions about your strengths, weaknesses, areas of improvement, and expectations. Listen carefully and respectfully, and thank your supervisor for their input.

2 Set goals and action plans

Based on the feedback you receive, set realistic and measurable goals for your performance improvement. For example, if your supervisor tells you that your writing skills need improvement, you can set a goal to write more clearly, concisely, and persuasively. Then, create an action plan to achieve your goal, such as taking an online course, reading best practices, or seeking feedback from a mentor. Track your progress and share it with your supervisor, and ask for their guidance and support.

3 Learn from others

Another way to improve your performance is to learn from others in your corporate communications team. Observe how they communicate with different stakeholders, handle different projects, and solve different problems. Ask them questions, seek their advice, and request their feedback. You can also ask them to share their success stories, challenges, and tips with you. By learning from others, you can gain insights, skills, and confidence that can help you improve your performance.

4 Be proactive and flexible

One of the qualities that supervisors look for in interns is proactivity and flexibility. This means that you are not afraid to take initiative, propose ideas, and seek opportunities to contribute to the team. It also means that you are adaptable to changing situations, expectations, and priorities. You can demonstrate your proactivity and flexibility by volunteering for tasks, offering solutions, and showing enthusiasm. You can also show that you are open to new challenges, feedback, and learning opportunities.

5 Reflect and improve

Finally, one of the most important steps to improve your performance is to reflect and improve. This means that you are constantly evaluating your work, identifying your strengths and weaknesses, and finding ways to enhance your skills and knowledge. You can use a journal, a portfolio, or a blog to document your learning process, achievements, and challenges. You can also seek feedback from your peers, mentors, and other professionals. By reflecting and improving, you can show your supervisor that you are committed to your professional growth and development.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?