What do you do if your Business Administration internship isn't meeting employer expectations?

1 Seek Feedback

If you sense that your performance isn't meeting expectations during your Business Administration internship, the first step is to seek feedback. Approach your supervisor or mentor and request a meeting to discuss your progress. Be open and receptive to any critiques they offer. Remember, constructive feedback is a golden opportunity for growth. Use the insights gained to create a clear action plan aimed at improving your performance. This demonstrates your commitment to the role and your willingness to adapt and learn.

2 Set Goals

Once you have received feedback, it's vital to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for your internship. These goals should address the areas of improvement identified by your employer. For example, if time management is a concern, one of your goals could be to deliver all assignments at least one day before the deadline. Regularly review these goals with your supervisor to ensure you are on track and make any necessary adjustments.

3 Enhance Skills

Improving your skill set is essential when your Business Administration internship isn't up to par. Identify the skills that need enhancement, whether it's technical knowledge, communication, or problem-solving. Take advantage of resources like online courses, workshops, or even advice from colleagues. By actively working on your skills, you show initiative and drive, which can change your employer's perception and help you meet their expectations.

4 Communicate Clearly

Clear communication is key to turning around a less-than-satisfactory internship experience. Keep your supervisor informed about your progress and any challenges you're facing. This doesn't mean overwhelming them with daily updates, but rather maintaining a steady flow of communication that demonstrates your proactive approach. Transparency about your efforts to improve shows responsibility and may foster a more supportive environment.

5 Reflect Regularly

Regular reflection on your experiences and learning during the internship is crucial. Take time each week to assess what you've learned, what challenges you've overcome, and where you could still improve. This self-assessment allows you to adjust your approach and stay aligned with your goals and the employer's expectations. Reflecting on your journey also prepares you for future roles by instilling a habit of continual self-improvement.

6 Adapt Proactively

Finally, being adaptable is a valuable trait in any Business Administration role, especially during an internship. If certain strategies or behaviors aren't yielding the desired results, be ready to change your approach. Proactively seeking alternative methods or solutions demonstrates your resilience and flexibility—qualities that employers highly value. By showing that you can pivot and tackle issues from different angles, you'll not only meet but potentially exceed expectations.

7 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?