Common Mistakes Summer Interns Make And How To Avoid Them

Summer?is around the corner and for many of you university students - that means summer internships. For us at Absolute Internship and myself that means we are about to welcome our biggest cohorts of the year in 12 different locations around the world of students undertaking work placements in exciting non-profits and corporations. As the majority of our students are arriving this weekend around the world (and our team is working day and night to prepare for their arrival, super exciting!), I thought it would be an excellent idea to share some of the most common mistakes interns' make. You often read about the "best tips", but not often about the most common mistakes.?

So, here's some common mistakes interns make that I've seen (there are surely many more!) and how to avoid them (I hope you'll find them useful!):

1. Getting Frustrated or Complaining About Being Bored

Internships vary greatly in structure and engagement levels. For many of you students, this summer will be the first time you'll ever work in an office. Remember that you come from a structured world (university), whereas companies and organizations operate in an unstructured world. Not all companies have formal training programs for new interns (take a deep breath - it's OK, you'll learn from their onboarding process and from your colleagues). It's so important to stay proactive and adaptable (that's the number one skill I hear from our companies of what type of interns they seek). If you find yourself with some free time, instead of feeling frustrated, take the initiative to seek out tasks or propose projects. This demonstrates your eagerness to contribute and your proactive attitude. You could ask team members if they need any help, ask what they are working on and if they need a volunteer for anything, or even start learning about the company’s products and services more deeply via their website or online research. Your willingness to dive in and find ways to add value will not go unnoticed. Remember - everything will go so much smoother with a smile :)

2. Dismissing the Small Tasks

In the first week or two of your internship, you might be assigned tasks that seem menial or unimportant to you. It's essential to approach these tasks with the same level of dedication and attention to detail as you would with larger projects. Your mentor doesn't know you.?You're joining a new team and company and as in any team - trust is crucial. You gain trust by proving yourself. "Leave your ego at the door" as my jiu jitsu professor told me early on. Be open minded and come with a "white belt mentality" that you're here to prove yourself.?

Every task, no matter how small, builds the foundation for more significant responsibilities. By excelling at the basics, you earn your mentor’s trust and open the door to more projects. Do everything with a smile! Think of each task as an opportunity to prove your reliability and work ethic. In the words of one of my mentors, she said "How you do anything is how you do everything." I love that so much because it's so true, at least for me.

3. Ignoring Advice

It’s common to feel confident in your abilities, especially if you’ve been successful at university or have done previous internships. You may feel that you're "over qualified". However, the workplace has its nuances and remember the white belt mentality? It's important to respect the experience and knowledge of your supervisors and colleagues. Even if you disagree with their approach, listen and learn from them. What's their perspective? What can you learn from them? They have insights and context that you may not have. By showing respect and willingness to learn, you build rapport and position yourself as a collaborative and respectful young team member. If you genuinely believe there’s a better way to do something, wait for the right moment to suggest improvements—once you’ve established credibility and above all, trust.

4. Getting Sloppy with Email

Professional communication is key in any workplace and team, and emails are a major part of that. Unlike texting on iMessage or WhatsApp, emails should be clear, concise, professional and free of errors. Remember to use proper salutations, complete sentences, and appropriate sign-offs. Pay attention to detail—this includes grammar, spelling, and the tone of your message. Before hitting send, re-read your email (three times is good) to ensure it conveys your message accurately and professionally. Developing good email habits early on will not only make you look professional but also ensure that your communication is taken seriously. Bonus tip - received an email with no action needed from you? Respond anyway that you received it. That shows professionalism and politeness.

5. Asking Questions Without First Trying to Figure Out the Answers

It’s natural to have questions (and you should have plenty of them!), especially when you’re new. However, bombarding your mentor on Slack with every query can be disruptive. Before you ask, take a few moments to see if you can find the answer yourself. Utilize resources such as company handbooks, Google Drive, intranet, or even a quick Google search. If you still have questions, batch them and bring them to your mentor in a single, organized list. This approach shows that you respect their time and are capable of independent problem-solving. It's about finding a balance—being resourceful but also knowing when to seek guidance.

By being mindful of these common mistakes, interns can navigate their roles more effectively, leaving a positive impression and setting a strong foundation for their future careers upon graduation. Remember, internships are as much about learning and growth?- figuring out what you like and don't like, rather than contributing to the organization. Approach every task, interaction, and challenge with an open mind and a willingness to learn - white belt mentality and without doubt, I'm sure you'll have a positive and meaningful summer internship.

Good luck my friends!

Oss (as we say on the jiu jitsu mat) ??????