What do you do if your internship in Communication isn't living up to your expectations?
Landing an internship in Communication can be an exciting step forward in your career path. However, sometimes the experience might not meet your expectations, leaving you feeling underwhelmed and uncertain about how to proceed. It's important to remember that internships are a learning opportunity and there are constructive ways to address your concerns and improve your situation.
Before you take any action, objectively evaluate your internship. Are your expectations too high, or is the internship genuinely lacking in opportunities? Consider the job description and the reality of your daily tasks. Communication internships can vary widely, from public relations to media production, so it's crucial to understand the scope of your role and whether it aligns with your career goals. Reflect on what you hoped to gain and what is currently on offer.
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Gautam Mandal
Gautam from Top of the World. ⛰️
I like to think that an internship is a two-way street. It’s not just about the work I do, but also about what I can learn from the experience. So, I like to review the job description and see if it matches my daily tasks.” “I think it’s important to set realistic expectations. I like to remind myself that internships are often about learning the ropes rather than taking on major responsibilities and ilke to assess the learning opportunities available. Even if the tasks seem simple, I think there’s always something valuable to be learned.”
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Wallace Assis
Biomédico | Análises Clínicas | Consultor de Vendas | Eppendorf
If your internship in Communication isn't meeting your expectations, there are several steps you can take to address the situation: 1 - Communicate: Talk to your supervisor about your concerns. 2 - Clarify Expectations: Ensure you understand what's expected. 3 - Seek Feedback: Ask for guidance on how to improve. 4 - Explore Options: Look for other opportunities within or outside the organization. 5 - Take Initiative: Propose new projects or ways to contribute. 6 - Network: Connect with professionals in your field. 7 - Reflect: Evaluate how the internship aligns with your goals.
Once you've pinpointed the shortcomings, initiate a conversation with your supervisor. Approach the discussion with a positive attitude and express your eagerness to learn and contribute more. Be specific about what you feel is missing and ask for feedback on your performance. Effective communication is key in this field, and demonstrating your ability to articulate your needs and concerns can itself be a valuable learning experience.
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Zoë Hardman
Multilingual communications specialist
A good communicator will prepare what they want to say. A great communicator will think about how their comments will be received. The best communicators will prepare how to respond to that. When it comes to challenging conversations, this approach will prepare you to think about the outcome of the conversation – what do you want to achieve? – rather than just sharing your thoughts, feelings and experiences. It takes some practice but works wonders.
If you're not being challenged enough, proactively seek out more complex tasks. Show initiative by proposing projects that align with your interests and the organization's goals. For example, if you're interested in social media strategy but are currently tasked with basic administrative work, suggest a small campaign you could manage or assist with. This demonstrates your commitment and can lead to more substantial responsibilities.
Use this time to build relationships within the organization. Networking isn't just about attending events; it's about engaging with colleagues on projects and daily tasks. These connections can provide mentorship, advice, and potentially lead to more fulfilling tasks. They might also offer insights into different aspects of the communication field that you hadn't considered before.
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Gautam Mandal
Gautam from Top of the World. ⛰️
I think the experience has been valuable for my professional growth and networking within the organization is crucial for building lasting connections. I think setting realistic expectations is essential to avoid disappointment.
Every experience, even those that fall short of expectations, offers a chance to learn. Reflect on what this internship is teaching you about the industry, about professional work environments, and about yourself. This introspective approach can help you identify skills you need to develop and clarify your career aspirations within the field of communication.
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Gautam Mandal
Gautam from Top of the World. ⛰️
I actually believe that every experience, even if it doesn’t meet our initial expectations, provides valuable lessons. This internship is teaching you about the communication industry, professional work environments, and your own strengths and areas for improvement. I agree with the idea that introspection is crucial. By analyzing what you’ve learned, you can identify specific skills you need to develop further. Additionally, this process helps clarify your career aspirations within the field of communication.
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Ahmed Elmancy
Senior Speech Language Therapist (MOH & DOH Licensed)
Reflect on what this internship is teaching you about the industry, about professional work environments, and about yourself. This introspective approach can help you identify skills you need to develop and clarify your career aspirations within the field of communication.
Lastly, it may be necessary to adjust your expectations. The reality of an internship often includes routine tasks that, while seemingly mundane, are essential to the functioning of any communication department. Recognizing the value in all aspects of the work can lead to a more satisfying experience and prepare you for future roles that will likely also include a mix of tasks.
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