Right about now, you are reaching the midpoint of your internship and feel pretty comfortable with those you work with. Am I correct?
You worked so hard to get the internship. You spent hours revising your resume and cover letter, made your roommate listen to your elevator speech many times, and spent days preparing for the interview. So, now that you are halfway through your internship, don’t let all that hard work go to waste and give your employer a reason to fire you. Her Campus’ Emily Grier lists the following ten reasons that might cause you to lose your internship:
- Get drunk at happy hour after work. It is okay to have one or two drinks, but you are not at a college party. Even though you have the internship you are still trying to prove yourself to your boss every day, during and after work hours.
- Be the office diva. As an intern you are at the bottom of the totem pole. You will be given the tasks that no one else wants to do and you need complete those tasks as though it was a major project.
- Dress provocatively. When working in an office environment you need to dress more conservatively. Be aware of your hemline, what shoes you are wearing and how low your top is.
- Take supplies from the company supply closet. Just because it comes in bulk and “no one will notice,” it is not right. Eventually someone will catch you and might not think they can trust you.
- Take care of personal issues at the office. Even if you have some down time, you need to be actively engaged at all times. Always ask yourself, “What else can I do? or Who else can I help?” An internship gives you the opportunity to learn and constantly be improving your skills.
- Show your anger. All ways stay professional. Even if you are having a bad day, don’t let it show. You want to be able to control your emotions at all times.
- Talk bad about coworkers over social media. Don’t tweet about your boss or update your Facebook status saying something bad about the company. You risk the chance of someone finding it, so it is better not to put it there in the first place.
- Order the most expensive thing on the menu. Although your company is paying for your meal still be conscious of the price and be aware of your dinner table manners.
- Make your own extended weekend. You haven’t earned the right to pick your own hours or go on extended vacations. You are just an intern and need to be available at all times.
- Flirt with your boss. It’s as simple as, don’t do it!
What are other things interns can do to risk losing their internship OR what are ways they can succeed in an internship?
