Resources > Orientation

Interning in the US

Introduction
Ace your Internship

Going abroad to intern will require new routines and ways of thinking. Prepare for changes with a new frame of mind in order to maximize the benefits of the internship experience.

Part 1 Manage expectations
Part 2 Embrace a growth mindset
Part 3 Be professional
Part 4 Workplace relationships
Part 5 Mistakes to avoid
Part 6 Additional tips
Part 7 I wanna ask...

www.fusia.net/internwin

Part 7 I wanna ask...

How should I start an internship on the right foot?
Prepare for your internship ahead of time – write down any questions for clarification. Be conservative on your first day, i.e., arrive early and dress properly. You want to make a good impression, so be friendly to your colleagues and respond to eye contact with a smile. When appropriate, clarify any questions about company policies and routines.

How should I obtain feedback?
The general practice is to regularly receive feedback so you can reflect and improve. If you want honest feedback, show your willingness to receive negative feedback (otherwise your supervisor may hold back their thoughts). In addition to your supervisor, colleagues can also give feedback. Be sure to ask for feedback in appropriate situations. Less formal environments can work for this (e.g., inviting your supervisor for lunch). In more formal settings, you can ask for more specific feedback (e.g., “What is one thing that I can do to improve?”).

Should I give a gift to my boss after the internship?
Note that giving a gift is entirely unnecessary, a nice gesture rather than a mandatory one. If you are from overseas, a good idea is to buy something that represents your culture. If you want to show general appreciation for your workplace and colleagues, a shareable gift is ideal (e.g., cake, pizza). If you want to give a more personal gift, handwritten thank you cards (you can even include photos) are always appreciated. If you decide to give a gift of any kind, make sure it is not expensive.

How to communicate excuses at work?
Mistakes are inevitable in life. If you made a mistake at work, apologize for it. The general advice is to be honest about your situation and keep your apology/excuse short. Take responsibility for the problem rather than shifting the blame, and even offer constructive solutions if possible. If you are late to work because of traffic, for instance, emphasize your solution (e.g., “I’m late this morning because of traffic, but I’ll make up for it during my lunch”). Generally, your focus should be on the solution and not on the reason itself. If you must provide a reason, do so carefully and wisely.