Intern Basics
What if I make a mistake?
First of all — it’s okay to make mistakes! Everyone does. What matters most is how you respond.
Step 1: Try to identify the mistake as soon as you notice it.
Step 2: If it’s something small and you can fix it right away — do it.
Step 3: If you’re not sure how to fix it, or if it’s a bigger issue, tell your supervisor or mentor immediately. Being honest and responsible shows maturity.
For virtual interns:
If you're working online, send a quick message or email explaining what happened and what you’ve done so far to fix it. Don’t wait too long — the sooner, the better.
💡 Extra tip:
Mistakes are part of learning. Don’t be afraid to ask for help — that’s how you grow!
What if I'm running late for my internship?
Things happen — but it’s important to communicate.
Call or email your supervisor as soon as you know you’ll be late.
Explain what happened briefly and let them know what time you expect to arrive or log in.
For in-person interns:
Let them know before your shift starts. Apologize for the delay, and when you arrive, get settled quickly and respectfully.
For virtual interns:
Send a quick message (email, chat, or text — depending on how your team communicates).
When you log in, be ready to jump in and focus.
💡 Pro tip: Being honest and proactive shows responsibility. Everyone runs late sometimes — what matters is how you handle it!
What do I do if I'm asked to do something I don't know how to do?
Ask for help — that’s exactly what you’re there to do: learn!
It’s totally okay to not know everything. What matters is that you speak up and ask.
You can say things like:
“I’ve never done that before — can you show me how to do it?”
“I want to make sure I do this right. Could you explain it again?”
“Can you give me an example or show me how you’d do it?”
For virtual interns:
You can write a quick message or send an email like:
“Hi! I saw the task you assigned, but I’m not familiar with it yet. Could you walk me through it or point me to an example?”
💡 Pro tip: Asking questions shows that you care and want to do a good job — it’s a sign of confidence, not weakness.
What do I do if I want more challenging work?
Ask for it! That’s exactly why you’re interning — to learn and grow.
Let your supervisor know you’re ready for more responsibility or something new. Be respectful and positive — it shows initiative!
For in-person interns:You can say something like:
“I finished my tasks — is there something else I can help with?”
“I’d love to try something more challenging. Do you have anything in mind I can support with?”
For virtual interns:
Send a message like:
“Hi! I’ve finished today’s assignments. If there’s anything else I can work on or learn, I’d love the chance!”
💡 Pro tip: Asking for more work shows maturity, curiosity, and a strong work ethic. Don’t be afraid to advocate for your growth!
What do I do if I want to intern at a big company like Google?
Focus on learning and trying your best now. Even small steps (like this internship!) can lead to big dreams.
What do I do at a meeting?
Whether you're in person or online, meetings are a chance to learn, share, and show you're engaged.
Here’s what you should do:
Always bring a notebook and pen (or have a notes app ready) to write down important points, tasks, or questions.
Pay attention to who’s speaking and what they’re saying.
If allowed, ask questions — especially if something isn’t clear.
Silence your phone and avoid distractions. It shows respect and professionalism.
For virtual interns:
Join the meeting on time.
Keep your camera on.
Mute your mic when you’re not speaking.
Use the chat or “raise hand” function if you have something to say.
💡 Pro tip: After the meeting, review your notes. You can even send a quick thank-you message or ask a follow-up question — it makes a great impression!
What do I do about eating lunch?
Ask your supervisor or mentor about the lunch break. Some internships have a set time, others let you choose when to take it. You can also ask where people usually eat — there might be a lunch room or good places nearby.
If you're working online:
Plan your lunch around your schedule. If your internship has meetings or tasks, try to eat before or after them.
💡 Tips
Always ask if you're not sure — it's okay!
Bring snacks or water to stay energized.
Respect your break time and come back ready to focus.
What do I do if my supervisor sends me home early?
Before you leave the building, make sure to:
Thank your supervisor.
Let Ms. Fee or Ms. Talia know:
“Hi! My supervisor ended my day early today at [time]. Just keeping you updated!”
For virtual interns:
If your meeting or tasks finish early, send a message like:
“Hi! My supervisor said I could log off early today at [time]. Just wanted to let you know!”
💡 Pro tip: Always communicate clearly — it shows responsibility and helps your program keep track of your hours.
What do I need to do in an emergency?
It depends on the type of emergency — but the most important thing is to stay calm and take action.
For in-person interns:
If it’s a medical emergency: Tell your supervisor right away and call your parent or guardian.
If you need to leave suddenly: Let your supervisor know and then contact the Internship Coordinator (Ms. Fee or Ms. Talia) as soon as possible.
For virtual interns:
If something happens and you need to leave a meeting or log off early:
Politely end the call if needed.
Call or message the Internship Coordinator to explain the situation.
If it’s a health or family emergency: Reach out to your guardian first, then update the program team when you're safe.
💡 Pro tip: Always keep your emergency contact info up to date and saved somewhere easy to find.
What do I do if I want to intern during the school year too?
Ask your school or program coordinator. Some internships happen in fall or spring — you just need to plan ahead.
What do I do if I don’t know what my schedule is?
Ask your supervisor or program coordinator. It’s totally fine to ask for clarification about your hours. Knowing your schedule helps you be on time and prepared.
What do I do if I feel bored or unmotivated?
That’s normal sometimes — but don’t stay stuck. Ask if there’s something new you can help with, or offer to organize, observe, or learn something on your own.
What do I do if I get nervous talking to adults at work?
Take a breath and be yourself. You can practice what you want to say ahead of time. Most adults appreciate when you're respectful and try your best.
What do I do if I have nothing to do?
Ask your supervisor what else you can help with. Or use the time to clean up, review your notes, or learn more about the organization.
What do I do if I hear the word “unpaid internship” and feel confused?
It means you’re not paid money, but you’re paid in experience. It’s still valuable, and sometimes it leads to future jobs.
What do I do if I don’t understand what an intern is supposed to do?
Ask your supervisor or mentor what your role includes. Every internship is different — it’s okay to ask about your responsibilities and goals.
What do I do if I see someone acting unprofessionally?
Don’t join in. Stay respectful and focused on your own behavior. If it’s serious, you can tell a trusted adult like your supervisor or program coordinator.
What do I do if I don’t know how to write a professional email?
Ask for help or look up a simple example. Keep it short, polite, and clear. Start with “Hello,” explain what you need, and end with “Thank you.”
What do I do if I make the same mistake more than once?
Try to figure out why it keeps happening. Ask for support or tips, take notes, and give yourself grace — learning takes time.
This 2015 movie stars Robert De Niro as an older intern learning the ropes at a fashion company.
The Intern
What do I do if I don’t have the tools or materials I need to do my tasks?
Tell your supervisor or mentor right away.
It’s important they know what you need so they can help you get the right tools or instructions to do your best work.
What do I do if I forget something important, like being polite or dressing properly?
It happens! Just apologize if needed and correct it next time. Internships are for learning — including how to be professional.
What do I do if I don’t know how to speak up in a meeting?
You can start small — like asking a question or giving an idea. If you’re too shy to talk, try writing it down or asking after the meeting.
What do I do if I feel like quitting?
Talk to someone first — like your coordinator, mentor, or a trusted adult. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, but don’t give up without asking for help.
This 2013 comedy features two adults doing internships at Google, starring Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn.
The Internship!