Internship Red Flags and What to Do About Them
Here are some red flags to look for at your internship and what to do if you spot them.
By Patricia Roy — June 22, 2023
Internships give students a peek inside the world of work... and may result in a job offer as much as 70% of the time. But not all internships work out despite the best intentions. Why is that? Here are some red flags to look for at your internship and what to do if you spot them.
No Contract
Interns are usually given or asked to create a contract with the host organization. The contract spells out the responsibilities of each party: the school, the intern, and the employer. It typically lists parameters, such as required hours, a schedule, and work duties. It will also establish responsibility in case of an accident or dispute. More than just paperwork, the contract establishes expectations.
If a student finds an internship on their own, they might not realize the importance of having a contract. Contracts protect interns from exploitation.
Ask them for one if your internship doesn't offer you a contract. If they balk, walk. There is no good reason a reputable company would not want to protect you and its interests.
Absent Supervisor
Internships are for learning about a job. Even though interns might do the same work as paid employees, they should not be left alone without training or guidance. Supervisors should not hover over their students; they should be accessible and available. Supervisors who are too busy to check in with their interns are too busy to educate them.
If your supervisor is not around or seems not invested in giving you a good experience, talk with your coordinator or advisor.
Menial Tasks
The running joke about interns is that they are just there to get coffee. Sadly, some employers believe abusing interns is a "rite of passage."
Interns should be able to make the connection between their work and its value. The work might differ greatly from college classes, but it should still be educational. Some organizations start their interns by shadowing or observing to gain insight and perspective before diving in. In these cases, observation is paired with debriefing so the intern can contextualize what they have learned.
Alternatively, the employer may hope you will take the initiative and find your projects. It might seem like an unfair test: how do you know what to do unless you understand the company and the workflow? Just keep asking for work. You could also ask if a different department can use your help. During slow periods you could also write your reflections about the job to share with the supervisor.
However, spending your internship running errands, cleaning, babysitting, or anything unrelated to the organization's work is a troubling sign.
In this case, go back to the contract. If you haven't received the agreed-upon duties, ask your supervisor why that is. Perhaps they do not feel you can handle it. That might be tough to hear, but it is important feedback. You might suggest that you feel ready for more and then describe what you want to do. That would show initiative and that you are paying attention.
If the contract is unclear or your supervisor tells you they do not have any work for you to do, reach out to your coordinator or advisor for assistance getting a new placement.
Toxic Atmosphere
Every workplace has its share of negativity, but it's usually confined to a small percentage of people or situations. If that's the case, it might not be a red flag — we all need to learn to deal with different types of people. However, if the majority of people at the job seem to hate it, or if there is widespread inappropriate behavior (crude or bigoted language or jokes, microaggressions, teasing, or bullying), tell your coordinator and ask if there are different placements available. Leaving and letting the school manage the fallout is better if a place is full of toxic vibes.
Unclear Expectations
It's one thing to realize you have a lot to learn. It's another not to understand what you are doing because of a lack of clarification.
Discuss this with your supervisor immediately if you have difficulty understanding what you should be doing. Ask to review your contract and your job description. Consider writing your responsibilities in your own words so everyone can see where the other is coming from. Of course, your coordinator at school can also help you by listening and offering advice or talking with your supervisor directly.
Not Necessarily Red Flags
Messy, Busy, or Chaotic Workspace
One of the most successful internships I oversaw was at an archive. The student, a neat and tidy history major, had to itemize and update files for historical artifacts. The room she worked in was a jigsaw of boxes in precarious piles, all full of photographs, letters, and other archival materials. Part of her job was to bring order to the chaos. Even though it was dusty and messy, it was a great learning experience.
A lot of work in the real world is messy; it doesn't mean it isn't useful or interesting. Part of your internship journey involves getting real about work. Often, being flexible can lead to a great experience.
Negative Feedback
Negative reviews can be heartbreaking. When I completed my student teaching experience, I worked with a teacher with whom I did not get along. He was very critical of me, I made many mistakes, and he made sure I knew about everyone. He even made me cry on more than one occasion. I almost didn't become a teacher because of it.
While you should never tolerate abuse or unsafe working conditions, some negative feedback can be a good, if tough, lesson. If you are in a field where handling negative feedback is part of the job, try taking it in stride. It may not be about you so much as a reflection of the demands of the work itself. In any case, discuss this with your coordinator at school. They can help you work through your feelings and help you determine if you should push through or move to a different opportunity.
A good internship provides students with a structured learning experience supported by the school and the employer. If you find yourself in a bad situation, do not be afraid to speak up!
Patricia Roy
Patricia Roy is a writer and professor who has helped students succeed for over 25 years. She started her career as a high school English teacher and then moved into higher education at Tuition Rewards member school, Lasell University in Newton, Massachusetts. Her practical guidance and enthusiasm motivate and inspire students to fearlessly explore their own passions. Professor Roy is also a freelance writer and published poet.
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