Your Internship: What to Expect and How to Make the Most of It

Have you recently secured an internship? First off—congratulations! Landing an internship is a huge step toward building your career, and it’s a chance to gain valuable experience, grow your professional network, and develop new skills.

Now that you’ve got your foot in the door, it’s time to start preparing for your first day. It’s completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves, especially if you’re unsure what to expect. You might be wondering: Will I be given real responsibilities? How can I make a good impression? What if I want this to turn into a full-time job?

While not every internship leads directly to a job offer, it’s always worth giving it your all. You never know who you’ll meet, what doors it could open, or who might recommend you for future opportunities. A strong work ethic and a willingness to learn can set you apart, whether you’re aiming for a permanent role at the company or using this experience as a stepping stone toward your next big opportunity.

So, here is what you’re likely to expect from your internship:

A mix of tasks within your internship duties

Many interns hope to hit the ground running with big projects, but in reality, your daily workload is likely to consist of important assignments (such as analysing date, assisting with research and dealing with clients) and background tasks (such as organising files and taking minutes during minutes).

While some of these smaller tasks may not be the most exciting aspects on your agenda, they serve a valuable purpose, for reasons such as:

Helping you understand how the company works. (Handling schedules, emails, or documents gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how things run.)
Building trust with your supervisor. (Completing smaller tasks well shows that you’re reliable and pay attention to details.)
Opening doors to bigger opportunities. Once you’ve proven yourself, your manager may give you more responsibility.

Take initiative within your internship

One of the best ways to make a lasting impression during your internship is by taking initiative where possible. Always be on the lookout for ways to contribute to the company and show that you’re eager to be involved. Employers value interns who are proactive and willing to go the extra mile. Here are some aspects to keep in mind:

Ask for more work: If you’ve completed your tasks and have spare time within your working hours, don’t just sit back—check in with your supervisor and ask, “Is there anything else I can help with?”
Offer to assist on projects that interest you: If you hear about a project that aligns with your skills or career goals, express your interest in getting involved.
Look for ways to improve processes: If you notice that a certain workflow could be more efficient —such as organising files or streamlining a repetitive task—suggest a solution that may help the wider team.
Companies appreciate employees who think critically and bring fresh ideas.

Use it as a learning curve

Even if you’ve spent several years studying for a degree in this specific field, stepping into a real-world work environment can feel like a huge stepping stone. There’s often a big difference between what you learn in the classroom and how things actually operate in a professional setting. During your first few weeks, you might feel overwhelmed by all the new information thrown your way— but this is completely normal. Many interns go through a period of adjustment as they familiarise themselves with company expectations and day-to-day responsibilities.


Observe: Pay attention to how your colleagues communicate and solve problems. Watching how things are done in practice can help you understand expectations and best practices more quickly.
Ask questions when you’re unsure: If something isn’t clear to you, ask! It’s much easier to get clarification early on than to guess and risk making mistakes down the road. Everyone knows you’re learning, so don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance.
Give yourself time: No one expects you to be perfect from the get-go. Adjusting to a new environment takes time, and it’s okay if it takes you a little while to feel fully confident. The more you practice and absorb, the easier it will get.


Opportunities to network

The relationships you build during your internship don’t have to end once your time at the company is over.

Stay in touch with your colleagues through LinkedIn or email, and be sure to thank them for their support and guidance. Even if a job opportunity doesn’t materialise immediately, maintaining these connections can help stay too of mind when opportunities arise – whether that be within the company or externally.

Building a strong network takes time, but the connections you make during your internship could prove invaluable as you progress in your career. You never know when a casual conversation or a chance encounter with a colleague might lead to the next big opportunity.

Still on the lookout for an internship? Check out our available internships on our jobs board.

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