Good Questions to Ask About an Internship
Strategic questions to ask about internships that demonstrate your interest in learning, professional growth, and making the most of your internship experience.
1What will my day-to-day responsibilities be, and what projects will I be working on?
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What will my day-to-day responsibilities be, and what projects will I be working on?
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Why this works
This question shows you're thinking about the practical aspects of the internship and demonstrates your interest in understanding what you'll actually be doing.
2What skills and knowledge do you hope I'll gain from this internship, and how will you measure my success?
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What skills and knowledge do you hope I'll gain from this internship, and how will you measure my success?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your interest in learning and growth while showing you understand the importance of clear expectations and measurable outcomes.
3Who will I be working with directly, and what is the team structure like?
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Who will I be working with directly, and what is the team structure like?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about the collaborative aspects of the internship and demonstrates your interest in understanding the team dynamics.
4What opportunities are available for networking and professional development during the internship?
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What opportunities are available for networking and professional development during the internship?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your understanding of the value of networking and shows you're thinking about how to maximize your professional growth during the internship.
5How does this internship fit into the company's overall goals and mission?
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How does this internship fit into the company's overall goals and mission?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about the bigger picture and demonstrates your interest in understanding how your work contributes to the organization's success.
6What feedback and evaluation processes are in place, and how often will I receive feedback?
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What feedback and evaluation processes are in place, and how often will I receive feedback?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your interest in continuous improvement and shows you understand the importance of feedback in professional development.
7What challenges do you anticipate I might face in this role, and how can I prepare for them?
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What challenges do you anticipate I might face in this role, and how can I prepare for them?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking proactively about potential challenges and demonstrates your interest in being prepared for the internship.
8What resources and tools will be available to me to help me succeed in this internship?
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What resources and tools will be available to me to help me succeed in this internship?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your understanding of the importance of having the right resources and shows you're thinking about how to set yourself up for success.
9How does this internship align with my career goals, and what advice do you have for my professional development?
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How does this internship align with my career goals, and what advice do you have for my professional development?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about the long-term value of the internship and demonstrates your interest in career guidance and mentorship.
10What is the company culture like, and how can I best integrate into the team?
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What is the company culture like, and how can I best integrate into the team?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your understanding of the importance of cultural fit and shows you're thinking about how to be a successful team member.
11What opportunities are available for me to take on additional responsibilities or lead projects?
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What opportunities are available for me to take on additional responsibilities or lead projects?
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Why this works
Shows you're interested in growth and leadership opportunities while demonstrating your ambition and drive to make the most of the internship.
12How does this internship prepare me for future opportunities in this field or industry?
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How does this internship prepare me for future opportunities in this field or industry?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your thinking about career progression and shows you're interested in understanding how this experience will benefit your future.
13What is the typical schedule and workload for interns, and how flexible is it?
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What is the typical schedule and workload for interns, and how flexible is it?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about work-life balance and demonstrates your interest in understanding the practical aspects of the internship.
14What opportunities are available for me to learn about different departments or areas of the company?
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What opportunities are available for me to learn about different departments or areas of the company?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your interest in gaining a broad understanding of the organization and shows you're thinking about exploring different career paths.
15How does the company support diversity and inclusion, and what initiatives are in place for interns?
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How does the company support diversity and inclusion, and what initiatives are in place for interns?
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Why this works
Shows you value diversity and inclusion while demonstrating your interest in understanding the company's commitment to these important issues.
16What is the company's approach to innovation and creativity, and how can I contribute to these efforts?
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What is the company's approach to innovation and creativity, and how can I contribute to these efforts?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your interest in innovation and shows you're thinking about how to contribute to the company's creative and innovative culture.
17What opportunities are available for me to present my work or ideas to senior leadership?
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What opportunities are available for me to present my work or ideas to senior leadership?
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Why this works
Shows you're interested in visibility and leadership exposure while demonstrating your ambition to make a meaningful impact.
18How does the company handle professional development and training for interns?
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How does the company handle professional development and training for interns?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your interest in continuous learning and shows you're thinking about how to develop your skills during the internship.
19What is the company's approach to work-life balance, and how does it support employee well-being?
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What is the company's approach to work-life balance, and how does it support employee well-being?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the importance of well-being and demonstrates your interest in working for a company that values its employees.
20What advice do you have for making the most of this internship experience?
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What advice do you have for making the most of this internship experience?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your interest in learning from their experience and shows you're thinking about how to maximize the value of the internship.
Best Practices for Internship Conversations
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Research the Company and Role
Before the conversation, research the company, its mission, and the specific internship role. This will help you ask informed questions and show you're genuinely interested.
Show Enthusiasm and Interest
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the opportunity and your interest in learning and growing. This shows you're motivated and committed to making the most of the internship.
Ask About Growth Opportunities
Show you're thinking about your professional development and how the internship will help you grow and advance in your career.
Question Sequences
The Learning-Focused Sequence
The Growth-Focused Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Ask About Compensation First
Focus on the learning opportunities, responsibilities, and growth potential before asking about compensation. This shows you're primarily interested in the experience.
Don't Ask Questions You Could Answer with Research
Avoid asking basic questions about the company that you could easily find on their website or through other research. This shows you haven't prepared adequately.
Don't Focus Only on Your Own Needs
While it's important to understand the internship and opportunities, make sure your questions also demonstrate your interest in contributing to the company's success.