20 Questions

Good Questions to Ask Interviewer for Internship

Strategic questions to ask internship interviewers that demonstrate your interest in the role, understanding of the company, and commitment to making the most of your internship experience.

1

What will my day-to-day responsibilities be, and what projects will I be working on during this internship?

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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.

2

What skills and knowledge do you hope I'll gain from this internship, and how will my success be measured?

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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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.

6

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.

7

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.

8

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.

9

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.

10

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.

11

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.

12

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.

13

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.

14

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.

15

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.

16

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.

17

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.

18

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.

19

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.

20

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 Interview Questions

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Best Practices

Research the Company and Role

Before the interview, 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

1
Start with: "What will my day-to-day responsibilities be, and what projects will I be working on during this internship?"
2
Follow with: "What skills and knowledge do you hope I'll gain from this internship, and how will my success be measured?"
3
Deepen with: "What feedback and evaluation processes are in place, and how often will I receive feedback?"

The Growth-Focused Sequence

1
Start with: "What opportunities are available for networking and professional development during the internship?"
2
Follow with: "What opportunities are available for me to take on additional responsibilities or lead projects?"
3
Deepen with: "How does this internship prepare me for future opportunities in this field or industry?"

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.

Conversation Templates

The Learning Seeker

1
Step 1: Start with: "What will my day-to-day responsibilities be, and what projects will I be working on during this internship?"
2
Step 2: Follow with: "What skills and knowledge do you hope I'll gain from this internship, and how will my success be measured?"
3
Step 3: Deepen with: "What feedback and evaluation processes are in place, and how often will I receive feedback?"

The Growth Builder

1
Step 1: Start with: "What opportunities are available for networking and professional development during the internship?"
2
Step 2: Follow with: "What opportunities are available for me to take on additional responsibilities or lead projects?"
3
Step 3: Deepen with: "How does this internship prepare me for future opportunities in this field or industry?"

Further Reading

"The Art of Conversation" by Catherine Blyth
"How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie
"The Charisma Myth" by Olivia Fox Cabane
"Never Split the Difference" by Chris Voss

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