Questions to Ask During an Internship Interview
Smart questions that show your enthusiasm, help you evaluate the opportunity, and demonstrate your professional maturity.
1What does a typical day look like for an intern in this role?
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What does a typical day look like for an intern in this role?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking practically about the experience and helps you understand the actual work you'll be doing.
2What projects or responsibilities would I be working on?
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What projects or responsibilities would I be working on?
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Why this works
Demonstrates genuine interest in contributing meaningfully and helps you assess if the work aligns with your goals.
3How do you measure success for interns in this program?
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How do you measure success for interns in this program?
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Why this works
Shows you're results-oriented and want to understand expectations so you can excel in the role.
4What learning opportunities and mentorship are available?
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What learning opportunities and mentorship are available?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your growth mindset and shows you value professional development beyond just completing tasks.
5What has been the most rewarding aspect of working here for you?
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What has been the most rewarding aspect of working here for you?
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Why this works
Gives insight into company culture and allows the interviewer to share positive experiences, creating a more personal connection.
6How does this internship program prepare students for full-time roles?
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How does this internship program prepare students for full-time roles?
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Why this works
Shows long-term thinking and helps you understand the career development path this internship offers.
7What challenges do interns typically face, and how do you support them?
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What challenges do interns typically face, and how do you support them?
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Why this works
Demonstrates realistic expectations and shows you're prepared to handle difficulties while learning.
8What skills or experiences are you hoping an intern will bring to the team?
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What skills or experiences are you hoping an intern will bring to the team?
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Why this works
Helps you understand what they value and allows you to highlight relevant strengths you might have missed.
9How do you provide feedback to interns throughout the program?
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How do you provide feedback to interns throughout the program?
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Why this works
Shows you value growth and improvement, and helps you understand how you'll receive guidance.
10What opportunities are there to collaborate with other departments or teams?
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What opportunities are there to collaborate with other departments or teams?
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Why this works
Demonstrates interest in understanding the broader organization and building diverse professional relationships.
11How has this internship program evolved over the years?
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How has this internship program evolved over the years?
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Why this works
Shows interest in the program's development and gives insight into how the company invests in student development.
12What do you enjoy most about working with interns?
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What do you enjoy most about working with interns?
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Why this works
Creates a positive, personal connection and gives insight into what makes the internship experience special for the team.
13Are there opportunities for interns to present their work or findings?
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Are there opportunities for interns to present their work or findings?
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Why this works
Shows you're interested in making meaningful contributions and demonstrates confidence in your abilities.
14What resources or tools will I have access to for my projects?
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What resources or tools will I have access to for my projects?
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Why this works
Demonstrates practical thinking about execution and shows you want to be equipped for success.
15How do you balance giving interns meaningful work with their learning curve?
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How do you balance giving interns meaningful work with their learning curve?
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Why this works
Shows understanding of the learning process and demonstrates you want to contribute while growing.
16What networking opportunities are available within the company?
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What networking opportunities are available within the company?
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Why this works
Demonstrates understanding of the value of professional relationships and shows you're thinking beyond just the immediate role.
17How do you ensure interns feel like valued team members?
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How do you ensure interns feel like valued team members?
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Why this works
Shows you want to be integrated into the team culture and contribute meaningfully to the organization.
18What advice would you give to someone starting this internship?
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What advice would you give to someone starting this internship?
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Why this works
Shows humility and eagerness to learn, while getting valuable insider tips for success.
19How do you handle the transition from intern to potential full-time employee?
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How do you handle the transition from intern to potential full-time employee?
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Why this works
Demonstrates long-term thinking and shows genuine interest in the company's career development opportunities.
20What makes this internship program unique compared to others in the industry?
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What makes this internship program unique compared to others in the industry?
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Why this works
Shows you've done research and helps you understand what sets this opportunity apart from competitors.
Best Practices for Internship Interviews
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Show Genuine Enthusiasm
Express authentic interest in learning and contributing. Ask about specific projects and how you can add value to the team.
Demonstrate Growth Mindset
Ask about learning opportunities, mentorship, and feedback processes. Show you're eager to develop new skills and improve.
Research the Company
Come prepared with knowledge about the company's mission, recent projects, and industry position. Reference specific details in your questions.
Question Sequences
The Learning-Focused Sequence
The Contribution Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Focus Only on Benefits
Avoid questions that sound like you're only interested in what you'll get. Balance questions about learning with questions about contributing.
Don't Ask About Salary Too Early
Focus on the experience and learning opportunities first. Salary discussions typically come later in the process.
Don't Sound Desperate
Show enthusiasm without appearing desperate. Ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.