Questions to Ask an Internship Interview
Strategic questions that help you understand the internship opportunity, demonstrate your enthusiasm, and assess whether it aligns with your learning goals.
1What will my main responsibilities be during this internship?
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What will my main responsibilities be during this internship?
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Why this works
Understanding your responsibilities helps you assess whether the internship aligns with your learning goals and provides the experience you're seeking.
2What projects will I be working on and what will I learn from them?
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What projects will I be working on and what will I learn from them?
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Why this works
Learning about specific projects helps you understand the practical experience you'll gain and how it will contribute to your skill development.
3How will I be supervised and who will I be working with?
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How will I be supervised and who will I be working with?
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Why this works
Understanding supervision helps you know what support and guidance you'll receive, which is crucial for a successful internship experience.
4What opportunities are there for networking and professional development?
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What opportunities are there for networking and professional development?
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Why this works
Understanding networking opportunities helps you assess whether the internship will help you build valuable professional relationships and connections.
5What's the company culture like for interns?
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What's the company culture like for interns?
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Why this works
Understanding the company culture helps you assess whether the work environment aligns with your values and learning preferences.
6What skills will I develop during this internship?
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What skills will I develop during this internship?
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Why this works
Understanding skill development opportunities helps you assess whether the internship will provide the learning and growth you're seeking.
7How do you measure success for interns?
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How do you measure success for interns?
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Why this works
Understanding success metrics helps you know what's expected of you and how your contributions will be evaluated during the internship.
8What's the typical schedule and workload for interns?
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What's the typical schedule and workload for interns?
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Why this works
Understanding scheduling and workload helps you assess whether the internship fits with your schedule and capacity.
9What opportunities are there for feedback and learning?
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What opportunities are there for feedback and learning?
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Why this works
Understanding feedback opportunities helps you assess whether the internship will provide the learning and development support you need.
10What's the company's approach to diversity and inclusion for interns?
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What's the company's approach to diversity and inclusion for interns?
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Why this works
Understanding diversity and inclusion approaches helps you assess whether the company values these important aspects of workplace culture.
11What's the most challenging aspect of this internship?
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What's the most challenging aspect of this internship?
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Why this works
Understanding challenges helps you assess whether you're prepared to handle them and whether they align with your learning goals.
12What's the most rewarding aspect of this internship?
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What's the most rewarding aspect of this internship?
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Why this works
Understanding rewards helps you assess whether the internship offers the fulfillment and learning opportunities you're seeking.
13How does this internship prepare students for future careers?
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How does this internship prepare students for future careers?
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Why this works
Understanding career preparation helps you assess whether the internship will benefit your long-term professional goals and development.
14What resources and tools will I have access to?
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What resources and tools will I have access to?
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Why this works
Understanding available resources helps you assess whether you'll have the support and tools you need to succeed in the internship.
15What's the company's approach to innovation and staying current?
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What's the company's approach to innovation and staying current?
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Why this works
Understanding innovation approaches helps you assess whether the company values staying current and adapting to change.
16How do you handle the transition from student to intern?
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How do you handle the transition from student to intern?
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Why this works
Understanding the transition process helps you assess whether the company provides adequate support for new interns.
17What's the company's approach to work-life balance for interns?
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What's the company's approach to work-life balance for interns?
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Why this works
Understanding work-life balance approaches helps you assess whether the company supports your personal and professional well-being.
18What's the company's approach to mentorship and guidance?
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What's the company's approach to mentorship and guidance?
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Why this works
Understanding mentorship approaches helps you assess whether the company provides the guidance and support you need for professional development.
19What's the company's approach to teamwork and collaboration?
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What's the company's approach to teamwork and collaboration?
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Why this works
Understanding teamwork approaches helps you assess whether the company values collaboration and how you'll work with others.
20What are the next steps in the internship process and when can I expect a decision?
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What are the next steps in the internship process and when can I expect a decision?
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Why this works
Understanding the process helps you know what to expect and how to prepare for the next steps in the internship application process.
Excelling in Internship Interviews
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Show Enthusiasm for Learning
Demonstrate genuine interest in learning and developing new skills. Show that you're excited about the opportunity to gain hands-on experience.
Ask About Learning Opportunities
Focus on questions that help you understand the learning and development opportunities available. Show that you're interested in growing and developing.
Express Your Goals and Interests
Share your academic and career goals and how they align with the internship. Show how you plan to contribute to the organization.
Question Sequences
The Role Understanding Sequence
The Learning and Development Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Focus Only on Compensation
While compensation is important, focus on learning opportunities, skill development, and the value of the experience rather than just pay.
Don't Ignore the Learning Aspect
Remember that internships are primarily about learning and gaining experience. Ask questions that help you understand the educational value.
Don't Skip Questions About Culture
Ask about company culture, values, and work environment. This helps you understand whether the organization is a good fit for you.