20 Questions

Questions to Ask Interviewer for Internship

Strategic questions to ask during an internship interview to demonstrate your interest, understand the role, and make a strong impression on potential employers.

1

What would a typical day look like for an intern in this role?

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Why this works

Understanding the daily responsibilities helps you know what to expect and whether the role aligns with your interests.

2

What are the main projects or tasks I would be working on?

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Why this works

Learning about specific projects helps you understand the scope of work and what you'll be contributing to.

3

What skills or knowledge do you hope an intern would gain from this experience?

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Why this works

Understanding the learning objectives helps you see what you can gain and how to prepare for the role.

4

Who would I be working with most closely, and what is the team structure like?

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Why this works

Learning about the team helps you understand who you'll collaborate with and how the organization is structured.

5

What opportunities are there for mentorship and professional development?

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Why this works

Understanding development opportunities helps you see how the internship can advance your career goals.

6

How do you measure success for interns in this role?

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Why this works

Learning about success metrics helps you understand expectations and how to excel in the position.

7

What are the biggest challenges interns typically face in this role?

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Why this works

Understanding common challenges helps you prepare for potential difficulties and know what to expect.

8

What resources and tools will be available to help me succeed?

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Why this works

Learning about available resources helps you understand what support you'll have and how to make the most of the experience.

9

How do you provide feedback to interns, and how often?

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Why this works

Understanding feedback processes helps you know how you'll receive guidance and improve your performance.

10

What are the opportunities for networking and building professional relationships?

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Why this works

Learning about networking opportunities helps you understand how to build connections and advance your career.

11

What are the company's values and how do they impact the work environment?

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Why this works

Understanding company values helps you see if the culture aligns with your own values and work style.

12

What are the biggest opportunities for growth and learning in this role?

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Why this works

Learning about growth opportunities helps you understand how the internship can advance your skills and career.

13

How do you help interns transition from academic to professional work?

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Why this works

Understanding transition support helps you see how they help students adapt to the professional environment.

14

What are the expectations for communication and collaboration?

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Why this works

Learning about communication expectations helps you understand how to work effectively with the team.

15

What are the opportunities for interns to contribute to meaningful projects?

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Why this works

Understanding contribution opportunities helps you see how you can make a real impact and gain valuable experience.

16

How do you handle conflicts or challenges that arise during the internship?

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Why this works

Learning about conflict resolution helps you understand how they support interns when difficulties arise.

17

What are the biggest opportunities for interns to learn from experienced professionals?

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Why this works

Understanding learning opportunities helps you see how you can gain insights from experienced team members.

18

How do you help interns develop their professional skills and competencies?

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Why this works

Learning about skill development helps you understand how the internship can advance your professional capabilities.

19

What are the opportunities for interns to explore different areas of the business?

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Why this works

Understanding exploration opportunities helps you see how you can learn about different aspects of the organization.

20

What questions do you have about my background and how I might contribute to your team?

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Why this works

Shows their interest in you and gives you insight into what they're looking for in an intern.

Making the Most of Your Internship Interview

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

Preparing for Your Internship Interview

Research the Company

Learn about the company's mission, values, recent news, and culture to ask informed questions.

Understand the Role

Study the internship description and requirements to ask questions that show you understand the position.

Prepare Your Questions

Write down your questions beforehand and practice asking them naturally in conversation.

Key Areas to Explore

Role and Responsibilities

Daily tasks and projects
Team structure and collaboration
Success metrics and expectations
Available resources and support

Learning and Development

Mentorship opportunities
Professional development
Skill building and growth
Feedback and guidance

Company Culture

Values and mission
Work environment
Communication styles
Networking opportunities

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Don't Focus Only on What You'll Gain

Show interest in how you can contribute to the team and organization, not just what you'll learn.

Avoid Generic Questions

Ask specific questions that show you've researched the company and understand the role.

Don't Ignore the Learning Opportunities

Make sure the internship offers real learning opportunities, not just busy work or menial tasks.

Find Your Perfect Questions

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