What do you do if you're facing obstacles during your internship?

"The art of communication is the language of leadership." - James Humes 🌟 Fuzzy instructions? Get clear! Asking questions shows not weakness, but a drive to excel. 🧐💡 Clearing up confusion = the fast track to success. Who else has turned a 🤷♂️ moment into an 🙌 opportunity? Let’s share how clarity changed the game!

When confronted with unclear instructions or goals, it's best to seek clarity. Don't hesitate to ask questions or request more specific guidance from your supervisor or colleagues. Understand that asking for help isn't a sign of weakness but a mark of your dedication to performing your job effectively. Clear communication can often clear up any confusion and ensure you're on the correct path.

If you are doing an internship, is usually because you are learning a new trade and often are at the beginning of your career in a field. My students find it reassuring to ask their supervisor/manager for a quiet moment to sit down and review with the following: 1. explain that you are trying to do a good job and learn and therefore you would appreciate honest practical feedback that will allow you to become a stronger member of the team 2. ask what the manager considers to be your strengths and where you need to improve. 3. come up with specific actions that are clear and implementable 4. ask for specific responsibilities which you would like to learn, so you can continue learning. 5. agree on a time to sit down again and re-evaluate

Encountering obstacles during an internship is common but overcoming them is pivotal for growth. Seek guidance from mentors or supervisors, demonstrating proactive problem-solving skills. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and develop new skills. Network with peers and seek support from colleagues to gain diverse perspectives. Stay resilient and adaptable, leveraging setbacks as stepping stones toward personal and professional advancement.

To add to seek clarification, Google (or other search engines) are your friend. Do not be afraid to find information on your own and cross reference it with those around you who know your business or skill set.

You never know when you will meet people again and in which situation, so start by always being respectful to others. Show an interest, not only on your direct colleagues and superiors, but all other employees in the company. Every position in the company is important (otherwise it would not exist) and we all like to tell our story and feel important/recognized. If you show an interest in other people's roles and work experiences, you will create a positive work environment and you will find a stronger support network when challenges arise. Moreover, by learning about other's responsibilities, and how those impact your position/department, you will be able to do a better job by seeing the "bigger picture".

When obstacles arise in your internship, prioritize building relationships. Connect with colleagues and mentors who can offer support and guidance. Collaborate on solutions, leveraging diverse perspectives to overcome challenges. Cultivate a network that fosters learning and growth, as relationships built during your internship can open doors to future opportunities and provide invaluable support throughout your career journey.

Find mentors who can share with you intangible knowledge, such as the organization’s history or the unwritten rules. It doesn’t have to be a supervisor. Don’t ignore the power of connections! People can offer a better perspective and provide great advice on how to stand out during the internship.

Amid internship obstacles, master time management. Prioritize tasks, allocate time effectively, and set achievable goals. Seek guidance when needed. Efficient time management empowers you to tackle challenges, learn, and excel, ensuring a rewarding internship experience.

Embrace feedback! It doesn’t matter how it is delivered. You can always improve and learn something new. Feedback is not an attack. It is getting more information about how you can improve. If you receive it in a positive way, be grateful. If you receive it in a negative way, focus on the recommendations and implement them as much as you can.

When facing obstacles during your internship, view them as stepping stones to growth. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and develop new skills. Seek guidance from mentors or supervisors, leveraging their expertise to navigate hurdles effectively. Stay resilient, maintain a positive attitude, and remember that overcoming obstacles builds resilience and character, setting you apart as a valuable asset in your career journey.