Top 10 Intern Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Internships are one of the most valuable stepping stones between college and your career. They give you real-world experience, industry exposure, and in some cases, a shot at a full-time offer. Today, we’re going to cover some of the most common intern mistakes, and how you can avoid making them. Let’s begin.

Showing Up Late or Logging in Late

Kicking off the list is a pretty obvious mistake, but one that you should never make. Whether you’re in-person or remote, showing up five minutes late (consistently) sends the message that you’re not fully invested. It might seem like a small slip, but punctuality is one of the first things managers notice.

The best course of action is to be early. For in-person roles, plan ahead for traffic or transit delays. For remote internships, log in 10 minutes before meetings and check your setup to make sure everything is in working order. In other words, build in a cushion for yourself so punctuality becomes your default, not your goal.

Acting Like “Just the Intern”

It’s easy to fade into the background during meetings or assume you don’t have much to contribute because of your title, but staying quiet or overly deferential can hold you back from getting noticed, or worse yet, scoring a full-time job if the pathway exists.

Of course, you’re not expected to know everything, but you are expected to be engaged. Ask thoughtful questions, volunteer for projects, and show curiosity. Interns who act like team members, without overstepping, get noticed.

Not Asking Questions (or Asking Too Many at the Wrong Time)

Some interns are afraid to ask for help and end up stuck. Others flood their managers with questions that could be answered with a little research.

The goal here is to strike a nice balance. When something’s unclear, research first, then ask. Keep a running list of questions to bring up during meetings and check-ins, and prioritize the ones that show critical thinking. Remember, asking good questions is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Failing to Communicate

Interns sometimes wait too long to speak up when they feel overwhelmed, behind on a task, or confused about a deadline. That silence can lead to missed expectations and even strained relationships.

It’s always best to be transparent. If you’re juggling multiple or competing tasks, ask for some help prioritizing them. If you’re stuck, let your supervisor know. The sooner you communicate, the more time they have to help you succeed.

Overlooking the Importance of Professionalism

Interns may occasionally treat work like school—checking their phones mid-meeting, replying casually over email, or dressing too informally. These behaviors will not go unnoticed.

Do your best to match the tone of your workplace. Use professional email etiquette, prepare before meetings, and dress in line with company norms, even when on Zoom calls. The key is to show that you take your role seriously, even if it’s temporary.

Not Taking Initiative

Some interns wait to be told what to do, but managers often have limited time and if you’re not actively looking for ways to help, you might miss out on meaningful projects.

When you complete a task, don’t try to sneak away. Ask your manager or a team member if there’s anything else you can help with. The bottom line is, be proactive about finding opportunities to contribute.

Forgetting to Network

Interns might focus so much on doing the work that they forget to build relationships. Remember, who you meet during your internship can be just as valuable as what you do.

Set a goal to connect with people outside of your immediate team. For example, you might take some time to introduce yourself to a product manager or an analyst. Being curious about other departments can help you discover new interests or open doors later on.

Not Asking for Feedback

Many interns assume that “no news is good news,” but waiting until your final review to hear how you’re doing is a missed opportunity.

During your internship, ask for feedback regularly. After a project wraps up, try asking: “Is there anything I could have done differently or improved upon?” Managers appreciate interns who are coachable, as it demonstrates that you have the potential for growth.

Overpromising and Underdelivering

In an effort to make a big splash, some interns may take on more than they can handle and end up missing deadlines or turning in subpar work. It’s important to know your limits so you don’t bite off more than you can chew.

Instead, a good tactic is to underpromise and overdeliver. Along with this, be honest about what you can complete and by when. It’s okay to stretch, but always make sure to communicate your bandwidth clearly and prioritize delivering quality work.

Leaving Without a Plan

Interns sometimes finish their program without asking about next steps, or how to stay in touch with the company. Before your internship ends, ask for a final meeting with your supervisor. Express your interest in future roles, request a recommendation if appropriate, and follow up with a thank-you note.

Lastly, reach out to colleagues and connect with them on LinkedIn. If you’re looking for more networking tips, you can check out our previous advice here. The bottom line is, your internship should be the start of your network, not the end of it.

Think of your internship as more than just a short-term role. It’s a chance to develop valuable skills, build your reputation, and start defining your professional identity. Avoiding mistakes doesn’t mean being perfect; it means being proactive, thoughtful, and open to growth. Remember, the habits you form now will follow you into your first full-time job and beyond, so make sure you form some good ones.

Rob Porter is an editor at Vault.