66 Questions To Ask During An Internship Interview

Securing an internship is a crucial step in your career journey. It’s important to use your interview not just to showcase your skills but also to gather information that will help you make an informed decision. Asking the right questions during an internship interview can provide you with insights into the role, the company culture, and what to expect during your internship. Below, we’ve categorized 66 essential questions into clusters to help you prepare effectively.

Questions To Understand Internship Responsibilities And Expectations

Understanding what will be expected of you during the internship is key to ensuring you are prepared and able to meet the role’s demands. These questions will clarify your responsibilities and the skills you need to succeed.

1. What are the primary tasks assigned to this internship role?
2. Can you describe a typical day for an intern here?
3. How will my work be evaluated during the internship?
4. What skills should I develop to excel in this role?
5. Will I be working on individual tasks or as part of a team?
6. Are there any specific projects I’ll be expected to contribute to?
7. How will my performance be measured and reviewed?
8. What kind of challenges should I expect in this role?
9. How do you ensure that interns are given meaningful work?

Context: It’s important to grasp the responsibilities you’ll undertake during your internship. These questions help you understand what the company expects from you and whether you possess or need to develop the necessary skills for the role.

Questions To Explore Company Culture And Values

The culture of a company can significantly impact your experience as an intern. These questions aim to give you insight into the organization’s environment, values, and how they treat interns.

10. How would you describe the company culture?
11. What values are most important to your organization?
12. How do you promote diversity and inclusion here?
13. How does the company support employee well-being and work-life balance?
14. How do interns typically integrate with full-time employees?
15. What are some of the unique traditions or rituals within the company?
16. Can you provide examples of how the company lives out its values?
17. How does the company handle conflict resolution among employees?
18. How does management communicate with the rest of the team?

Context: Understanding the company’s culture and values is essential to ensuring that you’ll feel comfortable and aligned with their way of working. These questions will help you determine if the environment is one where you can thrive.

Questions To Assess Internship Learning And Development Opportunities

Internships are as much about learning as they are about working. These questions will help you evaluate the potential for growth and the learning opportunities available during the internship.

19. What training and development opportunities will be available to me?
20. Will there be opportunities for me to attend workshops or seminars?
21. How often do interns receive feedback on their work?
22. Are there any mentorship programs for interns?
23. How does the company support ongoing learning for interns?
24. Will I have the opportunity to work with different departments?
25. Can I expect to gain hands-on experience in key areas of the business?
26. Are there opportunities to shadow full-time employees?
27. What new skills can I expect to learn during this internship?

Context: Internships should help you grow professionally. By asking about learning and development opportunities, you ensure that your time as an intern will be both productive and educational.

Questions About Career Progression And Future Opportunities

A great internship can open doors to future job opportunities. These questions focus on understanding how this internship can influence your career path and potential future within the company.

28. Are interns considered for full-time positions after their internship?
29. What qualities do you look for when promoting interns to full-time roles?
30. How does this internship prepare someone for a career in this industry?
31. What is the typical career path for someone in this role?
32. How do you support the career growth of your employees?
33. Will there be opportunities to network with other professionals in the industry?
34. How do you help interns transition to full-time roles if applicable?
35. Are there any resources available to help interns with career planning?

Context: Knowing how an internship can pave the way for your future career is crucial. These questions help you determine if the company provides a pathway for growth and long-term employment.

Questions To Clarify Team Dynamics And Collaboration

Understanding how you’ll interact with your team and other departments is crucial for a successful internship. These questions focus on team dynamics and the collaborative environment within the company.

36. How large is the team I will be working with?
37. What is the team structure, and how do they collaborate?
38. How does the team communicate on a daily basis?
39. Will I have opportunities to collaborate with other teams or departments?
40. How often does the team meet to discuss progress and challenges?
41. How are conflicts within the team typically resolved?
42. What are the most significant strengths of the team I’ll be joining?
43. How does the team celebrate successes or milestones?
44. How is the workload distributed among team members?

Context: Successful teamwork and collaboration are essential to an effective internship experience. These questions help you understand the dynamics of the team and how you will fit into the larger company structure.

Questions To Gauge Supervision And Support

Having a supportive supervisor can make or break your internship experience. These questions are designed to help you understand the level of guidance and support you can expect during your internship.

45. Who will be my direct supervisor during the internship?
46. How often will I meet with my supervisor for check-ins?
47. How accessible is my supervisor for questions or concerns?
48. What is the management style of my supervisor?
49. How does the company ensure that interns receive adequate support?
50. Will I have the opportunity to receive feedback regularly?
51. How are tasks delegated to interns by supervisors?
52. What resources will I have access to for support and guidance?

Context: A supportive supervisor ensures that you can navigate challenges and grow during your internship. These questions help clarify the level of supervision and support you’ll receive.

Questions To Understand The Company’s Impact And Industry Position

Knowing how the company fits into its industry and its broader impact can be motivating. These questions aim to give you insight into the company’s reputation, industry standing, and social impact.

53. How does the company differentiate itself in the industry?
54. How does the company contribute to the community or environment?
55. What challenges does the company currently face in the industry?
56. How has the company adapted to changes in the industry?
57. What are the company’s long-term goals?
58. How do you measure the company’s success beyond financial metrics?
59. How does the company maintain its competitive edge?
60. What industry trends are most impacting the company right now?

Context: Understanding the company’s position within its industry and its broader impact can help you align your goals with theirs. These questions provide a clearer picture of the company’s standing and future direction.

Questions About Internship Logistics And Practicalities

It’s important to understand the practical aspects of your internship, such as work hours, compensation, and location. These questions focus on logistics to help you prepare for the day-to-day realities of the internship.

61. What are the working hours for this internship?
62. Is this internship remote, in-person, or hybrid?
63. Will I receive any compensation or benefits?
64. Are there any provisions for transportation or housing?
65. How do you handle overtime or extra work?
66. What is the company’s policy on sick days or personal leave?

Context: Knowing the logistics of your internship ensures that you’re fully prepared for what lies ahead. These questions help you get a complete understanding of the practical aspects that will affect your daily life.

Conclusion

Asking the right questions during an internship interview is essential to ensure that the opportunity aligns with your career goals and personal needs. By categorizing and addressing key areas such as responsibilities, company culture, career growth, and logistical details, you can make a well-informed decision. Remember, an internship is a two-way street: it’s not just about what you can do for the company but also what the company can do for you.