You finally landed your dream internship. But now that you’re a few weeks in, it’s not what you pictured. Maybe you’re doing more coffee runs than communications plans, or the “hands-on” experience turned out to mean “hands on a spreadsheet all day.”
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and you’re not stuck.
Let’s talk through this:
1. Reframe the Situation
Before you write it off completely, take a step back. Ask yourself: What did I expect to be doing? What am I actually learning right now? Are there transferable skills I might be overlooking (like organization, communication, or adaptability)? Even if it’s not glamorous, you might still be building habits that will help you long-term. Reliability, time management, and professionalism are traits every team values.
2. Communicate (Professionally)
It’s okay to speak up. Schedule a short meeting with your supervisor or mentor. Try something like: “I’d love to take on a few more projects that align with my career goals. Is there a way I could help with [specific task or area]?” Most supervisors appreciate interns who take initiative, as long as it’s framed as wanting to learn and contribute, not complaining.
3. Create Your Own Opportunities
If you’re not getting the experiences you hoped for, look for ways to create them. Ask to shadow another department. Volunteer to help on a game day, marketing campaign, or event. Offer to research a new idea or manage a small project start to finish. Sometimes the best internship experiences aren’t assigned, they’re built by you.
4. Keep a Growth Mindset
Not every internship will be your “dream.” Some will teach you what you don’t want to do, and that’s valuable too. Write down what you’ve learned, what you liked, and what you’d change. These reflections can guide your next steps and make your future interviews stronger. You might just be saving your own career here by avoiding pathways that would have left you unhappy or unfulfilled.
5. Stay Professional Until the End
Even if the internship wasn’t ideal, finish strong. Future references matter, and your professionalism will be remembered. Send thank-you notes, connect on LinkedIn, and stay in touch with anyone who made a positive impact, even if the experience didn’t.
