In June 2021, an HBO Max intern accidentally sent out an empty template for test emails to some of the company's subscribers, leading to a viral mistake that sparked an outpouring of support from people sharing their own internship blunders. While mistakes are a natural part of the internship experience, there are certain pitfalls that interns should avoid if they hope to secure a return offer. Tyler Murphy, a career trend expert and spokesperson for Glassdoor, suggests four common mistakes for interns to steer clear of:
1. Not doing research: Some companies may not have the ability to hire interns for full-time work, so it's important for interns to ask about the potential for full-time work during the interview process and to research the company's history with hiring interns.
2. Staying in one lane: Employers want interns who are proactive and seek out opportunities to contribute beyond their assigned tasks. Interns should pitch their own ideas or offer to help with other projects.
3. Expecting work to speak for itself: In the era of remote and hybrid work, it's important for interns to communicate their work to their supervisors and stay visible. Checking in with managers and keeping them informed of your progress can help you stand out.
4. Assuming managers know what you want: Managers don't read minds, so it's important for interns to express their desire for a return offer early on and make their intentions clear. This allows the organization to evaluate your performance with an eye toward potential long-term employment.