Internships—paid or unpaid—are learning experiences. If you’ve ever worked in any environment where interns are present, it is easy to associate the title with college students. The truth is you can intern at any age—and gain experience required to take you to the next level.
No matter the company you choose to intern for, companies will ask some of the same basic questions. Those are important, but it’s possible that you’ll also be asked questions about your personality, your character and your interactions with fellow students of colleagues. Here are ten unique questions to get you thinking in such a mindset.
Q: What do you hope to learn from this internship—outside of marketable skills?
A: This question is another take on the ever-typical interview question of “what are your weaknesses”—and don’t worry because everyone has weaknesses. As someone who tends to work better on her own, I could answer this question by indicating that I hope to learn to handle group dynamics effectively—which is a great segue to the next question.
Q: How have you handled group projects and circumstances?
A: Describe your role in a previous group project—even if you were not the leader of the group who assigned tasks. Did you create the slide deck? Take notes? Compile a poster board filled with information? If you did your part—and more—by all means talk about it. And, of course, if you usually play the role of group leader—don’t be shy about that fact, but be humble.
Q: How do you defy negative millennial stereotypes?
A: Unfortunately, they’re out there—the notions that millennials are lazy, unmotivated, without jobs and care only about social media—and nothing else. Tell your interviewer about that summer job you’ve worked since your early high school years (and were invited back to for several consecutive summers), any volunteer activities you’ve participated in and the fact that you have learned how to do your own taxes.
Q: What did you learn/have you learned (so far–if applicable) in college—outside of curriculum?
A: Definitely discuss “life skills”—including living with other people, which made you amenable to a collaborative environment, and “study skills”—such as time management and critical reading and writing and effective note taking. All of these skills are essential to any internship environment.
Q: What are your core values?
A: Believe it or not, there is nothing wrong with discussing your values with a potential employer or internship supervisor. It will show your courage and ability to speak eloquently. Honesty, integrity and reliability can sound like pat answers—but if you can back them up with compelling accounts of how you put those values into actions, by all means bring them into the conversation. In addition, don’t be afraid to mention values that are unique to you, and aren’t necessarily summed up in one word.
Q: How do you feel about completing menial tasks?
A: A bit obvious, especially for an internship interview—but stress that you will complete any tasks necessary to complete the job—however menial. Make known that you understand that everyone has to start at the bottom—and you are not excluded from that manner of thinking. Don’t be afraid to be humble when answering this question—and don’t give off the vibe that you are “above” clerical duties.
Q: How do you relate to your elders and respond to authority?
A: As an intern, you will be taking a great deal of direction from a supervisor. Start at a personal, obvious place by highlighting positive relationships with older family members (parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles)—and tell a story of an instance in which you took said family member’s advice. As an “old millennial” and an only child, I know that I relate to elders well just by not shying away from conversation outside of the millennial age group.
Q: Describe an instance in which you needed to utilize organizational skills.
A: Organization is always a plus for interns—as you’ll most likely be immersed in filing as well as data entry—and if you’re smart, you’ll be learning your craft and taking notes. Your organizational skills definitely came into play over the course of your undergraduate career, but if you’ve ever planned an event of any kind, tell the story of your detailed to-do lists and strong delegation.
Q: Describe an instance in which you chose your responsibilities over fun.
A: Over the course of your undergraduate career, it is possible that you were presented with instances in which both choices were available. There were probably times that you chose fun—but there were also times when you recognized the need to buckle down and focus. Your interview will be impressed with your knowing how to prioritize—but also how to maintain a work-life balance.
Q: If you were handed unlimited funds—with no strings attached—how would you allocate them?
A: Your answer to this question can potentially reveal a great deal about your character. Be sure that your answer demonstrates the character of someone who thinks of others.
Choose one—or all (up to you)—of these questions to focus on during your interview preparation. Make certain that you have a good mix of personal stories and impartial facts to lend to your answers.
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