FAQs for Interns

An internship is a temporary work experience arrangement in which students or recent graduates engage in on-the-job training or work. The internship is completed within an organisation for a defined period and is designed to give students practical experience in a specific field or industry. Interns are expected to gain apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.

By registering with Intern Circle, you will be registering your interest in an internship. Once you have told us about your area of professional and career interest, we will begin the process of matching you with a suitable host company.

Internships play a crucial role in bridging the gap between education and the professional world, setting the stage for successful careers. Internships offer numerous benefits for students seeking to kickstart their careers or gain valuable experience in a specific field. The advantages of doing an internship include gaining hands-on experience, resume building, developing skills, being exposed to networking opportunities, and gaining career clarity. An internship also allows students to "test-drive" a career without a long-term commitment, helping them confirm whether it's the right path for them.

The interview process for an internship can vary depending on the company, the industry, and the specific internship role. However, it generally follows a structure similar to all job interviews. You can expect a mix of questions which assess your past experiences and technical questions relevant to the internship. Examples of common questions include: "Tell me about a time you faced a challenging situation and how you resolved it." "Why do you want to intern with our company?" "What skills or experiences make you a good fit for this internship?” Remember to prepare thoroughly for the interview by researching the company, practicing your responses to common interview questions, and tailoring your answers to demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with the internship requirements. Dress professionally, even for video interviews, and be punctual. Finally, be yourself and showcase your enthusiasm for the internship opportunity.

Our standard internships are for a period of 8-weeks. However, where there is a requirement on the part of the intern or host company to increase or decrease the length of the internship, this will be discussed and agreed in advance.

Internships may be paid or unpaid, and compensation can vary significantly based on factors like the organisation's policies, location, and industry.

The appropriate dress code for your internship can vary depending on the culture of the organisation, industry, and specific role. It's essential to make a good impression by dressing professionally and adhering to the organisation’s expectations. Before starting your internship, ask your mentor at your host organisation about the dress code. Pay attention to grooming and personal hygiene. Maintain a neat appearance by wearing clean and well-pressed clothes. Remember that it's crucial to adapt your attire to your specific internship's expectations. Dressing appropriately demonstrates your professionalism and respect for the workplace, and it can contribute to your overall success during your internship.

The expected work schedule for an internship can vary significantly depending on the industry, company, and specific internship program. A full-time internship typically involves working 40hours per week, just like a regular full-time job. This may be structured as a traditional 9-to-5 schedule, Monday to Friday. Part-time internships involve working fewer hours per week, typically ranging from 10 to 30 hours. The schedule can be flexible, depending on the intern's availability and the company's needs.With the rise of remote work and flexible work arrangements, some internships offer flexibility in terms of when and where the work is performed. Flexible internships may allow interns to set their own schedules within certain parameters or to work remotely. Regular check-ins and communication with supervisors are essential in flexible or remote internships.

Expectations for performance and professionalism as an intern are essential components of a successful internship experience. To excel as an intern, you must be punctual, dress professionally, be enthusiastic and show a professional attitude, and communicate well with your co-workers. You should also demonstrate initiative by seeking opportunities to take on additional responsibilities, contribute innovative ideas, and add value to the organisation.

The specific tasks and projects you can expect to work on during your internship will depend on the needs of the host company. However, internships are designed to provide practical, hands-on experience in your chosen field. Just a few of the common tasks and projects include Research and Analysis, Administrative Tasks, Project Assistance, Content Creation andCustomer Service and Support. Interns may also be asked to assist with Technical or IT Support,Sales and Marketing, Event Planning and Data Entry and Analysis.Keep in mind that the tasks and projects you work on during your internship will align with your role, the organisation's needs, and your specific goals for the internship. It's essential to have open communication with your mentor to clarify your responsibilities and expectations. Additionally, be proactive in seeking opportunities to learn and contribute to the organisation.

Making the most of your internship and standing out as an intern involves a combination of hard work, a positive attitude, and a proactive approach. You can excel during your internship by setting clear goals, demonstrating enthusiasm, taking the initiative and communicating effectively. You should also try to network with your co-workers and seek LearningOpportunities.By following these guidelines and actively engaging in your internship, you'll not only make the most of the experience but also leave a lasting positive impression on your colleagues and supervisors. This can lead to strong references and potential future job opportunities.

Encountering challenges or issues during your internship is common and provides anopportunity for growth and learning. How you handle these challenges can make a significantimpact on your overall internship experience. Maintain a positive attitude and approach challenges with a calm, constructive mindset. Apositive outlook can help you navigate difficulties more effectively. If you're unsure about howto handle a situation or task, don't hesitate to ask for guidance from your supervisor orcolleagues. They are there to support you. If you're facing issues related to your workload, expectations, or team dynamics, have an open and respectful conversation with your supervisor. Discuss your concerns and seek solutions together.

Yes, you will receive feedback and evaluations during your internship. The purpose of feedback and evaluations is to help you understand your performance, identify areas for improvement, and provide you with an opportunity for professional development. Where your university has requested Intern Circle to provide Performance Metrics, Intern Circle will provide assessments and specific key performance indicators (KPIs) that are used to evaluate your work. These metrics can be used to assess your contributions to the organisation. It's important to approach feedback and evaluations with an open and receptive mindset. Use the feedback as an opportunity for growth and improvement. If you receive constructive criticism, take it as a chance to enhance your skills and capabilities. Additionally, if you have specific questions about the evaluation process or would like more frequent feedback, don't hesitate to communicate with your supervisor. They will appreciate your proactive approach to your professional development.

Although host companies are under no obligation to provide interns with a full-time job, your internship can certainly lead to a full-time position with the company. In fact, many organisations use internships asa talent pipeline to identify and hire potential full-time employees.