Your First Week as an Intern: What to Do and What to Avoid

Nobody expects an intern to know everything. In your first week, people notice something simpler: whether you turn up on time, listen and try.

Before day one

Read your offer letter and check your dates, timings and what you need to bring. Set up your laptop and accounts early, so that you do not lose your first day to problems.

Take notes

Write down instructions, names and new words. Being asked the same thing twice tires a mentor out. A notebook shows that you value their time.

Ask good questions

Try for a while first, then ask with details. Compare these two:

• Weak: "It is not working."
• Better: "Saving the form gives this error. I checked the input and the database connection. What should I look at next?"

Finish small tasks well

Do a small task properly and on time before you ask for a big one. Tell your mentor early if you are stuck or late. Bad news is easier to handle when it comes early.

Mistakes to avoid

• Copying code you cannot explain
• Staying silent for days when you are stuck
• Missing a deadline without telling anyone
• Sharing company code or data outside the team

Keep a daily log

Write three lines each day: what you did, what you learned and what is pending. It will make your internship report much easier to write at the end.