Lesson 2 stages of an internship

1. Stages of an
Internship

2. 2
Why learn about the stages?
“As I read through the stages, I was comforted in
knowing that I was not the only one experiencing all the
various emotions. Knowing that others have felt the
same way calmed my fears a bit to know that what I was
experiencing was “normal.” The focus has been for me
to normalize my feelings and allow the process to
happen” (Sweitzer & King 2004, 50).

3. 3
STAGES 1-2 CONCERNS TASKS
Anticipation • High motivation, motivation,
and idealistic expectations.
• Self-doubt: Can I do this? Am I
qualified? Will I fit in to the
work environment?
• Examine assumptions and
acknowledge concerns.
• Review company
information and job
description.
• Review your short and
long-term goals to refocus
and build confidence.
Disillusionment • Learning curve, unexpected
emotions (frustration, anger,
confusion, panic).
• New opportunities and
adjusting expectations.
• Development of routine may
vary from what was expected.
• Work may not be as exciting
or challenging as expected.
• Alternatively, work may be
more challenging than
expected
• Build relationships with
colleagues and managers.
• Identify revised SMART
goals.
• Reflect on skills and
strategies for time
management, dealing with
setbacks, and managing
managers.

4. 4
STAGES 3-4 CONCERNS TASKS
Competence • Achieve independence
• Gain confidence
• Experience effectiveness
• Increased learning and
productivity on site as
becomes more confident,
self-aware, and connected
to the work group.
• Reassess goals and
expectations
• Reassess support systems
• Develop specific strategies
• Continue to seek feedback
on performance
• Identify feelings of
achievement and success.
Culmination • Transfer of responsibilities
and saying goodbye to
colleagues.
• Completion of tasks and
managing disappointment
when leaving work that is at
a partial completion stage
• Endings and closure.
• Take stock of what you have
accomplished, request a
letter of recommendation
from your mentor and move
ahead proudly.
• Maintain contacts with
colleagues (email, phone,
LinkedIn). Plan for next
steps.

5. 5
Template: Stages of an Internship Action
Plan
STAGE CHALLENGE ACTION
Anticipation • What if I am not prepared?
• What if I make mistakes?
• Review job/project description
• Acknowledge mistakes and work
on solutions.
Disillusionment • Why is this internship not
what I expected?
• Why can’t I talk with my
supervisor at any time?
• Assess work environment and
negotiate realistic goals and
objectives.
• Realize time is valuable and the
importance of planned meetings
for communication.
Competence • What skills have I
mastered?
• What challenges still exist?
• How do I define job
success and satisfaction?
• Identify skills gained.
• Identify accomplishments.
• Identify challenges and
brainstorm solutions.
Culmination • Incomplete projects • Identify strategies for
continuation with team and
managers.
• Manage next steps in
professional trajectory.