The Intern’s Playbook for Getting the Most Out of an Internship

Isn’t it funny how quickly life changes?

Just months ago, you were attending college classes, juggling late-night study sessions, and grabbing coffee between lectures. Somewhere in that whirlwind, you realized you needed an internship and applied to as many as you could, just hoping for the chance to land one.

Then came the waiting game—refreshing your email in anticipation of an acceptance. Or, let’s be honest, maybe you completely forgot about applying until a “Congratulations!” email popped into your inbox. Before you knew it, you were gearing up for a successful internship at an accounting firm to learn the ins and outs of balancing spreadsheets, drafting reports, and mastering professional etiquette.

Internships can be challenging and rewarding and unpredictable. Every day is an opportunity to show up and get a liiittle bit better than the day before. If there’s one thing we’ve discovered from working with interns, you learn by doing, not watching!

This is also our motto when we take on a new client project, when we pick up new hobbies, or when we create a new habit. We all have so much to learn in all facets of our lives, and it feels so good to embrace growth along the way!

Of course, those feelings of self-doubt can hit… But you have to remember that you’re not an imposter, you’re simply a human doing your best with what you currently know.

So today, we want to walk you through the lessons we’ve learned from bringing on interns, and most importantly how you can get the most out of your internship experience.

Cheers to making the most of every opportunity! Let’s dive into the intern’s playbook!

1. Set Clear Goals

For a successful internship, it’s essential to define clear goals about what you want to learn/achieve/experience. Knowing your objectives from the start can make every day serve a purpose.

• Plan to master one skill that was new to you before starting the internship.
• Build confidence in presenting updates or asking questions during team meetings.
• Develop and deliver a well-researched proposal for a project idea by the end of the internship.
• Establish meaningful connections with at least three mentors and complete a portfolio-worthy project during the internship.

When you’re clear about what you want to achieve, it becomes easier to break down these goals into actionable steps. And side note: a key to getting the most out of an internship is not just what you learn, but who you meet along the way.

According to research by the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD), individuals who set goals are 65% more likely to achieve them when they share their goals with a mentor. Even more compelling, regular check-ins with a mentor increase the success rate to 95%.

This highlights how crucial accountability and support are in turning aspirations into accomplishments and why our partners value 1:1 time with our interns.

2. There’s No Dumb Questions

This isn’t just a cliche…it’s the truth. The more questions you ask, the more you understand, and the quicker you’ll grow.

No one is expecting you to be the smartest person in the room. In fact, you don’t want to be the smartest person in the room—because it means there’s no room for growth. Being surrounded by people who have more experience than you is an opportunity to learn and expand your knowledge.

Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your curiosity, your willingness to learn, and your dedication to getting things right.

And if someone dismisses your question as “dumb,” remember—it says more about their ability to foster growth than your eagerness to learn. Your desire to ask questions and learn should be celebrated, not stifled.

Every question you ask is a step closer to mastering your role, growing as a professional, and ensuring you have a successful internship experience. So ask away—your team members are there to help you succeed!

3. Build Genuine Connections

Research shows that building strong social connections at work benefits not only employee health and well-being but also directly impacts the quality and timeliness of work. Teams with strong interpersonal ties generate more innovative ideas, solve problems more effectively, and thrive in environments of open communication. High-trust teams feel psychologically safe, encouraging individuals to take risks and share their best ideas.

Being an intern in a workplace where employees have established relationships can feel intimidating, but there are many ways to integrate and build genuine connections. Start by introducing yourself to colleagues and engaging in casual conversations during breaks. Seek out opportunities to join collaborative projects where you can contribute and learn alongside others. Don’t hesitate to ask thoughtful questions or seek advice from more experienced team members; these interactions can lead to mentorships and friendships. Taking these steps not only helps you connect but also demonstrates your genuine interest and care for the company and the work they are doing, showing that you are invested in being part of the team.

When you take the initiative to connect with others, you create a sense of belonging that makes your internship more fulfilling. Feeling part of the team allows you to approach challenges with confidence and maximizes your learning experience for a successful internship.

Not only that, building genuine relationships ensures you leave a lasting impression on colleagues, setting the stage for strong professional references—or even a future job offer!

4. When the Going Gets Tough, Don’t Quit

If you want to succeed in your internship, it requires showing up, even on the tough days.

There will be moments in your internship when it feels like everything is falling apart, but those difficult days are the ones that teach you the most.

Imagine this: You’re working on an important presentation, and your manager suddenly asks for significant changes. It feels like everything you’ve put effort into has been overlooked by what you’ve done “wrong”. The temptation to quit and walk away is strong. But in these moments, it’s important to remind yourself that this is part of the growth process. It’s not about how quickly you can get everything perfect, but about how you respond to challenges. This is where you build your resilience and professionalism.

Every intern, employee, and manager has been in a similar situation—they’ve felt frustrated, overwhelmed, and close to throwing in the towel. Whether it’s struggling to understand a task that seems easy to everyone else to wondering, “How am I ever going to succeed if I can’t even get this right?” But the key is perseverance. Stay engaged, take feedback positively, and use those moments to learn and grow.

So, when the going gets tough, remember that it’s okay to feel frustrated. The important part is showing up, staying persistent, and not quitting. This mindset will not only help you have a successful internship experience but also lay the groundwork for a thriving professional future.

5. Reflect on What You’ve Learned

So many interns focus solely on completing their tasks, but then they miss out on the opportunity to reflect on their personal growth. 

Taking time to reflect and document your learnings is the key to deepening your understanding and growth throughout the internship!

To get started, ask yourself: What skills have I improved, and what skills do I still need to work on? How have my challenges shaped my approach to problem-solving? What feedback have I received, and how can I apply it moving forward?

If you are an intern committed to growth, take time each week to reflect and document your learnings—it will set you up for success in the future!

6. Request Feedback and Stay in Touch

A lot of times, we fear feedback because it can feel like a reflection of failure. 

But that couldn’t be further from the truth—constructive feedback is a goldmine for growth. It gives you a clear understanding of areas to improve and ways to refine your skills. Receiving feedback with an open mind allows you to make positive adjustments and continue progression for a successful internship.

After your internship ends, maintain contact with your colleagues and mentors. These connections can be valuable resources for guidance, job referrals, or future collaborations. 

We’ve personally loved staying in touch with our past interns because it’s rewarding to watch them grow professionally, and who knows—it could lead to a future job opportunity down the road!

Final Thoughts

As we wrap up this playbook, we want to leave you with a final thought: a successful internship is a springboard for your career. By setting clear goals, building genuine connections, and pushing through the tough moments, you’ll be better prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Whether it’s embracing feedback, stepping outside of your comfort zone, or committing to personal growth, remember that every experience—good or bad—is an opportunity for learning and improvement!

As you think about your upcoming internship, we encourage you to embrace every challenge as part of your growth journey. The relationships you build, the lessons you learn, and the experiences you collect will help shape your career path. Don’t just show up—make the most of each day!

As you consider your next steps, why not take the opportunity to apply for an internship at Meriwether? We’re always looking for driven, curious individuals to join our team and grow with us. Here, you’ll gain real-world experience, build valuable connections, and learn from professionals who are eager to mentor the next generation of talent. Ready to take your career to the next level? Apply today and let’s see how we can help you succeed!