Starting a remote internship as a first-generation college student felt like decoding a secret language. I wasn’t just adjusting to Teams calls or learning new tools: I was navigating unspoken professional norms with no roadmap and no family anecdotes to guide me. Through trial and error, I learned lessons that transformed my anxiety into ownership. Whether it’s your first or third internship, I hope these reflections remind you to speak up, lean in, and trust your place at the table.
10. You’re Not Expected to Know Everything
Repeat this daily: You’re here to learn. Teams don’t expect polished perfection from interns; they want curiosity and effort. Early on, I pressured myself to have all the answers, until my manager clarified: “We hired you to grow, not to perform like a 7-year veteran.” Embrace the learning curve. Ask “Why?” and “How?” often. Your role isn’t to be flawless; it’s to absorb, contribute, and evolve.
9. Give Yourself Time to Adjust
The first two weeks? A blur of acronyms, processes, and names to remember. I thought I’d hit the ground running, but onboarding takes time. Remote setups intensify this; you can’t absorb office culture through a screen. Schedule short “learning meetings” with colleagues. Take notes on workflows. Accept that productivity comes after acclimation. Rushing only breeds stress; patience builds a foundation.
8. Ask Questions, Even the Awkward Ones
Silence was my default early on; I feared seeming unprepared. Then I realized: Questions signal engagement, not incompetence. When I finally spoke up (“Can you clarify the goal of this project?”), my team appreciated it. They’d rather reexplain than redo work. Start small: “What’s the priority here?” or “How does this fit into the bigger picture?” Your curiosity becomes credibility.
7. Imposter Syndrome Is Normal, Talk About It
That nagging voice whispering “You don’t belong here”? I fought it daily. Finally, I confessed to my manager: “I worry my inexperience is showing.” His response was liberating: “You’re supposed to be learning. We don’t expect senior-level work.” Normalize this conversation. Frame it as growth-focused: “I want to maximize this opportunity; can we discuss feedback?” Vulnerability builds trust.
6. Remember: They Chose You
When self-doubt creeps in, remember: someone chose you. I’d repeat this mantra on tough days. Your team sees potential you might not yet recognize. They invested in you. One colleague said, “We fought for your spot because your passion stood out.” Let that fuel you. You’re not an accident; you’re an asset.
5. Speak Up, Your Ideas Matter
During a youth engagement project, my managers handed interns the reins. We brainstormed freely, then refined ideas with their guidance. Their feedback wasn’t criticism, it was collaboration. “Your concept is strong; let’s adjust the timeline to make it feasible,” they’d say. That exchange proved my voice had weight. Share ideas early. Even if they’re tweaked, your perspective sparks innovation.
4. Every Task Has Purpose
Creating PowerPoints felt tedious compared to researching AI trends. But my manager explained: “That deck helps our execs secure funding. Your research shapes our strategy.” Every task, yes, even formatting slides, impacts the organization’s ecosystem. Shift your mindset: “How does this contribute?” You’ll find purpose in the grind.
3. Treat It Like a Career, Not Just a Steppingstone
Working remotely from my bedroom bred complacency. I’d procrastinate, thinking, “It’s just an internship.” But halfway through, I realized: How I show up now shapes my reputation later. Dress professionally (even on Teams). Meet deadlines early—volunteer for extras. When you act invested, opportunities follow, like my manager recommending me for a cross-departmental project.
2. Networking Isn’t Optional, It’s a Skill
Scheduled “coffee chats” terrified me until I saw their power. Colleagues across the company proactively reached out: “Let’s discuss your goals.” These weren’t tests; they were relationship builders. Prepare three questions per chat (“What skills do you value most in early career talent?”). Each conversation demystifies the organization and unlocks mentors.
1. Internships Shape Who You Are
Internships aren’t just about tasks; they’re identity-shaping journeys. I joined, but I was unsure if I belonged in corporate spaces. Through projects, feedback, and groups like the Cafe Collective (which fosters self-reflection), I discovered confidence I didn’t know I had. You’ll leave with more than skills: clarity about your values, resilience, and proof that you earned your seat.
Final Thought:
Internships are practice runs for your future; messy, revealing, and profoundly formative. Take risks. Forge connections. Own your growth. And when doubt whispers, answer: “I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.”
If you’re a fellow first-gen student or just starting your career, reach out on LinkedIn! I’d love to hear your story too.
