Your First Week as an Intern

Nobody expects an intern to know everything on the first day. What people notice instead is how you arrive, how you listen and whether you take small things seriously. The first week sets the tone for the rest of the internship. It is when your supervisor decides whether you are someone they can trust with a real task, when colleagues form their first impression, and when you learn how the place actually works. Most of what makes a first week go well is preparation, curiosity and a willingness to ask.

This guide covers what to do before, during and after your first week. It quotes no figures. It is general information, not employment advice. Follow your employer's instructions and policies, which take priority.

Before day one

Confirm the basics.

• Start time, address and entrance. Who should you ask for?
• Dress code. If unsure, ask, or choose smart and simple.
• What to bring: identification, bank details for payroll, right-to-work documents, a notebook.
• Travel plan, with a margin for delays. Do a trial journey if possible.
• Who your supervisor is and how to contact them.

Complete paperwork. Return forms, contracts and any required checks on time. International students should have confirmed work authorization in writing.

Learn about the organization. Read the website, recent news and the team's work. Know what they do, who they serve and their values.

Review the role. Re-read the description and your application. Think about what you want to learn.

Prepare a short introduction. Two or three sentences: your name, course, what interests you about the role.

Prepare questions. For example: What does a good week look like? Who should I meet? What would you like me to learn first?

Set personal goals. Skills, relationships and projects you hope to build.

Look after yourself. Sleep, eat and plan lunch and travel. Our student budget template can help you plan costs such as travel and food.

Day one: arrive well

• Arrive early, but not too early. Ten to fifteen minutes is usually right.
• Be polite to everyone, including reception and security.
• Smile, shake hands or greet as local custom suggests, and use names.
• Turn off or silence your phone.
• Listen carefully to introductions, tours and safety information.
• Take notes on names, roles, systems and instructions.
• Ask where to put your belongings, where to find facilities and how to get help.
• Learn basic rules: working hours, breaks, dress, phone use, confidentiality and security.
• Meet your supervisor, and ask about priorities for the week.

If there is an induction, pay attention. It contains information you will need.

Agree goals and expectations early

In the first days, have a conversation with your supervisor.

• Ask what success looks like for the internship.
• Share your goals for learning.
• Clarify tasks, deadlines and priorities.
• Ask how and when you will receive feedback.
• Ask how to reach them, and when it is appropriate.
• Ask who else you should talk to.
• Agree on working hours and flexibility around your studies, if relevant.
• Learn how your work will be assessed, and whether there is a mid-point review.

Writing down what you agree prevents confusion. If your supervisor is busy, ask for a short slot later in the week.

Learn people, systems and norms

Every workplace has its own ways.

People. Learn names and roles. Make a simple chart if the team is large. Introduce yourself to colleagues in your area, and ask what they do.

Systems. Learn how to use email, chat, calendar, document storage, project tools and phones. Ask for training or guides. Practice early, so that you are ready when you need them.

Communication. Notice how people communicate: formal or informal, email or chat, long meetings or quick check-ins. Match the norms.

Meetings. Arrive on time, bring a notebook, listen more than you talk at first and follow up on actions.

Dress and behavior. Observe what colleagues wear and how they behave. Follow the culture within professional limits.

Confidentiality and security. Follow rules on data, passwords, devices and social media.

Hierarchy. Learn who makes decisions, but be respectful to all.

Ask good questions

Asking questions is a sign of engagement, not weakness. Do it well.

• Try to find the answer first, in notes, guides or shared folders.
• Ask clearly and briefly. "I am working on the report and am unsure which template to use. Could you show me the current one?"
• Ask at a good moment. Check whether the person is free.
• Group questions to avoid constant interruptions.
• Write down the answers.
• Repeat back instructions to confirm: "So I should send the draft to Maria by Thursday, using the new format."
• Say when you do not understand. It is better than guessing.
• Thank people.

Do small things well

In the first week you may receive simple tasks: filing, research, data entry, scheduling, drafting notes. They matter.

• Treat every task seriously.
• Ask about quality and format before you start.
• Check your work before handing it in.
• Meet deadlines, or flag early if you cannot.
• Offer updates.
• Ask for more when you finish, or ask what to do next.
• Keep a list of tasks and tick them off.

Reliable small work builds trust for bigger work.

Take notes and keep a log

• Keep a notebook or document for tasks, instructions, names and questions.
• Write down what you learned each day.
• Record achievements and positive feedback.
• Note ideas to follow up.
• Respect confidentiality. Do not record sensitive information in unsafe places.

A log helps you prepare for check-ins, update your résumé and reflect.

Build relationships

• Introduce yourself to people beyond your immediate team.
• Join lunches and social events if invited.
• Show interest in colleagues' work.
• Offer help.
• Avoid gossip.
• Be inclusive and respectful.
• Find a mentor who can advise you.

Common first-week worries

"I feel like I do not know anything." You are not expected to. Learn and ask.

"I am afraid of making a mistake." Mistakes happen. Own them, fix them and learn.

"Everyone seems busy." Ask when is a good time, and be patient. Offer to help.

"I do not have enough to do." Ask your supervisor for tasks, or suggest ways to help. Use quiet time to learn systems.

"I have too much to do." Ask about priorities. Speak early if you are overloaded.

"I do not fit in." It takes time. Be friendly and consistent.

"The work is not what I expected." Give it time, and talk to your supervisor about your learning goals.

Remote and hybrid first weeks

• Test your technology the day before: internet, camera, microphone and software.
• Log in early to meetings.
• Introduce yourself in team channels.
• Ask for a virtual orientation and a point of contact.
• Clarify working hours and response times.
• Over-communicate progress and questions.
• Turn on your camera if the team does, and ensure a tidy background.
• Schedule short virtual coffees with colleagues.
• Set boundaries to protect study and rest.

Health, safety and wellbeing

• Learn emergency procedures and the location of exits and first aid.
• Report hazards.
• Take breaks.
• Ask for adjustments if you need them, such as for a disability or health condition. Employers often have a duty to consider reasonable adjustments.
• Know who to speak to if you experience harassment or discrimination.
• Look after your mental health. Many organizations provide support.

End the week well

• Review your notes and tasks.
• Reflect: what went well, what was hard, what questions remain.
• Send a short update to your supervisor if appropriate, with thanks and questions.
• Plan the next week.
• Rest. The first week is tiring.
• Celebrate small wins.

A day-by-day outline

On day one, focus on arriving well, meeting people and understanding the basics. On day two, learn the tools and complete a small task. On day three, ask your supervisor for feedback and clarify priorities. On day four, join a meeting or event and introduce yourself to someone new. On day five, review your notes, send a short update and plan the next week. A simple shape helps you feel less lost.

Common mistakes

• Arriving late or unprepared.
• Staying silent when confused.
• Overusing your phone.
• Skipping introductions.
• Taking on too much without checking priorities.
• Ignoring dress and norms.
• Complaining or gossiping.

A quick checklist

• Do I know my start time, location and contacts?
• Have I prepared an introduction, questions and goals?
• Do I know my supervisor's expectations?
• Am I taking notes and learning names?
• Do I have a plan for the first week's tasks?

Final thoughts

A good first week is about reliability, curiosity and respect. Prepare, introduce yourself, ask clear questions and do small tasks well. Agree goals, keep notes and build relationships. The confidence you gain in these few days will carry you through the rest of the internship.