23 Smart Questions to Ask in an Internship Interview

• Understanding the Internship Part 1
• Learning About the Company Culture Part 2
• Role Clarification Questions Part 3
• Discussing Learning Opportunities Part 4
• Exploring Future Growth and Development Part 5
• Ending the Conversation Effectively Part 6
• Post-Interview Protocol Part 7

Part 1Understanding the Internship

When preparing for an internship interview, it’s helpful to have some questions ready that will help you better understand the nature of the internship. Your goal is to see if it’s the right fit for you so that you can learn and grow professionally. Here are some questions you might consider asking your interviewer:

• What will my day-to-day responsibilities be?
  This question will give you insight into the tasks and projects you’ll be involved with during your internship. Knowing your daily responsibilities can help you determine if the work aligns with your interests and goals.
• How is the intern mentoring and support structured?
  Find out how the company plans to help you grow and learn during your internship. Asking about mentorship and support structures can clarify whether they have dedicated resources to nurture your development.
• What opportunities are there for professional development?
  Look for internship programs that prioritize your growth and learning. Asking about professional development opportunities can help you gauge if your internship aligns with your long-term career aspirations.
• How do interns typically contribute to projects?
  Ask about the level of involvement and ownership interns have within projects or teams. This question can help you understand if the internship provides hands-on learning experiences and valuable contributions to the company’s work.
• What have past interns enjoyed most about their experience?
  Gathering some insights from previous interns can help you paint a picture of what your experience might be like. Moreover, if the company can share examples of past intern successes, it demonstrates that they value their interns.

Part 2Learning About the Company Culture

Here are some questions you can ask to get a better understanding of the company culture:

• How would you describe the work environment here?
  This question will give you an idea of the atmosphere at the company and whether it fosters collaboration, innovation, or requires long hours and high pressure.
• What is your favorite part about working here?
  By asking this, you’ll get a personal perspective from the interviewer about what they enjoy the most and what aspects might make the internship enjoyable for you.
• How does the company encourage professional development and growth?
  This is crucial to understand how the company invests in its employees, whether it’s through training programs, mentoring, or offering opportunities for advancement.
• What types of team-building activities and events are common?
  This will give you a glimpse into how the company fosters a sense of community and the importance it places on employee engagement.
• How do you handle feedback and recognition?
  Understanding how the company provides feedback and acknowledges accomplishments will help you know if you’ll receive guidance and support, which is particularly important during an internship.

Part 3Role Clarification Questions

It’s important to get a clear understanding of your potential internship role. This helps you align your expectations with the company and ensures that you can contribute effectively. Here are some role clarification questions you can ask during an internship interview:

• Can you describe a typical day in this intern role?
  Asking this question gives you an idea of the tasks and responsibilities you’ll handle daily. It shows your eagerness to learn and adapt to the work environment.
• What skills do you expect interns to have, and how will they develop during the internship period?
  This question shows that you’re aware of the need to have certain skills for the role and interested in improving them. You’ll also understand the learning opportunities offered to you by the company.
• How is the intern’s performance measured?
  Knowing the key performance indicators helps set a benchmark for your work and ensures you meet the expectations. This question also shows that you’re proactive and focused on delivering results.
• What is the balance between individual work and teamwork in this role?
  This question helps you understand how collaborative the internship will be, allowing you to gauge your compatibility with the work environment. Knowing this balance helps you prepare for the internship and adapt to the company culture.
• What can I expect from my supervisor or mentor during the internship?
  Having a clear idea of the support you’ll receive from your supervisor or mentor will make you feel more confident. This question also reflects your proactive approach to seeking guidance.

These questions show that you’re genuinely interested in the role and eager to make the most of the experience.

Part 4Discussing Learning Opportunities

During your internship interview, it’s important to ask about the learning opportunities that will be available to you. This will not only show the interviewer that you’re invested in your personal and professional growth, but also help you determine if the internship aligns with your career goals.

• What specific skills will I be able to develop during this internship?
  Asking this question can help you understand the practical skills and knowledge you’ll gain from your time at the company. This is important information you’ll want to know to make the most of your internship experience.
• Will there be any opportunities to participate in workshops, trainings, or seminars?
  Many companies offer these types of learning experiences to their interns. By asking about them, you can show your enthusiasm for continuous learning and find out if there are any development avenues you can take advantage of while interning.
• What kind of mentoring or guidance will be provided?
  Asking about mentoring is a great way to show your interest in learning from more experienced colleagues. It also gives you an idea of the support system you’ll have during your internship, and how the company values learning and development.
• How will my work be evaluated and how can I receive feedback?
  Understanding the evaluation process and access to feedback will help you gauge your progress and identify areas for improvement. This can also demonstrate that you’re eager to learn from your experience and grow as a professional.

Part 5Exploring Future Growth and Development

• What kind of professional development opportunities are available for interns?
  This will provide you with insights into the resources and support the company offers to foster the growth of their interns.
• How does the company support interns transitioning to full-time employees?
  By asking this question, you’ll gain a better understanding of the company’s commitment to nurturing interns and helping them build a successful career within the organization.
• What roles within the company have previous interns transitioned into?
  This not only demonstrates your ambition and long-term interest in the organization but also gives you an idea of the career paths available to you.
• Is there a mentorship program available for interns? If so, what does the mentorship experience look like?
  Having a mentor during your internship can greatly contribute to your overall learning and development.

Your internship interview is not just about the company evaluating you; it’s also about you evaluating the company. Keep these questions in mind during your interview to find out if the organization aligns with your growth and development goals.

Part 6Ending the Conversation Effectively

When wrapping up your internship interview, it’s important to leave a lasting impression. Show that you’re genuinely interested in the role and eager to learn. Here are some steps to end the conversation effectively:

1. First, summarize what you’ve learned during the interview. Briefly touch on the key points discussed and express your excitement about the role. For example, you might say, “I really enjoyed learning about the projects I’d be working on and the company culture. I believe this experience would be invaluable to my professional growth.”
2. Next, clarify any doubts you might have. If anything was unclear during the interview, ask the interviewer to provide further information. This demonstrates that you’ve been actively engaged in the conversation and are serious about joining their team.
3. After addressing any lingering questions, express your gratitude for the opportunity to interview. Thank the interviewer for their time and emphasize how much you appreciate being considered for the internship. A simple “Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today” can go a long way.
4. Before parting ways, don’t forget to ask for the interviewer’s contact information or business card. This way, you can follow up with a thank-you email, reiterating your interest in the position and appreciation for their time. Related: Follow-Up Email After an Interview [Best Examples]
5. It’s a good idea to find out the hiring timeline, so you know when to expect feedback or updates. An example question could be, “Can you please inform me about the timeline for the next steps in this internship selection process?”

Part 7Post-Interview Protocol

1. First, take a moment to reflect on your performance in the interview. Jot down any notes or observations about the questions asked, your responses, and the overall interaction.
2. Next, make sure to send a thank you email to the interviewer within 24 hours. Express your gratitude for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the internship. Related: How to Write a Perfect Thank You Email After an Interview
3. As you wait for their response, continue researching the company and stay updated on its activities. This will keep your knowledge fresh and show your dedication if you’re invited for a follow-up interview.
4. Lastly, don’t hesitate to reach out to your network—friends, family, or mentors—for their insights and advice post-interview. Their feedback can be valuable in refining your approach for future interviews.

Practice makes perfect, and each interview is a learning experience that helps you grow and improve.