Although the job descriptions of interns may differ, the basic expectation of adaptability remains relevant in every instance. I found this notion to be most interesting, as I saw this concept illustrated through my personal experience as well as through that of other interns in other professional disciplines. Having spent five months at Versace, I can confidently advise future interns to focus on the overall benefit they can bring to the organization, rather than focusing on the mundaneness of some assigned tasks. In retrospect, however, perhaps I should have observed the organization more before attempting to analyze my observations. Future interns may also avoid allowing their expectations to cloud their perceptions of the organization; they should seek to understand the interpersonal dynamics before forming an opinion. In order to be successful, an intern should be proactive and be unafraid to communicate lucidly with his/her supervisors.
A social-organizational psychology student preparing to enter an internship should consider the suggestions to be observant and flexible in changing situations and environments. Observation of others’ behaviors and norms in the workplace serve as a good example to follow and pays off in person-organizational fit. I was once assigned a task to assist in the reorganization of the office space which the Marketing intern refused to complete. The task was to take a bag of keys and match the correct key to the door lock on each office. Although this was not the most stimulating assignment, I made light of it and used the opportunity to chat with employees with whom I otherwise would not have the opportunity to do so. Being adaptable worked for me; I was seen in a positive light as someone who is eager and willing to assist. For the Marketing intern, his refusal to complete the task was not met with favor by the Marketing and Events