So, it’s Spring Break and we are officially halfway through the semester, and your internship. Looking back at the last eight weeks, can you honestly assess your performance? Can you identify areas in which you can improve? Have you received any specific feedback from your supervisor or co-workers?
The Curb College does not ask employers to provide a mid-term evaluation on your performance. Now would be the perfect time to ask your supervisor for a few minutes to receive some constructive feedback. Here are a couple of tips for that: 1) Don’t expect an immediate discussion. Give them the opportunity to think things through a couple days so they can give you valuable feedback. 2) Phrase the request in a manner that shows you want to serve them better not necessarily to improve your own skills. Serving your employer will lead to an improvement of skills. 3) Try not to get defensive. Listen to the feedback critically. Go home and process the comments and determine what has value.
And remember, feedback is crucial for us to grow. Even if you’ve been with the same company multiple semesters, there are always things you can do to be a better intern. But you have to listen.