The document discusses the typical stages of an internship: anticipation, disillusionment, competence, and culmination. It notes that the stages involve adjusting expectations and emotions as interns experience new challenges. It emphasizes that what interns are feeling at each stage, such as frustration or confusion, is normal. The purpose is to help interns understand and normalize their experiences.

1. Stages of an
Internship

2. 2
Why learn about the stages?
“As I read through the stages, I was comforted in
knowing that I was not the only one experiencing all the
various emotions. Knowing that others have felt the
same way calmed my fears a bit to know that what I was
experiencing was “normal.” The focus has been for me
to normalize my feelings and allow the process to
happen” (Sweitzer & King 2004, 50).

3. 3
STAGES 1-2 CONCERNS TASKS
Anticipation • High motivation, motivation,
and idealistic expectations.
• Self-doubt: Can I do this? Am I
qualified? Will I fit in to the
work environment?
• Examine assumptions and
acknowledge concerns.
• Review company
information and job
description.
• Review your short and
long-term goals to refocus
and build confidence.
Disillusionment • Learning curve, unexpected
emotions (frustration, anger,
confusion, panic).
• New opportunities and
adjusting expectations.
• Development of routine may
vary from what was expected.
• Work may not be as exciting
or challenging as expected.
• Alternatively, work may be
more challenging than
expected
• Build relationships with
colleagues and managers.
• Identify revised SMART
goals.
• Reflect on skills and
strategies for time
management, dealing with
setbacks, and managing
managers.

4. 4
STAGES 3-4 CONCERNS TASKS
Competence • Achieve independence
• Gain confidence
• Experience effectiveness
• Increased learning and
productivity on site as
becomes more confident,
self-aware, and connected
to the work group.
• Reassess goals and
expectations
• Reassess support systems
• Develop specific strategies
• Continue to seek feedback
on performance
• Identify feelings of
achievement and success.
Culmination • Transfer of responsibilities
and saying goodbye to
colleagues.
• Completion of tasks and
managing disappointment
when leaving work that is at
a partial completion stage
• Endings and closure.
• Take stock of what you have
accomplished, request a
letter of recommendation
from your mentor and move
ahead proudly.
• Maintain contacts with
colleagues (email, phone,
LinkedIn). Plan for next
steps.

5. 5
Template: Stages of an Internship Action
Plan
STAGE CHALLENGE ACTION
Anticipation • What if I am not prepared?
• What if I make mistakes?
• Review job/project description
• Acknowledge mistakes and work
on solutions.
Disillusionment • Why is this internship not
what I expected?
• Why can’t I talk with my
supervisor at any time?
• Assess work environment and
negotiate realistic goals and
objectives.
• Realize time is valuable and the
importance of planned meetings
for communication.
Competence • What skills have I
mastered?
• What challenges still exist?
• How do I define job
success and satisfaction?
• Identify skills gained.
• Identify accomplishments.
• Identify challenges and
brainstorm solutions.
Culmination • Incomplete projects • Identify strategies for
continuation with team and
managers.
• Manage next steps in
professional trajectory.