Peer Career Consultant Blogs

The Importance of Feedback During Your Internship Experiences
Let’s face it–receiving feedback can feel like you are stepping into the spotlight with every flaw exposed and something to be critiqued. That’s exactly how I felt the first time I sat down with my manager during my internship this summer. Even though I was the one to reach out to schedule these weekly one-on-ones, as I placed a huge emphasis on receiving feedback during my internship experience, it was still nerve-wracking. But as our conversation unfolded, I realized that my manager wasn’t there to focus on what I was doing wrong. In fact, he started our meeting by asking me what I wanted to get out of this internship and what my goals were. Communicating my goals created a framework for how I can meet them, and feedback was the only catalyst. 

Every week, I had my thirty minute one-on-ones where my manager highlighted the areas I was excelling in and offered me specific and constructive feedback on how to take my work to the next level. I took the feedback seriously, jotting down notes and creating a mental checklist. I made adjustments accordingly, carefully discerning what was most valuable in my growth and implementing it where it was needed.

When it came time for my mid-summer and end-of-summer evaluations, I was proud to hear my manager acknowledge how much I had grown throughout the summer and that I was excelling in my work. My manager was also impressed by how well I received and applied feedback to my work, and it strengthened my confidence.

Changing the way I perceived feedback was the best thing I did for myself personally and professionally. I saw feedback as an opportunity to learn and grow, a space where I can refine my skills and align my deliverables more closely with my team’s goals. 

Here are some tips that helped me unlock the power of feedback.

1. From the start, set up regular one-on-one meetings with your manager or mentor. In these meetings, asking them questions like “What am I doing well?” or “How can I be better?” are simple, yet powerful questions that give you clarity on your strengths and areas to improve in. 
2. Feedback may be difficult to hear, but remember, don’t react defensively! Feedback is coming from someone who genuinely cares about your potential and seeing you succeed, so see it as an opportunity to become a better you.
3. Finally, remember that you’re not expected to be perfect! My manager emphasized to me that no one assumes a new role and performs perfectly from the get-go. Intellect alone will only get a person so far. The goal is to see progress and growth from when you first started.

Seeking and receiving feedback during your internship experience is important because it’s a tool that continuously allows you to grow, reveal your potential, and support your journey toward success. Equally important is what you do with that feedback as it highlights your humility, willingness to adapt, and commitment to learn – all important qualities for becoming a valuable person on your team.