1. Admit that you do not like your internship.

Keep calm and breathe because that is completely okay.

Contrary to what most of my fellow co-interns would say, I do not like my intership. I am not saying that I hate it and dread coming to work, but that I realized that this type of work is not what I want to do the rest of my life. I definitely do not regret taking this internship because it gave a once in a lifetime experience, which I am very thankful for. After all, an internship is meant to give you a taste of a particular career; to learn about yourself and make smart decisions yourself.

2. Ask yourself, what would you rather do?

Personally, I wish I was back in Texas doing research with my little parasitic wasps, I’m trying to finish my grad schools applications now. Take this experience to get to know your future a little better. Ask yourself, “ do I like the environment I am in? am I enjoying this assignment? am I proud of the work that I just submitted to my boss?” Knowing that you aren’t too happy where you are, opens your mind to the career you would rather be in.

3. Walk around.

Go to a meeting that you know you have no interest in (it could become interesting), talk to people, research something, read a book, ask your supervisor about other work/intern opportunities, they might just know someone that has your same interests. It won’t hurt at all, I promise.

4. You do you.

Find little things that make your internship enjoyable. For me, I love the all the free coffee and lunches! And I really like to dress up and wear medium sized heels, I can’t do that at grad school or in a research lab. Also, if you are interning in a city that is not home, take advantage of that; find restaurants that you won’t be able to find back home, visit local landmarks, and make it a goal to at least make one new friend.

5. Still do your job.

There’s nothing worse than having an intern that does not do what is expected out of them. You may not enjoy it but you do need a good letter of recommendation so work for it.

 

Ada Morales

Office of Congressman Filemon Vela

Washington, D.C. – Summer 2015