Scared & Excited
Hi, I recently got an internship as a college accounting major with a small firm (eight people). I'm very excited but also very scared I'm going to mess up and disappoint the people I'm working with and embarrass the person who recommended me. I'm supposed to be replacing that person starting next week, and I feel overwhelmed by the amount of work and autonomy I'm going to have. I'm getting training, but I still feel like I'm going to mess up. I can't constantly ask others for help because everyone at the firm is so busy (especially now, since they're in the process of moving offices), but at the same time, I feel unsure of how things work and I know I need to ask. I'm only getting one more day of training before the work gets handed to me.
How should I prepare myself? How should I ask for help when I need it? What are some advice or tips you may have for me?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Serena, What great questions!! First I would say to relax! Trust that you are learning a lot during your training and will be able to do the work you need to do. I would also try to identify one person who you feel would best be able to help you when you do have questions. Even if everyone is busy, I'm sure they'd be able to help you out with your questions as they arise; and definitely make sure you ask questions if you're not comfortable with something today as you finish your training.
I hope that helps!! Good luck with your internship.
Serena,
Congrats on your internship. As you will be working for a smaller firm they are likely to welcome questions from you. That's really the point of an intership is for you to learn and grow in your profession, Don't worry about messing up. We've all done it. They now that they hired an intern and they aren't expecting you to walk in and be subject matter expert on your second day.