What do you do if your business reporting internship feels unfulfilling?

You landed a business reporting internship at a reputable media outlet, hoping to gain valuable skills and experience in the field. But after a few weeks, you feel bored, frustrated, or disillusioned with your tasks, your supervisor, or your work environment. What do you do if your business reporting internship feels unfulfilling?

1 Assess your expectations

The first step is to examine your own expectations and goals for the internship. Why did you choose this opportunity? What did you hope to learn and achieve? How realistic were your assumptions about the role and the industry? Sometimes, interns have unrealistic or vague expectations about what they will do or how they will be mentored, and they end up feeling disappointed or lost. Try to identify the gap between your expectations and the reality, and see if you can adjust your mindset or clarify your objectives.

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Richard Ambrose

CEO- Axia Wealth Management Inc.
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Any company that doesn’t pay an intern is unethical in my opinion. The medical industry has gotten away with it for decades. The interns are providing work that another staff would have to do. The pay would be less than a full time employee but they should be paid. If the company feels they are not receiving some type of value then let the intern go.

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2 Communicate your feedback

The next step is to communicate your feedback to your supervisor or mentor. Don't be afraid to express your concerns, questions, or suggestions in a respectful and constructive way. Explain what you like and dislike about your internship, what you want to learn more about, and what you need to improve your performance and satisfaction. Ask for more guidance, feedback, or opportunities to work on different projects or tasks. You might be surprised by how receptive and supportive your supervisor or mentor can be, if you approach them with honesty and professionalism.

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3 Seek out new challenges

The third step is to seek out new challenges and opportunities within your internship. Don't wait for someone to assign you something interesting or exciting; take initiative and propose your own ideas, pitch your own stories, or volunteer for extra assignments. Show your curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm for the field, and demonstrate your willingness to learn and grow. You might discover new aspects of business reporting that you didn't know before, or develop new skills that will benefit your future career.

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4 Network with others

The fourth step is to network with others in your internship setting. Don't isolate yourself or limit your interactions to your supervisor or mentor; reach out to other interns, reporters, editors, or sources, and build relationships with them. Ask them about their experiences, challenges, and advice in the field, and share your own insights and perspectives. You might find mentors, role models, or friends who can inspire you, support you, or help you advance your career.

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5 Reflect on your learning

The fifth step is to reflect on your learning and growth during your internship. Even if you feel unfulfilled by some aspects of your internship, you can still learn valuable lessons from it. Think about what you have accomplished, what you have improved, what you have enjoyed, and what you have struggled with. Write down your achievements, feedback, and challenges, and how they have shaped your skills, knowledge, and attitude. You might realize that you have gained more than you expected, or that you have discovered new directions or goals for your career.

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6 Plan your next steps

The final step is to plan your next steps after your internship. Don't let your unfulfilling internship discourage you from pursuing your passion for business reporting; instead, use it as a motivation to find better opportunities, improve your skills, or explore new avenues. Think about what you want to do next, whether it is applying for another internship, looking for a job, or continuing your education. Research the market, update your resume, portfolio, and online presence, and network with potential employers, mentors, or peers. You might find that your unfulfilling internship was a stepping stone to a more rewarding career.

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