What do you do if your executive management internship falls short of employer expectations?

An executive management internship can be a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience, learn from senior leaders, and build your network. But what if you feel like you are not meeting your employer's expectations, or you are struggling with the tasks and responsibilities assigned to you? How do you handle the feedback, the pressure, and the potential consequences? Here are some tips to help you cope and improve your performance as an executive management intern.

1 Assess the situation

The first step is to objectively evaluate your situation and identify the root causes of your underperformance. Is it due to a lack of skills, knowledge, or resources? Is it due to a mismatch between your expectations and the employer's? Is it due to a communication or cultural gap? Is it due to personal or external factors that affect your motivation or well-being? Be honest with yourself and acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses.

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Hitesh Chopra

IT Leadership, Service Delivery, Digital Transformation, Program Leadership, Certified Independent Director, EXECUTIVE MBA INSEAD , Former-Accenture, Atos | PMP| PgMP | PfMP | ITIL Expert
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We need to identify the root cause behind the shortcomings, is it because of skill gap, not able to manage the time properly, ineffective communication skills and not getting the require support and resources. It is important to single out the factor which has not worked and then prepare a improvement plan for that area so that performance can be improved

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Marcos Monterroso Godinho

CEO at Tikedo Spain | Global Executive | Managing Director | Board Member | International Expansion | Change & Transformation | Leadership | Industry | Retail | FMCG | Packaging
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Si mi pasantía de gestión ejecutiva no cumple con las expectativas del empleador, primero me aseguraría de entender claramente cuáles son esas expectativas y en qué áreas específicas estoy fallando. Luego, buscaría formas de mejorar mi desempeño, ya sea buscando orientación adicional de mi supervisor, solicitando retroalimentación específica sobre mis áreas de mejora o buscando oportunidades para adquirir nuevas habilidades relevantes. Sería proactivo en abordar cualquier deficiencia identificada y dedicaría tiempo y esfuerzo adicionales para demostrar mi compromiso con el éxito de la pasantía y mi disposición para aprender y crecer en el rol.

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Sherwin Formento

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, Accounting Manager, Bookkeeper, Unit Manager, Insurance Advisor (Certified ProAdvisor in QuickBooks, Xero and Sage 50 user, with advanced Excel skills)
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I would seek feedback from my supervisor to understand areas of improvement, take proactive steps to address identified shortcomings and demonstrate a willingness to learn, utilize resources such as mentorship, additional training, or professional development opportunities to enhance my skills, communicate openly with my employer about my efforts to improve and seek guidance on how to better meet expectations, and stay motivated and committed to delivering high-quality work to regain trust and confidence in my abilities.

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2 Seek feedback and guidance

The next step is to seek feedback and guidance from your supervisor, mentor, or other trusted sources. Ask them for specific examples of what you are doing well and what you need to improve. Listen to their suggestions and advice, and show them that you are willing to learn and grow. Avoid being defensive or making excuses, and instead focus on how you can address the issues and overcome the challenges.

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3 Set goals and action plans

The third step is to set realistic and measurable goals for yourself and create action plans to achieve them. Break down your tasks and responsibilities into smaller and manageable steps, and prioritize the most important and urgent ones. Allocate your time and resources wisely, and track your progress and results. Review your goals and action plans regularly, and adjust them as needed based on the feedback and the situation.

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David Henzmann

Ich digitalisiere die Forstbranche🌲 mit ForstControl -💡CEO/Founder - Unternehmer - 📈Marketing - 📱Softwareentwicklung
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We always set all targets together. The line manager can easily check whether the objectives have been understood. Expectations must be communicated and understood on both sides.

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4 Communicate and collaborate

The fourth step is to communicate and collaborate effectively with your supervisor, colleagues, and other stakeholders. Keep them updated on your status, achievements, and difficulties. Ask for help or clarification when you need it, and offer your support or input when you can. Build rapport and trust with your team, and show your enthusiasm and commitment. Respect the diversity and differences in perspectives and styles, and learn from the best practices and feedback of others.

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5 Reflect and learn

The fifth step is to reflect and learn from your experience as an executive management intern. Identify the key lessons and insights that you gained, and how they can help you improve your skills, knowledge, and competencies. Recognize the areas that you need to work on, and seek opportunities to develop them further. Appreciate the achievements and successes that you had, and celebrate them with gratitude. Acknowledge the mistakes and failures that you made, and learn from them with resilience.

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David Henzmann

Ich digitalisiere die Forstbranche🌲 mit ForstControl -💡CEO/Founder - Unternehmer - 📈Marketing - 📱Softwareentwicklung
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We offer interns the opportunity to gain initial experience in the field of management. For example, you could start as an assistant. During the internship, discussions must be held on an ongoing basis. Reflection offers the opportunity to set the same expectations again.

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6 Seek alternatives or exit

The final step is to seek alternatives or exit if your executive management internship is not working out for you or your employer. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may find that the internship is not a good fit for your goals, interests, or values, or that the employer is not satisfied with your performance or potential. In that case, you may want to explore other options, such as switching to a different department, project, or mentor, or finding another internship that suits you better. If you decide to leave, do so professionally and respectfully, and maintain a positive relationship with your employer.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Executive Management

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What do you do if your executive management internship falls short of employer expectations?

1

2

3

4

5

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7

1 Assess the situation

2 Seek feedback and guidance

3 Set goals and action plans

4 Communicate and collaborate

5 Reflect and learn

6 Seek alternatives or exit

7 Here’s what else to consider

Executive Management

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What do you do if your executive management internship falls short of employer expectations?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess the situation

2 Seek feedback and guidance

3 Set goals and action plans

4 Communicate and collaborate

5 Reflect and learn

6 Seek alternatives or exit

7 Here’s what else to consider

Executive Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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