How supervisors shape interns’ job goals - the emotional roller coaster you need to understand

At their best, internships provide students valuable opportunities to apply their knowledge, develop new skills, and build their professional network. They are a chance for students to be in the “real world” of work. Internships can also be considered a trial period where managers can get a better sense of whether an intern might be a good fit for a more permanent position with the company. At the same time, interns are also trying to get a better sense of their supervisor — “is this someone I’d want to work for?” Yet, our research reveals that this trial period can be filled with ups and downs and experienced as an ‘emotional roller coaster’ for interns.