Internship Readiness Checklist | The Career Compass

Purpose & Overview

Prepare to Learn, Contribute and Be Professional. Purpose: Treat an internship as a workplace learning experience, not merely a certificate.

Key Checkpoints & Action Plan

25 Items

Before Applying

I know what I want to learn.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I have identified relevant roles/industries.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

My resume is accurate and relevant.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I have basic knowledge of the organisation and role.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I can explain why I am interested.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

Before Joining

I understand the role and responsibilities.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I know the reporting structure/supervisor.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I know the start date, duration and arrangements.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I have clarified important practical questions.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

During the Internship

I arrive on time and follow workplace expectations.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I listen carefully and ask sensible questions.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I maintain notes of what I learn.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I take ownership of assigned work.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I communicate early about problems or delays.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I seek feedback.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I observe how teams, processes and decisions work.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

Learning & Evidence

I can identify skills developed.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I can describe work I completed or contributed to.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I can identify mistakes and lessons learned.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I have documented meaningful projects or achievements.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I can explain what the internship taught me about the industry.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

After the Internship

I have updated my resume.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I have reflected on whether the field suits me.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I have maintained appropriate professional relationships.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I know my next learning or career step.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

My Next 3 Priority Actions

Personal Reflection

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