Reflecting on Your Internship

Athletes watch game tapes. Artists review their portfolios. Great interns? They reflect.

Just like a team breaks down what worked (and what flopped) after a big game, it’s important to pause and think about your internship experience — the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Why? So you can figure out what energizes you, what you want more of, and what to steer clear of in future jobs.

Below are some reflection prompts to help you make sense of what you learned — about the work, the workplace, and yourself. Choose at least 2 questions from each section, jot down your thoughts, and consider talking through your insights with a career coach, mentor, or advisor.

Big Picture: The Internship Overall

  • What 3 words would you use to describe this experience?
    • Ex. Challenging, Eye-opening, Collaborative
  • Did your internship meet your expectations? If not, what felt off?
  • What part of the internship did you enjoy the most?
  • What surprised you – about the company, the role, or yourself?
  • What’s one unexpected insight or takeaway you gained?

Interests: What You Liked

  • What projects or tasks got you fired up (in a good way)?
  • What did you feel especially confident doing?
  • What are you most proud of accomplishing?
  • What kinds of tasks would you love to do more of in future roles?

Strengths & Skills: What Your Brought (or Built)

  • What skills did you learn or get better at?
  • Which skills were the most fun or satisfying to use?
  • What positive feedback did you receive?
  • Were there strengths you didn’t get a chance to show off?
  • Was there a moment you realized, “Oof, I need to learn more about _____”?

Values: What Mattered Beyond the Work

  • Outside of your tasks, what part of the experience made you feel good?
  • Did you share any values or beliefs with your coworkers or organization?
  • Were any of your personal values in conflict with the culture there?
  • Complete this sentence: “My experience would’ve been way better if only ______.”

Environment: Where You Thrive

  • What kind of support or leadership helped you do your best work?
  • How would you describe the vibe or culture at your internship site?
  • What elements of that workplace culture do you want in your next job or internship?
  • If something felt off, what would need to change for you to feel more comfortable or supported?

Moving Forward: What’s Next?

  • Did this internship reinforce your career goals, or make you rethink them?
  • What changes (big or small) might you make to your career path after this experience?
  • What’s one next step you can take to keep exploring or narrowing your path?

Reflection isn’t just a feel-good exercise. It helps you craft better resumes, answer interview questions with confidence, and figure out what’s actually right for you. Want help talking it all through? You’re not alone — schedule a coaching session or stop by drop-ins. We’ve got you!