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Opinion

Why Interns Leave Early: Understanding the Factors that Contribute to Early Termination of Internships

22-Jan-2023

By Prayatna Mishra

Internships are often considered as an important stepping stone for young professionals who are looking to start their careers. They provide valuable work experience and the opportunity to learn new skills and gain exposure to different industries. However, not all internships are created equal and can also be a source of frustration and disappointment if the working conditions are not up to par. In this article, we will explore some of the reasons why interns may choose to leave an internship early.

Toxic environment: A toxic environment can take many forms, from bullying and harassment to a lack of support and resources. When interns feel that the working environment is hostile or unwelcoming, it can be difficult for them to focus on their work and achieve their goals. This can lead to a lack of motivation and a desire to leave the internship as soon as possible.

Toxic supervisor: A toxic supervisor can also create a terrible environment for interns. They could be demanding, unpleasant, or even abusive. This might make interns feel disrespected or unvalued, leading to a lack of enthusiasm to continue the internship.

Micro-management: Interns may also quit early if they believe they are being micromanaged. This can occur when the manager or supervisor becomes overly interested with the intern's work, limiting their autonomy and ability to perform tasks on their own. This can make the internship feel more like a burden than an opportunity.

Lack of professional courtesy: Interns may also leave an internship early if they feel that they are not being treated with professional courtesy. This can include things like not being given enough time to complete assignments, not being given constructive feedback, having to work during the weekend and not being given enough support to complete their work.

Egotistical Supervisor: Finally, some interns may leave an internship early if they believe the supervisor is overly concerned with their own interests and not paying enough attention to the interns' requirements. This could be an indication of an egocentric manager that is more concerned with advancing their own agenda than with assisting interns in succeeding.


In conclusion, interns may leave their internship early for a variety of reasons. Toxic environments, toxic supervisors, micromanagement, a lack of professional courtesy, and egocentric supervisors are some of the most common causes. Employers must create a friendly and respectful working atmosphere to ensure that interns have a great experience. This will not only help interns succeed, but will also assist the company in getting the most out of the interns.
 

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