Johnny C. Taylor Jr. tackles your human resources questions as part of a series for USA TODAY. Taylor is president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management, the world’s largest HR professional society and author of “Reset: A Leader’s Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval.”
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Question: I’m in an engineering internship this summer. My supervisor doesn’t actively manage me or give me enough work to do. How can I take the initiative to be more engaged in my internship? – Myles
Answer: First off, kudos to you. The fact that you’re looking to get more out of your internship speaks volumes about your drive and mindset. This kind of initiative will serve you throughout your career, and it’s precisely what transforms good interns into standout future professionals. Now, here’s how you take the next step.
Begin by initiating a transparent and respectful conversation with your manager. Let them know you’re eager to learn and ready for more responsibility. Believe it or not, some managers may simply not realize you can do more. Help them see it. Say, “I’m excited to be here, and I’d love to be even more engaged ‒ what else can I take on?” This small step can open big doors.
Next, take ownership of your growth. Come up with a few project ideas or learning goals. Present them as suggestions for how you might contribute more meaningfully. Talk to others on your team, ask what they’re working on, and how you might assist. Often, your most significant opportunities come from stepping outside your initial role and building relationships across functions.
Don’t stop there. Ask to shadow team members or explore other departments. Internships are not just about filling time; they’re about rounding out your skills, expanding your perspective, and discovering what lights your fire. Look for training, workshops, or internal resources that can add to your skill set.
Focus on creating a win-win scenario for both you and your organization. Look for opportunities that align your interests with the company’s goals. For instance, you might volunteer to support research efforts within your department or collaborate with a cross-functional team to gain broader business exposure while driving results. You could also support project management initiatives, analyze data to uncover insights, streamline internal processes, enhance documentation, or even help prepare presentations and reports, advancing organizational priorities. The key is to identify areas where your skills can make a meaningful difference while also positioning yourself for growth.
When you’re in a situation where you feel your time and skills are underutilized, see it as a space to grow and explore. You’re there to learn, and some of the best learning occurs through hands-on experience. With the right mindset, you can find learning paths in any direction. Learn the operation and the culture. Advance your technical skills. Develop your people skills. Seek to understand, analyze, and evaluate everything going on around you. Being smart and curious will serve you well in any environment.
Human resources is a tremendous resource for finding learning and development opportunities and discovering avenues for contributing more effectively to the organization. HR understands organizational talent needs and can sometimes facilitate these conversations in ways that move things forward.
Own your experience. Take charge of your growth. And remember, you’re not just an intern. You’re a future professional in training.
The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.
