Am I wrong for not wanting to ask for work?
I’m an Audit intern currently in the midst of a busy season internship. It’s now the second week, and I still haven’t been assigned to a client or team. I’ve spent nearly three hours waiting for tasks.
At this point, I’m reluctant to reach out for work beyond the two people I’ve already approached. I also prefer to avoid the group chat for work assignments.
Why? Because I feel that if I keep asking, I’ll just end up with rushed tasks or busywork since I’m not fully integrated into anyone’s team. Am I in the wrong for wanting to avoid multiple seniors for assignments and just billing admin time? It seems unfair to complain about my admin hours if I haven’t been scheduled for any specific tasks.
Edit: I’m really frustrated about not being part of a team. When I was on a team, I had clear assignments, and it felt much more productive than having to chase down work from several people, only to receive rejection after half an hour. It gets exhausting.
Update!!! I received feedback from a senior today! He mentioned I can enhance my Excel skills, but he reassured me that my effort to ask for work doesn’t go unnoticed.
Update 2: The scheduler just emailed me and the other two interns, asking if anyone is available for some business development projects. It’s pretty clear they’re referring to me since the other two have work, and I’m not currently assigned to anything.
One response
It sounds like you’re in a frustrating situation, and your feelings are completely valid. Internships can sometimes be unpredictable, especially during busy seasons, and it can be demoralizing when you find yourself without assigned work.
It’s definitely not wrong to feel hesitant about asking multiple seniors for tasks, especially if you’re concerned about being given busy work or rushed assignments. However, remember that asking for work doesn’t necessarily diminish your skills or contributions. It can be an opportunity to demonstrate your willingness to learn and your initiative – qualities that are often appreciated in a professional environment.
That said, it’s also fair to express your feelings about not being assigned to a team. It’s important to communicate your frustrations to your supervisor or the scheduler if you feel comfortable doing so. They may not be aware of how isolated you feel and could potentially help you find a more productive way to fill your time.
It’s great to hear you received some feedback about improving your Excel skills, too. Embracing constructive criticism can set you up for greater success in the long run.
Ultimately, if you’re open to it, consider taking a leap and engaging with the scheduler or reaching out to mentors for advice on how to navigate your situation more effectively. It could help you feel more connected and valued in your role. Good luck!