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T Currently, I am a computer science freshman with no work experience, significant volunteer work, and more programming experience than the average freshman. I recently had 3 interviews and 2 of the 3 companies called me back wanting to schedule a technical interview. I looked at the job/intern description and my mind was blown. The description was so complicated and required experience that I didn't even know what meant. The job description scared me so much that I'm questioning whether I should follow through with the interview. I really just need some advice in this situation. Will I be overwhelmed on the first day, if I get the internship? Will they train me? I'm just scared I will be extremely lost on the first day.
Answered by Charlene, Hiring Expert at Gap Inc., on Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Great questions! Most internships are an opportunity for you to learn and for a company to train a future employee. What is most important is that everyday you bring your best self. There may be a few things that you don't know right off the bat and more than likely they will train you, however it is important that you catch on quickly, so take notes and refer to them when you are starting out, this is a great sign that you are serious about learning. It's often scary to jump into a new job without knowing all the skills however it's also an opportunity for you to prove to yourself (and others) just how much you DO know! Take the risk, go to the interview and be transparent is something comes up that you are not sure of, just let them know you are unfamiliar however am eager to learn and will do a great job with a strong work ethic and quick learning agility. Good Luck
Great questions! Most internships are an opportunity for you to learn and for a company to train a future employee. What is most important is that everyday you bring your best self. There may be a few things that you don't know right off the bat and more than likely they will train you, however it is important that you catch on quickly, so take notes and refer to them when you are starting out, this is a great sign that you are serious about learning. It's often scary to jump into a new job without knowing all the skills however it's also an opportunity for you to prove to yourself (and others) just how much you DO know! Take the risk, go to the interview and be transparent is something comes up that you are not sure of, just let them know you are unfamiliar however am eager to learn and will do a great job with a strong work ethic and quick learning agility. Good Luck
Answered by Rachel, Hiring Expert at Eaton, on Tuesday, October 20, 2015
It can be very intimidating the first time you go for formal professional work of any kind. As long as the companies are reputable you should not be scared that you would be left out on your own in the beginning. I would suggest you take the interviews and simply add these questions to your list of questions to ask the interviewers. If there are questions for the job description that are not clear as to what they mean - ask. No one will fault you for not being sure of something that you have never done before but you do the companies who want to interview you, and more importantly yourself, a huge disservice if you let fear stop you from taking an opportunity to do something great.
It can be very intimidating the first time you go for formal professional work of any kind. As long as the companies are reputable you should not be scared that you would be left out on your own in the beginning. I would suggest you take the interviews and simply add these questions to your list of questions to ask the interviewers. If there are questions for the job description that are not clear as to what they mean - ask. No one will fault you for not being sure of something that you have never done before but you do the companies who want to interview you, and more importantly yourself, a huge disservice if you let fear stop you from taking an opportunity to do something great.
Answered by Sylvia, Hiring Expert at HP Inc., on Tuesday, October 20, 2015
I love that you are getting some internships under your belt early. While the job descriptions and technical interviews may be intimidating you definitely should follow through. Even if you don't get the internship you now have the experience of the interview process. Mainly the technical interview is know how much knowledge you currently have in a set of languages. Most companies have a basic level of understanding standard and they will be able to qualify that through the technical interview. As for the training and first day, those are great questions to ask during the interview process. Each company has their own way of on-boarding and training new employees and interns. Don't worry if you feel lost the first day. The first day is traditionally dedicated to getting you system access access, meeting with HR, meeting the team and a broad overview of the project(s) they have lined up for your internship. I would suggest bringing up the first day expectation during the interview process if you want more details.
Good luck!!
I love that you are getting some internships under your belt early. While the job descriptions and technical interviews may be intimidating you definitely should follow through. Even if you don't get the internship you now have the experience of the interview process. Mainly the technical interview is know how much knowledge you currently have in a set of languages. Most companies have a basic level of understanding standard and they will be able to qualify that through the technical interview. As for the training and first day, those are great questions to ask during the interview process. Each company has their own way of on-boarding and training new employees and interns. Don't worry if you feel lost the first day. The first day is traditionally dedicated to getting you system access access, meeting with HR, meeting the team and a broad overview of the project(s) they have lined up for your internship. I would suggest bringing up the first day expectation during the interview process if you want more details.
Good luck!!
