Landing an internship is exciting. The experience can be the big gateway to your first professional position.
"But there are some pitfalls to avoid in how you communicate during this new opportunity," says Lynn Taylor, a national workplace expert and the author of "Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant: How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job."
"You can easily slip up because this is unfamiliar territory, you're new to the workforce, you may try to over-impress, perhaps you're nervous, and, you're human."
Aside from the obvious words, questions, and phrases you should always avoid at work (profanities, insults, overly personal queries, etc.), here are some things you should never say or ask as an intern:
SEE ALSO: 33 things you should never say to your boss
'I don't think this was in the job description'
"Not all tasks fit neatly into your job description; in fact, having ancillary skills can benefit you greatly," Taylor says. "Of course if you've been asked to deliver coffee to all your office mates as your primary job function, you have reason to speak up. If a project request is within the general realm, however, it's important to demonstrate a can-do attitude."
'When will you make the hiring decision?'
You want to appear confident and focus on doing the best job possible. Don't pester your hiring manager, or they'll feel you're distracted from your work, she warns.
'No, thanks. I brought my lunch today'
Turning down an opportunity to get lunch and bond with your coworkers or a boss seems standoffish, even if you did pack your lunch that day.
As an intern, you want to establish as many relationships as possible, and having lunch with your colleagues is a great way to do that.
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