Hated Your Summer Internship? Try This Instead!

You prepped, you networked, you landed that coveted summer internship—and discovered that you really didn’t like the work. Maybe the job was nothing like you expected, the culture didn’t fit, or the projects just didn’t excite you. First off, you’re not alone! Plenty of ambitious students realize that their “dream internship” isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

But what do you do now, especially if you’re not sure what will make you happy at work?

Don’t Panic—You Gained Valuable Insights From Summer Internship

Disliking your internship can feel stressful, especially when classmates seem to be loving theirs. But discovering what doesn’t fit can be just as important as finding what does. Every experience, positive or negative, teaches you a little more about what excites you, what drains you, and which work environments fit your style. 

• Reflect on what you didn’t enjoy. Was it the nature of the work, company culture, or something else? Identify what wasn’t for you, and cross similar companies off your list.

• Identify what you liked, even if it seemed minor. Even if you weren’t a fan of your role or field, you gained exposure to a workplace and team style—that information is powerful for your next step!

• You probably developed soft skills—communication, adaptability, and resilience—even if the work wasn’t your true passion.

  
  

Keep Exploring Through Part-Time Internships During the School Year

The worst thing you can do after a disappointing internship? Sit back and hope the next thing magically comes together. The best thing? Get proactive—on your own terms.

That’s where part-time internships during the school year come in:

• Explore a New Field or Role: With a lighter weekly time commitment, you can “test drive” a different industry or function. And if it’s not the right fit either, you still have time to learn about other options, and try out something else next quarter. 

• Build Your Resume: Show future employers that you’re adaptable, action-oriented, and eager to learn and grow. 

• Expand Your Network: Meet new mentors and professionals who can guide you to roles where you’ll thrive.

  
  

How Trylrun Can Help You Find Your Next Fit

At Trylrun, we specialize in matching students with flexible, project-based internships during the school year—especially at startups and small businesses where you can more directly make an impact. With a variety of roles in a multitude of industries, there’s lots of room to explore and grow, and the application process is oh so easy—no need to input everything that’s already in your resume into another ATS. 

Try a part-time internship with Trylrun this quarter, and you might just discover what truly lights you up.

Explore Opportunities Now