What Should You Do if Your Internship Becomes Unbearable Due to Inappropriate Behavior?

If your internship involves harassment, discrimination, or being asked to act unethically, you do not have to tolerate it. Documenting the incidents and seeking guidance from a trusted mentor or your HR department are critical first steps. This guide outlines the red flags and provides a clear, actionable plan to protect your well-being and career.

What Constitutes Inappropriate Intern Behavior?

An internship is a learning experience, but certain behaviors cross the line from menial tasks to an unacceptable hostile work environment. It's crucial to distinguish between unpleasant duties and legally or ethically problematic situations. Red flags include:

• Sexual Harassment: This includes unwanted sexual advances, comments, or jokes. A severe form is quid pro quo harassment, where submission to such conduct is made a condition of your employment or evaluation.
• Discrimination: Being treated unfairly based on race, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation is illegal.
• Verbal Abuse: While constructive criticism is expected, consistent belittling, shouting, or personal attacks are not.
• Unethical or Illegal Requests: Being instructed to lie, cover up information, or falsify documents is a major red flag.
• Being Asked to Take the Blame: Accepting responsibility for a superior's or colleague's mistake is unacceptable.

Who Can You Turn to for Support and Advice?

You do not have to handle these situations alone. Building a support network is essential for navigating these challenges effectively. Depending on your circumstances, you have several options:

• Your Academic Institution: If your internship is for credit, your first point of contact should be your internship coordinator or career services office. They can advocate for you and provide guidance based on university policies.
• A Trusted Mentor: A professor, family friend, or previous employer can offer valuable, objective advice.
• Your Company's HR Department: In cases of harassment or ethics violations, HR may be able to intervene confidentially. Based on common HR assessment experience, they are trained to handle such issues in a way that aims to resolve the situation without you necessarily losing your position.

How Should You Address the Behavior Directly?

When you feel safe to do so, being clear and direct can sometimes resolve the issue. Calmly and professionally stating your concern can force the other party to reconsider their actions.

For example, if asked to do something unethical, you could respond by reframing the request: "Just to clarify, you want me to mislead people about the factory's environmental impact?" This approach, as noted in management guides, often makes the person aware of the inappropriateness of their request without creating a confrontational atmosphere.

Is Quitting Your Internship a Viable Option?

Yes, protecting your mental and physical well-being is always the priority. If the situation does not improve after seeking help, or if it is severely impacting you, leaving the internship is a valid choice. No entry-level position is worth sacrificing your health or future potential. Before resigning, consult with your academic advisor to understand any academic consequences and ensure a professional exit.

In summary, the key steps are: 1) Recognize the red flags, 2) Document everything, 3) Seek support from your network or HR, and 4) Prioritize your well-being above the internship itself.