Internships Are Hitting Different, ‘Office Housework’ And How To Make ‘Workations’ Work

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Like many college programs, my master’s degree at the University of Missouri required an internship. Years later, I remember the immense pressure over securing it. (S/O to my professors who helped me land one.) This year’s summer interns are also feeling that heat—but perhaps even more, especially in tech.

Thanks to an uncertain economy, slowed hiring and waves of mass layoffs, summer internships are more competitive than ever. Plus, hybrid work is still holding back the camaraderie. I took a look at what internship programs are looking like this summer and how students’ fears are changing the search process.

But don’t fret: Forbes has advice for turning your internship into a full-time gig, maximizing your experience as an intern and leaving a positive impression. And if you’re past the internship stage of your career, we’ve got you covered, too. Read on for more.

WORK SMARTER

Practical insights and advice from Forbes contributors to help you succeed in your job, accelerate your career and lead smarter

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Don’t make these AI mistakes in your job search.

Money talk can be uncomfortable. But it doesn’t have to be.

FEATURED STORY

Tech Workers Say They Spend Less Than Half The Day On Focus Work. Here’s How To Get More Uninterrupted Time In Your Day

Nearly 45% of tech workers in a recent poll by Blind, a discussion board website for professionals, said they spend four hours or fewer on “focused work”—uninterrupted time spent in a flow state, concentrating on high-priority tasks.

Senior contributor Jack Kelly dissects the productivity levels during the eight-hour work day and gives advice for optimizing your schedule.

TOUCH BASE

News from the world of work

Women do more office housework: Planning parties, ordering food and taking notes in meetings are just a few of the thankless “office housework” tasks that women more often shoulder at work. Senior contributor Kim Elsesser provides advice on how to avoid them.

There’s more women and POC on corporate boards now: The number of women and underrepresented racial and ethnic groups sitting on the boards of Fortune 500 companies increased to its highest ever percentage: 44.7%, up from 38% in 2020. But minority women still only hold 7.8% of seats and progress has slowed for Latinos specifically, according to a report from Deloitte, which classified the improvements as “uneven progress.”

“Workations”: The line between work and personal time often blurs on workations, a new term for working remotely from a new place. “Workations should complement paid time off, but not serve as a substitute,” writes contributor Luciana Paulise, who explores how you can keep work and personal time separate and workations effective. (Americans have this issue with their regular vacations, too.)

Changing grocery bills: Inflation fell to its lowest point in more than two years in May, according to a recent Bureau of Labor Statistics report. And you’re probably seeing that reflected in your own receipts: The price for a dozen eggs plummeted nearly 14% in May, its biggest monthly decrease in more than 70 years. Inflation who?

AI could automate up to 70% of work: That’s according to a new McKinsey report, which our Future of Work newsletter explored last week. Want to hear more? Tune into our membership event, with Forbes’ Kenrick Cai in conversation with May Habib, CEO of Writer, a leading-edge generative AI startup.

CHECKLIST

Add these books and videos to your to-do list

Author-entrepreneur Beck Besecker outlines the work habits we all need to navigate the workplace, communicate effectively and work well with others in his new book Your Good Work Habits Toolbox.
In this video, Forbes explores how Diane Hendricks built her ABC Supply empire without family money nor a college degree.

NUMBER TO NOTE

65

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released a recommendation Tuesday that all adults under age 65 should be regularly screened for anxiety disorders—even those without symptoms.

The U.S. is battling a “mental health crisis.” And it impacts the workplace. Here’s how experts manage their own stress and anxiety, and how you can, too.

QUIZ

The Senate has launched an investigation into which multinational company over alleged “dangerous and illegal” working conditions for its employees inside distribution warehouses? It’s the latest high-profile labor probe sparked by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).