Boom Week 3! Time is flying by, because just when I feel like the work week is dragging, suddenly it’s Friday again. This third week has been more research-focused, and I’ve spent much of my time assisting my company by exploring different areas of the services they provide. Since the organization offers multiple services, there is always something new to learn. Just when I think I finally understand one aspect of the company’s work, I discover another layer or detail that changes my perspective. This constant learning process has been both challenging and rewarding. At this stage, my approach has been to simply do my best with the tasks I’m given, while staying flexible and open-minded. I’m also grateful that my supervisor seems happy with the work I’m producing. He provides feedback regularly, which reassures me, because I often wonder whether I’m approaching tasks in the way he expects. To avoid misunderstandings, I make a habit of checking in with him to confirm that I’m on the right track, which has helped me build confidence and stay aligned with expectations.
Every day brings a range of different tasks, and each one comes with its own set of challenges. I’ve noticed that when I’m faced with a problem, I tend to follow the same few steps. First, I try to look up whatever I’m confused about. The internet is a powerful tool, and I often rely on Google or even AI resources to see if I can find a solution quickly. Sometimes this works, but not always. If I can’t find the answer online, my next step is to see if I can figure it out based on the information I’ve already been given. I treat these tasks like puzzles, piecing together clues to see if I can arrive at a workable answer. While this doesn’t always lead to success, it often helps me better understand the scope of the problem. Importantly, I am careful not to make changes that could compromise data or create errors that cannot be corrected. Finally, when these strategies do not resolve the issue, I ask questions. In fact, I often find myself asking questions regardless, because I prefer to seek clarification rather than risk producing inaccurate work. I’ve come to view asking questions not as a weakness, but as a proactive way to ensure accuracy and demonstrate responsibility.
Working in a mainly Korean office has added another layer of complexity to my experience. While most of my coworkers know English and my boss speaks English very well, there are still plenty of communication errors. Sometimes the information I receive is incomplete, or sometimes there’s a misinterpretation because of language differences. My strategy for handling this is the same as with problem-solving: I ask questions. I often follow up with clarifying questions or repeat back what I understood to make sure I’m interpreting their instructions correctly. This has helped me complete my tasks with greater clarity and confidence. It also shows my coworkers that I’m engaged and committed to understanding them, which I think helps build stronger working relationships.
Another interesting aspect of this internship is how much I’ve learned about patience and adaptability. In school, assignments usually come with clear instructions, deadlines, and grading rubrics. In the workplace, things are not always so straightforward. Sometimes I’m given a task with only partial information, and I have to figure out the rest. Other times, priorities shift quickly, and I have to adjust my focus. At first, this felt overwhelming, but I’m starting to see it as an opportunity to grow. I’ve also noticed that my confidence has increased since the first week. While I was initially nervous about making mistakes, I now recognize that mistakes are part of the learning process. What matters most is how I respond—by asking questions, seeking feedback, and applying lessons learned to future tasks.
Looking back on Week 3, I feel proud of the progress I’ve made. I’ve developed new skills, adapted to challenges, and strengthened relationships with my supervisor and colleagues. I have been able to showcase my abilities and gain the trust of those around me. While I still have much to learn, I am excited about the journey ahead. Each week presents new opportunities for growth, and I am determined to make the most of them. This internship is not only helping me gain technical knowledge, but also teaching me how to navigate real-world situations, communicate across cultures, and cultivate the mindset of a professional. These lessons will remain with me long after the internship concludes, shaping the way I approach future academic and career endeavors.
Stay tuned for Week 4!
