If you’re timid, shy or quiet you might know exactly what I’m about to say. When you want to ask someone a question you hesitate a little in fear of…what? In fear of being yelled at, being judged, or just looking plain dumb.
We all might suffer from the asking ailment but don’t let it stop you from being the best you can be.
I can’t stress enough how helpful asking a question is. I admit there were several times on the first couple of days at my internship I sat at my desk wondering if I should get up and ask a question or if I would seem annoying. Each time I finally found the courage to ask a question I realized, “Hey, that wasn’t so bad.”
Here’s the deal. You may think that you’re being super annoying when you ask your boss a question, but the reality of it is that you probably seem more eager and concentrated than annoying. Not to mention asking a lot of questions when you start a new internship is completely normal! You’re new to the work place and you don’t know how everything works. From using a copy machine to building a story, don’t be afraid to ask for guidance when you need it.
If I have a question on something I am working on or I want it checked over, I just ask. It’s better to ask and fix what you’re doing as you go along then mess up and have a lot of problems.
But make sure you pay attention to the answer! The worst thing you can do is ask a question and have to keep asking it again. People don’t mind helping you, but if you keep making the same mistakes that shows your lack of attention.
Finally, if you’re not doing anything, ask. Every time I am finished with an assignment I ask if there’s anything else that they need help with at all. I want to show that I’m eager to work and I want to make the most of my time at the company.
The rundown is, asking benefits you in the long run. Don’t sit in silence and assume how things are done and wait for someone else to fix them. Ask right away and you will complete a task thoroughly and effectively and you’ll feel so much better.
Laurel Coffman currently interns at Marie Claire as a web editorial intern. Follow her on Twitter @laurelcoffman.