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Common Mistakes

Be proactive. If you complete your tasks early, ask your supervisor for the next assignment.
Do not fill free time with the following:

• Browsing Facebook or YouTube
• Texting or sending emails to friends
• Shopping online
• Falling asleep at your computer
• Doing homework

Be responsible. Take your internship seriously and foster a positive work environment. 
Do not engage in the following behaviors:

• Shirking or complaining about basic tasks
• Debating politics or religion
• Engaging in office gossip
• Using slang or inappropriate language
• Sharing confidential information
• Consuming alcohol with co-workers
• Taking advantage of company perks

Employer Stories

Be respectful. Employers are watching you during your internship, regardless of the circumstance.
Employer complaints include observing their interns doing the following:

• Getting drunk and acting or speaking inappropriately at corporate events
• Dressing seductively or inappropriately (short skirts, see-through blouses, stiletto heels, sparkles, flip-flops)
• Offending coworkers, vendors or customers through negative, sarcastic or pushy communication style
• Trying to negotiate pay or compensation after the internship has begun
• Not showing up or altering work schedule and then sending an excuse through email to your supervisor
• Playing video games, poker or other online games during the work day
• Taking company supplies or merchandise for personal use

External Opinions

Check out these great articles for more information:

Bloomberg Businessweek

Experience.com