Establishing a good relationship with your boss is key to a successful internship experience—but don’t stress if things don’t click right away. Every workplace has its own culture. Some are casual and chatty, while others are more formal and structured. Your boss and colleagues will naturally reflect the environments they've worked in before.
That said, there are several practical steps you can take to make a great impression during your internship and earn the respect of your manager. Here are six ways to help impress your boss.
1. Go Above and Beyond in Your Work.
The most effective way to gain your boss’s trust and appreciation is to deliver exceptional work consistently. Focus on producing high-quality results and always look for opportunities to exceed expectations.
Before submitting any task, ask yourself:
- Can I make this more thorough or insightful?
- Can I present this information more professionally or creatively?
Whether it’s a report, presentation, or research task, showing initiative and attention to detail will set you apart. When your boss sees that you’re reliable and capable, they’ll be more likely to trust you with meaningful work and greater responsibility.
2. Schedule a One-on-One Conversation.
Communication is everything—especially during internships where most conversations happen via email or messaging apps. Without face-to-face interaction, it’s easy for tone and intent to get lost in translation.
Take the initiative to schedule a one-on-one chat with your supervisor. It can be as simple as: “Would you have time this week for a quick check-in? I’d love to hear your feedback on how I’m doing.”
This shows you’re proactive, receptive to feedback, and eager to improve. It also builds trust and helps you better understand your manager’s expectations.
3. Do Something Thoughtful.
Kindness goes a long way in the workplace. Small, thoughtful gestures can help build rapport and demonstrate emotional intelligence. For example:
- Ask your boss how their weekend was
- Offer to grab them a coffee if you're heading out
- Remember small details they’ve shared and follow up
These moments show that you’re engaged and respectful—not just a hardworking intern, but also a friendly colleague.
4. Ask Smart, Not Excessive, Questions.
While it's important to ask questions, be mindful of when and how often you do so. A good rule of thumb: only ask questions that you can’t answer through research or common sense.
Instead of saying: “What does this acronym mean?”
Try: “I looked up this acronym and found X and Y meanings—could you clarify which one applies here?”
Well-thought-out questions can show initiative, while constant basic ones may come off as careless or unprepared.
5. Connect with Colleagues.
Even if your relationship with your boss isn’t perfect, there are likely many other amazing people around you. Use your internship as a networking opportunity to build relationships with other team members.
Ask someone to grab lunch or join you for a coffee after work. Most people will appreciate the effort, and these connections can become valuable parts of your professional network.
6. Don’t Take It Personally.
Lastly, consider this: maybe your boss does like you. Sometimes, if a manager seems distant, it may have nothing to do with you. They could be overwhelmed with deadlines or dealing with personal challenges.
If you’ve been doing your best work, communicating openly, and being kind and thoughtful—then you’re doing everything right. Don’t let one person’s mood shake your confidence.
Building a strong relationship with your boss takes time, effort, and emotional awareness. Focus on doing great work, communicating clearly, and showing kindness. Even if the bond doesn’t feel instant, your professionalism will leave a lasting impression.
And remember: your internship is just the beginning of your career. Every experience, whether smooth or challenging, is a chance to grow and learn.
