What Questions to Ask When You Get an Internship Offer?

Receiving an internship offer is exciting, but before you say “yes,” you’ll want to make sure it’s the right fit for you. It’s not just about landing the position, but understanding what’s actually involved. So, if you’re thinking to yourself, “What questions to ask when I get an internship offer?” you’re already on the right track.

Understanding factors like daily responsibilities, company culture, and growth potential can help you determine if this is the best move—or if it’s worth exploring other opportunities.

Read on to discover the key questions you should ask to ensure this internship sets you on the right path for your career success.

Stay on top of your options: Browse these internship opportunities on The Muse—one of them might just be your perfect next step »

What to consider before accepting an internship offer

Internships aren’t just about gaining work experience. “They’re opportunities to explore different types of careers and prepare for future professional pursuits,” says Shannon Braun, director of career services at Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, California. “Focus on internships closely related to the type of work you want to do long term, or, if you’re unsure, choose ones that help you narrow your interests.”

Treating internships as a chance to refine your career direction allows you to maximize their value and align them with your professional growth. “To ensure the opportunity aligns with your professional objectives, consider factors such as company culture, learning opportunities, and the type of tasks assigned,” says Anna Williams, HR director at Pretty Moment.

Here's a breakdown of what to consider:

• Role and responsibilities: Look beyond the job title. Review the tasks and projects you’ll be assigned. Are they relevant to the skills you want to develop? Will they challenge and prepare you for the next step in your career? Clarifying these details ensures the role adds value to your professional journey.
• Company culture: Research the organization’s values and work environment. Company culture plays a huge role in how enjoyable—and productive—your internship experience will be. Ask about team collaboration, mentorship opportunities, and whether interns are included in meaningful discussions or projects.
• Compensation and benefits: Money isn’t everything, but it’s important to understand what’s being offered—whether it’s a stipend, networking opportunities, college credits, or certification programs. Clarifying pay, perks, and resources like transportation support ensures you have a clear picture of how this internship fits into your financial and professional goals.
• Time commitment: Internships often have varying schedules. Confirm the required hours and the length of the program. Can you manage this alongside your classes, part-time work, or other commitments? A clear understanding of expectations avoids future stress.
• Long-term opportunities: “Is this company somewhere I could see myself working full time?” says Braun. An internship might be your entry point to a full-time role. Many organizations view their internship programs as a talent pipeline for permanent positions, making it strategic to choose internships at companies you’d want to join long-term. Understanding this potential helps you assess whether the role aligns with your future goals and creates pathways for valuable career opportunities.

8 questions to ask about an internship

Asking the right questions when you're offered an internship can reveal important details. Below, we’ve highlighted key aspects to explore and how the answers can guide your decision.

1. “What specific skills will I gain in this role?”

This question ensures the internship aligns with the skills you want to develop for your long-term goals. By identifying whether you’ll develop technical abilities, improve soft skills, or gain hands-on experience with industry tools, you can determine if this role will make your resume stand out and prepare you for future opportunities.

2. “What are the expectations for what an intern should accomplish by the end of the internship?”

This clarifies the goals and deliverables expected of you, helping you understand what success looks like and whether the role offers measurable achievements to add to your resume.

3. “How closely will I be working with a manager or other team members?”

Understanding the level of collaboration and guidance gives you insight into the support you’ll have. This can help you assess how much mentorship or teamwork will be part of your experience.

4. “Is the internship program designed to be a feeder into full-time roles in the future?”

This question helps you understand whether this internship can lead to a full-time role to evaluate its potential for long-term career opportunities within the organization.

5. “How do you support interns’ personal and professional growth?”

Learning about available resources like mentorship, training sessions, or skill development opportunities can help you gauge how the company invests in its interns and your potential growth.

6. “How many hours per week are expected for this internship?”

Understanding the time commitment ensures you can balance the role with your other obligations, like classes or part-time work, and gives clarity on what’s expected.

7. “Is there flexibility for remote or hybrid work arrangements?”

Knowing the work model ensures you’re prepared for logistical demands and helps you assess if the arrangement aligns with your personal needs. (Here’s what to consider when it comes to remote, in-office, or hybrid work setup.)

8. “What is the duration of the internship, and are extensions possible?”

Clarifying the timeline helps you plan ahead and determine if this internship fits into your schedule. Plus, knowing about potential extensions can signal the company’s investment in interns.

Spot the red flags

How do you know if an internship is right for you? “Start by looking for red flags,” says Braun. Believe it or not, there are several to watch for.

One major warning sign is if the position offers very low or no pay. While gaining experience is important, Braun emphasizes the need for proper compensation for your work. Another red flag is an unclear or vague job description, or a poorly managed recruitment and interview process. “It’s a definite red flag to receive an internship offer without having any conversation with someone directly affiliated with the company,” she says.

The way a company communicates with you can also reveal potential issues. Evaluate emails and interactions—spelling and grammar mistakes, rude tones, or pressure to respond immediately are all causes for concern. “This can be a reflection of what you may experience during your internship,” Braun says. Paying attention to these details can help you decide if the company is truly the right fit for you.

Read this next: How to Evaluate a Job Offer—and Ask for Time to Think About It

Once you've decided, here's how to accept or decline

Whether you accept the position or decline it, how you communicate your choice matters. “Do it formally, ideally via email,” Williams says. “Be appreciative of the opportunity, specify your decision, and, if declining, indicate that you're open to future possibilities if circumstances allow.”

Here’s how to handle the next steps with confidence and professionalism:

How to accept an internship offer

• Respond promptly. Timeliness demonstrates professionalism and enthusiasm for the role. Aim to reply within a few days of receiving the offer.
• Confirm details. “Ask any questions you have about the offer before signing anything,” Braun says. Double-check the role, salary, start date, location (if applicable), and any additional next steps required by the company. “If something doesn’t seem right or it’s not what you discussed, clarify those things and have them clearly stated in the offer letter before signing.”
• Express gratitude and enthusiasm. Thank the employer for the opportunity and convey your excitement about contributing to their team. For example: “Thank you so much for the opportunity. I’m thrilled to join your team and look forward to starting on [start date]!”

How to decline an internship offer

• Be polite and professional. A courteous tone leaves a positive impression, even if you’re declining.
• Keep it brief but clear: Explain your decision without unnecessary details. “You don’t have to go into detail about why you are declining the offer, but it can be helpful to the company if you give a general reason,” Braun says. For instance, you could say: “After careful consideration, I’ve decided to pursue another opportunity that aligns better with my career goals.”
• Thank them for their time. Acknowledge the effort they made in considering you. For example: “I truly appreciate the time and effort you’ve dedicated to reviewing my application and offering me this role.”
• Leave the door open. Express interest in staying connected for potential opportunities in the future—if this aligns with your genuine intentions. For example: “While I’m unable to accept this offer, I truly admire your organization and would love to stay in touch for future opportunities.”

Get what you need from the conversation

Deciding whether to accept an internship offer is about more than just the role—it’s about how the experience will contribute to your growth, skills, and future opportunities. By asking the right questions and seeking clarity on the aspects that matter most to you, you’re taking a proactive step in shaping your career path. Whether you choose to move forward or explore other options, every decision you make with intention brings you closer to your goals.