Natalia Collins

October 23, 2015

Expect the Unexpected: I want much more than they've got planned

How do you professionally deal with unexpected situations during your internship? Should you try to adjust to these new outcomes or quit? Can you still enjoy your internship when your expectations are not met? During my summer internship at Professional Theatre Company where I assisted with devising, scripting and rehearsing the students’ original plays, I faced unexpected challenges, including miscommunication among teachers and administration, changes in class plans, a shift in stage location for our rehearsals, as well as not being permitted to create a set design, costumes, and many other aspects for the plays. I learned to balance the two sets of expectations this summer - trying to meet as many of my supervisor's objectives as possible and maintaining the focus of my own goals. While struggling to accept the reality of my internship, I aimed to pay attention to the many other great opportunities I knew I could still gain being there. Once I decided to take an open minded path, I was able to turn my internship into learning and enjoyable experiences.