What do you do if your internship is overwhelming your academic schedule?

1 Assess your situation

The first step is to honestly evaluate your current situation and identify the sources of your overwhelm. Are you spending too much time on your internship tasks? Are you falling behind on your assignments and readings? Are you feeling burned out or exhausted? How is your internship affecting your personal and social life? Write down the answers to these questions and rate your level of satisfaction with each aspect of your life on a scale of 1 to 10.

2 Set realistic expectations

The next step is to set realistic expectations for yourself and your internship. Remember that you are not expected to perform at the same level as a full-time employee or a seasoned professional. You are there to learn, grow, and contribute, not to impress or compete. Likewise, you should not expect to ace every course or project while juggling an internship. You may have to accept some trade-offs and compromises in order to balance your responsibilities. Decide what are your priorities and what are your limits, and communicate them clearly to yourself and others.

3 Plan your schedule

The third step is to plan your schedule in advance and stick to it as much as possible. Use a calendar, a planner, or an app to organize your tasks, deadlines, and commitments. Allocate enough time for your internship, your studies, and your personal needs. Try to avoid procrastination, distractions, and multitasking, as they can reduce your productivity and quality of work. If possible, create a routine that suits your preferences and energy levels. For example, you may prefer to work on your internship in the morning, study in the afternoon, and relax in the evening.

4 Communicate effectively

The fourth step is to communicate effectively with your internship supervisor, your professors, and your peers. Let them know about your availability, your progress, and your challenges. Ask for feedback, guidance, and support when you need it. Be respectful, polite, and professional in your interactions. Don't be afraid to say no or to negotiate if you feel overwhelmed or overworked. Explain your situation and offer alternative solutions. For example, you may ask for an extension, a deadline adjustment, or a reduced workload.

5 Seek help and support

The fifth step is to seek help and support from various sources if you feel stuck or stressed. You don't have to deal with everything on your own. You can reach out to your internship mentor, your academic advisor, your counselor, or your friends and family. They can offer you advice, encouragement, or assistance. You can also look for online resources, such as blogs, podcasts, or courses, that can help you improve your skills, knowledge, or mindset. For example, you may find some useful tips on public relations, time management, or stress relief.

6 Celebrate your achievements

The sixth and final step is to celebrate your achievements and recognize your growth. You are doing something remarkable and challenging, and you deserve to be proud of yourself. Don't focus only on the negative aspects or the mistakes, but also on the positive outcomes and the lessons learned. Reward yourself for completing a task, meeting a deadline, or overcoming a difficulty. Share your successes and feedback with your internship supervisor, your professors, and your peers. Reflect on your internship experience and how it has helped you develop your public relations skills, your academic performance, and your personal growth.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?