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Can you reject a task given by your boss in the internship?

I don't like the task. I feel like she's taking advantage of me as a mid-beginner. She is giving a big load, a campaign to do..all the content ideas for one months. She's asking me to do it.

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Thank you comment icon I love it when in my youth my supervisor would give me a ton of task and work not associated with my job title. I took it on with a vengeance and ran circles around everyone and kept a smile on my face and I learned so much about the job ,myself and if you organize properly you can get so much more done and after a while people are depending on you because they know they can and you climb the ladder quickly. So it is all in how you look at things you have an opertunity to shine and promote your abilities take this as a positive. I am an Interior Designer many years and my first job I was still in collage but was lucky to work with a well known an very good designer and I volunteered for all the jobs no one else wanted . Like a job site that needed measurements taken and it had been raining for two days and the site was a muddy mess but I learned how to manage a muddy mess of a job site so when it happened to me and my client I was prepared and professional. Be willing you never know where it will take you or who you will meet in your task good luck. Linda Mire
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Karissa’s Answer

I would not refuse. Do as much as you can at a pace that you feel comfortable with. Making mistakes and being held accountable for projects you are not ready for is not teaching you anything. It's better that you do a good job and complete 80% of the project. If the task that was given to you is so important that she will lose business then she would not give it to an intern. If you despise the work given to you then I suggest not going into this field. If it was something you loved doing you would not want to refuse to do something.
Thank you comment icon Hi,, Thank you so much for the advise. Although, She kicked me out for no reason. The internship was Not Worth It because it is unpaid plus she is taking advantage the fact we are beginners and some with experience, she is overworking us to the bone and there is no stipend like doing 30 minutes of engagement * 3x a day in different time slot on other posts on Linkedin + account management from strategy to 30 pieces of content. Shaina
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Vrushali’s Answer

Consider adopting these actionable steps:

At present, your narrative is centered around the question "why is this happening to me". Shift your perspective to "why is this happening for me". This will empower you to take control of your challenges.

Contemplate on potential solutions to your problem and perhaps, introduce a few more. During the early stages of your career, bosses usually seek individuals who can exceed expectations while maintaining the company's core values. They value those who can think autonomously and bring a unique viewpoint to any circumstance.

Remember, most of the time, it's not personal. Bosses often view situations from a higher level. Regardless, an open and honest conversation with your boss will likely improve your situation. Best of luck!
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Tammy’s Answer

At my job, I am the internship coordinator for our college students. In my experience there have been times when my student interns have been asked to engage in activities that are not appropriate for their role or skill level. I have always found that the best place to start is by having a conversation with the supervisor to clarify the responsibilities, to have an honest conversation about skill level and to define to purpose of the internship. Perhaps asking the supervisor to have a meeting to discuss your concerns would be the best place to start.

I think the answer to your question also depends on the nature of your internship. If this internship is connected to a college program, then the college has specific learning objectives and goals for the intern. You may need to involve your program coordinator to help navigate this situation. Is this a paid internship or are you volunteering? The answer to that might also help clarify your response. In our area, the state government has a department of labor which has regulations for interns. Essentially the board states that if an intern is being asked to engage in certain activities then they have a right to be paid. Perhaps if you are doing a free internship and this project is beyond the scope of your duties then you can ask to be paid and hired for this specific project.

All of these suggestions though start with an honest and respectful conversation with the internship supervisor. Assuming this internship is the field you are hoping to work in, then having a good presence and not “burning any bridges” while there may be important for your future. Sometimes this phase of your career is just tough and you just have to get through it. But as stated above, if you are not enjoying the work than it’s is probable that you are not on the right career path and need to reevaluate your future career. At least you know now and can switch to a new field before being too far into the career field.
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Cale’s Answer

Shaina, I'd like to suggest that you reconsider your query. In other words, it's absolutely within your rights as an intern to decline a task assigned by your boss. However, you must also be prepared to face the repercussions of such an action. A more beneficial question for you to ponder would be whether or not you should refuse the task. What could be the potential advantages of completing the task assigned by your boss? Once you weigh the pros and cons, you'll be in a better position to make an informed decision.
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Rhea’s Answer

In these circumstances, it's most beneficial to kindly communicate to your boss that you require a bit more time to flawlessly execute each task. If your boss assigns you a project involving unfamiliar material, seize the opportunity to grow and learn. Don't hesitate to seek guidance from your boss and colleagues when necessary. Alternatively, if the task is truly beyond your capabilities, inform your boss promptly to prevent any unexpected issues. This approach not only helps you maintain your work quality but also fosters a healthy, transparent working relationship.
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Bonnie’s Answer

Hey Shaina, it's probably a good idea to take on the challenge. If you can handle the work, it's a great chance to showcase your skills by finishing the task. But, if you feel you might struggle to complete the project, don't hesitate to let her know and ask for assistance. Remember, the most successful leaders aren't afraid to ask for help when they need it. It's not a sign of weakness, but a mark of wisdom. Wishing you all the best!
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Akinade’s Answer

The current bigger challenge are part of what shape us to learn the survival skills to overcome futures storm. Hey, not always easy. But don't overstress your brain.
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