What do you hope to gain from this internship?

The employer asks, "What do you hope to gain from this experience?" and they want someone who is interested in this precise role and can explain why. The hiring manager is looking for someone who can explain their reasons for wanting to be in this role and/or industry. In their mind, the candidate who can explain why they want to be in this role will come with more energy, be more motivated, and be better able to overcome challenges and setbacks.

The first step to answering what you hope to gain from an opportunity or experience is to show the hiring manager that you clearly understand the opportunity. To begin to answer this starts with researching the company including their mission statement and core values. One of the biggest mistakes you can make in an interview is to show the hiring manager that you didn't take the time to understand the job before you applied.

Show that you've put thought into your job search and are targeting specific areas

This is an essential topic to prepare for when interviewing. You need to be ready to show that you're looking for specific opportunities in your job hunt. Ask yourself questions such as - what kind of internships are you targeting? Simply wanting an internship isn't enough.

Next explain how this opportunity fits your interests and goals. Be specific about your career goals, skills you hope to gain, or areas of interest that align with this opportunity, industry, and/or company.If you're passionate about a topic, it's okay to share that, too.

Topics to think about and address in your answer:

• What aspects of this role will help you pursue your broader interests and future professional goals?

• What specific skills and experiences that you saw mentioned on the job posting do you hope to gain?

• Where do you see yourself in 2 to 5 years, and how might this role help you get there?