Internships are intended to provide college students with valuable learning experiences and insights into what it’s like working in the “real world.” However, it is still a job, and there are responsibilities. Many times, as an intern, you can feel especially vulnerable as you are not a full-time, established hire, so you feel the need to overcompensate by meeting expectations and going well beyond expectations (and pay). So, when faced with speaking up to your boss or accepting an ethically dubious task, one can definitely risk the extreme and get fired. There are other levels of risk that transpire such as developing a poor relationship with your manager(s) and becoming the victim of passive-aggressive behaviors moving forward. However, there are also benefits to consider, with the most important being uncompromised/strengthened morals. This is crucial to developing a strong sense of self.
If prompted with such a challenging experience during an internship, I would definitely reach out to those I trust and talk out my concerns, and get comfortable with the reality that this is a challenging choice that I ultimately have to make. Either way, I will experience some discomfort, but to differing degrees. Then when it comes time to voice my concerns, I would approach it with some empathy for whoever is opposite me and make it clear from the start that this comes from a place of concern. I would be sure to not “walk on eggshells” and risk making matters worse, so I will get to the point clearly and soundly. I will also prepare to have some idea of responses and theorize which ways this conversation can go and how best to mitigate any adverse effects that might arise.
