When Things Get Uncomfortable — Boundaries & Ethics ⚖️

Most internships are great. Some have moments that aren’t. Here’s what to do.

If you’re asked to do something you’re not sure is right

Examples: cutting a corner on data privacy, misrepresenting results, unpaid overtime becoming an expectation, being asked to do work far outside your role.

Steps:

Pause. You don’t need to answer immediately. “Let me have a think and get back to you.”
Ask a clarifying question. “Just to make sure I understand — you’re asking me to X because of Y?” Sometimes it’s a miscommunication.
Push back politely if needed. “I’m not comfortable doing that. Can we talk about the goal and find another way?”
Escalate if it doesn’t resolve. Your placement coordinator (university), HR, or a trusted senior person are all options.

If you experience or witness harassment or discrimination

This is never your fault, and you are never overreacting for taking it seriously.

Document it. Date, time, what happened, who was there. Even short notes.
Tell someone you trust. A mentor, another intern, HR, your university placement office.
Know your rights. Every workplace has a code of conduct and grievance process — you can ask HR for the document without triggering anything.
You can leave. An internship is not worth your safety or dignity. Your university will support you.

Healthy boundaries

You don’t have to be online after hours. If your team messages you at 9pm, reply the next morning. That’s normal.
Weekends are yours. If there’s a genuine emergency it will be a phone call, not a Slack message.
Sick days exist for interns too. Take them. Don’t infect the team.
“No” is a full sentence for things outside your role, safety, or capacity.