A report can be one of the requirements for passing the internship process, but it is also your opportunity to share your experiences. Organization is very important when writing an effective report. You need a professional title page followed by chapters that tell about the internship process. Label the chapters neatly. For successful report writing, share your experiences clearly and objectively.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Creating the Title Page and Setting the Document Format
Step 1. Number the pages
Make sure you put the page number in the top right corner of each page, except on the title page. Turn on the page number function using the menu options on your word processing program's taskbar. This function will create page numbers automatically.
- If you apply page numbers, readers will be able to use the table of contents.
- Page numbers help you organize reports and replace missing pages.
Step 2. Create a cover page using the report title
The cover page is the first page the reader sees. Type your title at the top of the page in bold. An effective title describes what you did during your internship. Don't add jokes or comments about your experience in this section.
- For example, you might write, “Report on Investment Banking Internship at Gringotts Bank.”
- A generic title like “Internship Report” is usually acceptable if you can't find another title.
Step 3. Write the name and information of the internship program on the cover page
Under the title, write the date of your internship program. Write down your name, school name, and the name of your supervisor if applicable. Also include the name and contact information of the organization where the internship is taking place.
- For example, write “Internship Program Report. Local Government Company, May-June 2018.”
- Type information neatly. Write in the middle and space between the lines.
Step 4. Write a thank you note on the page after the cover
Title the page after the cover “Acknowledgment” or “Acknowledgments.” This page is where you thank the people who have helped you during the internship program.
- You can mention your mentors at school, at work, and the people you work with.
- For example, say, “I want to thank Dr. Sutrisno who has given me the opportunity to take part in the internship program.”
Step 5. Create a table of contents if your report is long
A table of contents is especially useful if your report has 8 chapters or more. In the table of contents, list the chapter titles and page numbers for each heading. This list will help readers find the specific passages they want to read.
- A thank you page should be included in the table of contents. The cover page does not need to be included in the table of contents.
- If there are graphics or images in your report, create a separate table of contents to provide information where readers can see specific graphics or images.
Step 6. Write an abstract page that summarizes your experiences during the internship
The abstract or summary provides a brief overview of your assignment. In it, describe where you work and what you do. Write down your work and experience briefly in one paragraph.
For example, start with, “This report describes the internship program at Stark Industries in South Tangerang, Banten. I work in the Robotics Division.”
Part 2 of 3: Writing the Report Body
Step 1. Title each chapter of the report
When you have finished writing one chapter, start writing the next chapter on a new page. Create a descriptive title for each chapter. Type in the top-center of the page in bold.
- For example, one of the chapters might be titled, “Gringotts Bank Overview.”
- Some simple chapter headings include “Introduction,” “Internship Experience,” and “Conclusion.”
Step 2. Open the introduction with facts about the workplace
Use the introduction to expand the summary. Start by telling a story about how the company operates. Discuss the organization, their position in the industry, what they do, and the number of employees.
For example, write, “RamJack supplies service provider robots in various countries of the world. As a pioneer in the industry, RamJack is uniquely qualified to clean up post-disaster areas.”
Step 3. Describe the part where you work
Any company or organization usually has several sections. Be specific about your engagement. Use this introductory section to direct the reader to your personal experience.
- For example, write, “From May to June 2018, I worked in the Electrical Division as an intern along with 200 other employees.”
- Remember, this is a story about you, so use your personal style to grab the reader's attention.
Step 4. Describe your responsibilities
Describe what you did during the internship. Provide as much detail as possible. While certain tasks may sound tedious at first, such as cleaning up or writing a memo, they can add meaning to your report.
You might write, “One of my jobs at Ramjack is brazing power lines, but I also do component maintenance.”
Step 5. Write down what you learned during the internship
Start discussing responsibilities, then move on to work results. Give examples of what you learned during your internship. Provide an in-depth explanation of how this change occurred.
- Think of the changes you experience as a person, not just as an employee.
- For example, you might say, “I learned a lot about how to communicate with people in a community who are very different from me.”
Step 6. Evaluate your experience during the internship
You can criticize the organization you work for, but deliver it fairly and impartially. Use concrete facts and examples. Concentrate on what you have learned and what you can apply in the future. Don't blame anyone.
You might write, “It would be helpful if RamJack improved communication. Often times, supervisors are not clear about what they expect of me.”
Step 7. Reflect on your performance during the internship
Write the conclusion of the report by discussing your experience. Write objectively, share negative and positive experiences you have had. You can also describe the feedback you received during the internship.
You might write, “At first, I was very quiet, but I learned to be more assertive and confident so management took my ideas seriously.”
Step 8. Use the appendix to attach other information
The appendix section is a place to include diaries, published papers, photos, recordings, and other supporting materials. The amount of support material you have will depend on your job description during the internship. If possible, include material that describes your work achievements during the internship.
- For example, if you work in communications, include press releases, advertisements, letters, or recordings that you make.
- If you don't have additional material, you should probably write a paragraph about why you don't have additional material.
Part 3 of 3: Writing with Good Techniques
Step 1. Organize the information using an outline before writing
Before writing the body of the report, break down your experience into sections. Outline on a piece of paper, listing the points you want to talk about in each section.
This method will help you organize your writing. Make sure the sections in the report flow coherently without any information being repeated
Step 2. Write at least 5 to 10 pages
Make sure you have enough space to describe the experience in detail, but don't get off topic. Reports that are too long will feel less sharp and polished. Reports that are not too long are usually adequate.
- If you don't have enough material, it's better to write a short report.
- You may have to write more than 10 pages, especially if your internship is extensive or you are studying for a higher degree.
- Page count requirements may vary depending on the internship program.
Step 3. Use an objective tone throughout the report
Your report is academic material, so make it look like academic material. Describe yourself in a positive light by always sticking to concrete facts and examples when sharing your experiences. Be careful with your writing and avoid sounding too critical.
- For example, you might write, “Working at Wayne's Company was difficult, but I learned a lot.” Don't say, "Wayne's company is a bad company."
- An example of a fact-based piece of writing is, “Wayne's company has 75% share of the smartphone market.”
Step 4. Use specific examples to illustrate your experience
Avoid generalizing. Show your experience by giving examples for each topic you cover. Concrete details will allow the reader to imagine your experience.
- For example, write, “Acme Company put down unsecured dynamite. I feel unsafe working there.”
- You might write, “My supervisor asked me to photograph a river dolphin that washed ashore near a remote Bolivian village.”
Step 5. Include observations you have about life insights
This insight is broader than the scope of school work. These insights can be about the organization you work for, the people who work there, and the world in general. These insights will vary depending on the scope of your work during your internship, but if you do have them, they will show that you have grown as a person.
- You might work in a laboratory and write, “Employees work all day, but they are aware that they are helping a lot of people so they always come in full of energy in the morning.”
- Another example, “Oscorp is very busy and employees will find it helpful if the company provides additional resources. This is a problem that many companies in this country have.”
Step 6. Reread the report after you have written it
Take the time to reread the report at least once. Take note of incoherent sentences. Pay attention to the experiences you describe in the report as well as the tone of the report as a whole. The entire content of the report should feel fluid, objective, and clear to the reader.
Reading aloud can be beneficial. You can also ask other people to read your writing
Step 7. Edit the report before submitting it
You may have to review the report many times and change it. Revise your report as much as needed for good results. Once you're satisfied, hand it over to your supervisor so they can read about your experience.
Pay attention to report submission deadlines. Allow sufficient time to edit reports before the report submission deadline
Tips
- For a professional looking report, use resume paper and put it in a diary with a loose-leaf notebook or thesis binder.
- Print the report on one side of the paper using standard fonts as if you were making a school report.
- Write down your internship experience in as much detail as possible.
- Write a compelling report, but stay objective.
