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How can Interns ask for Time Off?

Interns typically don't ask for time off because they're afraid it would hurt their chances of getting hired thereafter. In actuality, showing that you are a mature individual who realises their boundaries and understands the principles of negotiation by asking for a much-needed holiday can make you a more marketable employee in the future. Here's a refresher on how to make your case for time off during an internship, and convince your superiors to grant it.
How can Interns ask for Time Off?
Even if you've started your internship, situations may arise where you need to request time off during your internship. That could be due to various reasons like personal problems, or health issues or emergency travel, etc. Now, you possibly feel hesitant to ask for the leave since you are not yet a permanent employee. But there is no need to feel that way, since even employers understand the importance of such moments.

Also, by following the below tips, you might not have to think twice to apply for the same. If you take the right measures no one would be declining your request for this time off. Since you are new to corporate world, some things, like leave policy, would require additional attention and awareness. Let us help you with the same, so you may take off without any worries or guilt, and your work would also not suffer.

1.    Understanding the Need for Time Off

First you need to identify if you actually require that time off. For example, your cousin is getting married in a few days, but she is a distant cousin, and you probably aren’t too close to her. So would be attending the full day wedding or can manage with just the wedding lunch/dinner? If yes, you might reconsider your plans to take full day off and could manage with just a few hours off.

2.    Check out the Leave Policy

If at all you have to take the day/s off, make sure to go through the leave policy. A lot of companies do not allow leaves during internship period, so your salary will be deducted. If you have allotted leaves in your account, check out the other factors, how to apply, and eligibility criteria before moving ahead.

3.    Connect with the Manager

Discuss your situation with your manager clearly and honestly to understand the internship time off policy. They will surely understand. In most cases interns can take days off with prior discussion and approval from their managers.

4.    Connect with the HR

If required, connect with the HR team to understand the leave rules better, so you don’t face issues later on. Go through the generic process of applying for the leave, by email or through an HRMS (Human Resource Management System). Avoid relying only on verbal communications.

5.    Planning and Applying for Leave

Do not wait for the last day to apply for the day off. Apply at least 15 days earlier. Your manager and teammates must remain aware of your absence and can plan the work load accordingly. Last day notice might result in rejection of request. Also, unless of urgent nature, its considered unprofessional.

6.    Managing Work Responsibilities Before Leave

Always make sure you manage your work before going on that leave. No one else is responsible for your work. Your colleagues can assist you but you need to be responsible and mindful of letting them know beforehand of your tasks. Going off by leaving everything unattended would leave a negative impact on your employers. If it’s more than 2 days of leave, you better have an excellent reason for that. Planning work for too many days isn’t easy and can go against your performance.

Do not ask for days off too often; the internship is just for a limited time. Do not lie about why you need time off, be honest because why should you lie about such basic things? Avoid being pushy about your request; a simple request should assist you with your leaves.

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