Ethics is the examination of right and wrong and the practice of right. Morals are how we define what is right and wrong. Morals are in the talking, ethics are in the acting. (Christopher Gilbert, Northwest Center for Ethics Training and Development)
You will exhibit your work ethic in your internship by your work habits: by getting to work on time, by putting in your full work schedule regularly, by maintaining a positive attitude in all you do, by showing respect to others, and hundred other ways. You may also encounter an ethical dilemma in your internship.
There is an Ethical Code of Conduct for Interns. Be familiar with this Code and consider how it can enhance your experience.
There are many areas in an internship where there can be an obvious application of ethics. These opportunities will demonstrate to your employer and co-workers what your ethical code is. Here are some examples of typical workplace opportunities to apply your ethical standards:
§ Using the telephone - if or how much you use the business phone for personal calls
§ Use of office supplies - all office supplies belong to the employer; do not take pens, paper or any office supplies for personal use.
§ Clock watching - the best practice is to arrive early and leave last; do not start and end your work day on the minute of your work schedule and do not extend breaks or lunch beyond the allotted time.
§ Gossip - You need to develop trust in your internship; no one trusts a gossip so stay out of any gossip groups or threads of gossip that come to you.
§ Griping - Gripers tear down rather than build up; they are a negative force in the workplace so avoid engaging with gripers and stay focused on the positive.
§ Office romance - Your internship is a short term experience that should have your undivided attention. While you may meet someone special at your workplace, wait until the internship is over to pursue it. Avoid any interaction or conversation that may become "gossip."
§ Honesty - You are bound to make a mistake at some point in your internship. When that happens, as soon as you know it let your boss know, let him/her hear it from you rather than someone else. Offer to take whatever action is appropriate to recover the error.
§ Confidentiality - Be careful with sensitive information about people, programs, products, etc. Maintaining strict confidentiality will continue to build trust.
§ Internet - Like the telephone, do not use the Internet for personal purposes.
§ Email - Know and observe all employer policies in using the email system. Adhere to the advise that if you don't want it in the headlines, don't say it in an email message.
§ Listening - One of the greatest professional skills you can develop is that of listening to understand. It will strengthen the perception others have of you as a developing professional.
§ Drinking, Drugs, etc. - If your use of any substance is perceived to have a negative impact on your performance or the performance of others in the workplace, you are in trouble. Clearly, it is a poor decision to engage in any abusive use of any substance, but particularly so as an intern.
§ Professional Associations - Your employer has the ability to connect you to the associations to which they belong. Find out if there is a code of ethics associated with the professional organization and if so, become familiar with it.
Credibility, Integrity and Respect are coveted, intangible characteristics. All are built upon your day-to- day behavior. Develop a habit of adhering to a strong code of ethics.