I'm going to the States for an internship this summer. I'm legal where I am (Canada), but wouldnt be in the States. Would you reccomend drinking at work functions/going out with the team for drinks after work?
I'm 19, female and I'm nervous about fitting into the culture. I dont know that the current hockey stats are and wouldnt be able to hold a in-depth conversation about sports. I was hoping to use alcohol as a social lubricant when meeting my team, but I wouldn't want that to come at the expense of my career.
Thoughts?
Unless your team is particularly ok with it, I would suggest not drinking alcohol. I would play it by their rules, but I don't think getting involved in illegal underage drinking is something they would be comfortable with; now, there is no reason you can't drink with them, just go with the Shirley Temples or coffee. Also you could try the other non-alcoholic options.
A) Hi from a fellow Canadian from SW Ontario (Think Western, Waterloo, UofT) - if you're from nearby give me a shout! B) Absolutely do not break the law while over on a work visa lol. For reasons many will lay out for you. C) The real reason I replied. Don't feel compelled to try fitting in, the team chose YOU. Take it from an outgoing person - everyone has something in common once you let the conversation flow. You're from Canada and will be meeting people from all over, start with that. Talk travel, the 50 different restaurants you passed on your way to work you want to try, the 50 different things in the city you want to see/do before the internships over. You'll do fine!
I would also add that few people are going to expect you as a woman to know anything about sports... not trying to be sexist but it's a different dynamic. Being passionate about sports can certainly win you points but it's DEFINITELY not the only way to get your team to like you.
It certainly wouldn't hurt to have a working knowledge over major events like the NFL Playoffs, but i also would not try to fake interest or even admit that you don't know anything about sports. If you listen, ask questions and chime in a comment or a laugh when people are talking about something you don't know anything about, you're immediately part of the group and a great conversationalist. Good luck!
EDIT - also don't worry, no one cares about hockey in the US.
I would not drink at all for reasons mentioned above. Besides the legal issues with being caught/being on a visa, most teams would probably feel weird if their 19 year old intern is flashing their fake ID around. Go out with the team, but order a sprite or stick with water
Also, depends what firm you are at but in terms of sports the NBA playoffs is usually going on at the start of most internships and it's very popular in the US and easy to follow. No one expects a female intern to start throwing free-throw stats around but if you can even discuss the teams that is sporty enough.
Above all, be hardworking, that is judged above all else. Beyond that make an effort to be social even if it is uncomfortable at first
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