Incoming intern next summer and I don’t drink. I was curious if I will be at a disadvantage or how to go about rejecting a drink at work happy hours.
No reasons I don’t drink other than that I simply just don’t consume alcohol as I’ve always been super into wellness/fitness. I know it’s a year out but would appreciate any advice.
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Based on the most helpful WSO content, not drinking as an intern is completely fine, and many professionals in the industry are health-conscious or moderate drinkers themselves. Here’s how you can navigate this situation effectively:
Be Social Without Drinking: The key is to still participate in social events. Order a non-alcoholic drink like club soda with lime or a mocktail. This way, you blend in without drawing attention to the fact that you’re not drinking.
Frame It Casually: If someone asks why you’re not drinking, keep your response light and simple. For example, you can say, “I’m really into fitness and wellness, so I just don’t drink.” Most people won’t press further.
Don’t Make It a Big Deal: Avoid overexplaining or making it seem like a moral stance. The less attention you draw to it, the less anyone will care.
Be Engaged: Show up, be friendly, and engage in conversations. People care more about your presence and attitude than what’s in your glass.
Know the Culture: While some threads suggest that not drinking might raise eyebrows in certain groups, the general consensus is that as long as you’re social and approachable, it won’t be an issue.
Avoid Overindulgence: If you ever feel pressured to drink, remember that overdrinking is far worse than not drinking at all. Many interns have faced serious consequences for overindulging at work events.
By staying professional, social, and confident in your choice, you’ll be able to navigate these situations without any disadvantage.
Order a coke zero or something, nobody will really care. Just saying though, a lite beer or vodka soda isint going to kill you
It’s only an issue if you then don’t show up to workplace events. Otherwise should be fine
It’s a very bad look for an Analyst to force interns to drink so no real worries there. Just get a mocktail or sth
Most people during my previous internships just had 1 alcoholic drink for a 3 hour event and had chill conversations with everyone. But there's no problem having a non-alcoholic drink, people don't care.
Nah you're fine just a have a drink of some sort in your hand, nobody will know what it is.
Sparkling water of club soda on the rocks
It's probably good advice not to consume alcohol at work events period. Back when I worked for a private firm that was basically printing money it was a running joke that the xmas party was a flop if nobody did anything so stupid at it that they got fired. (We rented out a very fancy place for the entire night with a full open bar including anything that they had, up to the likes of Johnnie Blue) I didn't follow that advice when I was young and dumb, but now I see the wisdom in it, and I have no issues tying a few on in casual company.
Seriously, if you have a beverage in your hand nobody will care if it's coke zero or scotch. Pressuring somebody to drink is a serious faux-pas in a work setting unless you're really good friends ribbing each other. (and at that point the 'no' should be respected with no loss of face)
Misleading title as if you’re telling others not to drink as an intern.
Not bad advice though lol
Have a coworker who orders mocktails when we have company happy hours and no one cares. I think 'sober culture' is becoming increasingly mainstream, so you should be totally fine. At the same time dude, if you're solely worried about fitness, one drink literally only has like 100 calories
A drink at happy hour is not going to kill your fitness/wellness. That being said, nobody is forcing anyone to drink - if they are then congrats you’ve found a drunk. Being there for the chatter/culture is what is important.
Go up to the bartender and say "club soda with lime please."
No one cares, I’ve had interns and analysts who didn’t drink either for personal or religious reasons, I never cared. If you do drink limit it to one and nurse it all evening.
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