How to Take Initiative as an Intern in a Flat Hierarchy Workplace
24 June 2026
When you start an internship, especially in a new country, you might notice that the workplace feels different from what you are used to back home. In many cultures, students are taught to wait for instructions and follow a manager’s lead.
However, in Australia and New Zealand workplaces often have what we call a flat hierarchy. This means that while there are still managers and supervisors, the distance between an intern and a CEO is much smaller than you might expect.
In these environments, taking initiative is one of the best ways to show your work-readiness. This article explains how you, as an intern, can suggest ideas and ask for more tasks and projects while maintaining the right balance of humility and proactivity.
Understanding the flat hierarchy
A flat hierarchy is a workplace structure where there are fewer levels of management and less formality. In Australian and New Zealand companies, this often leads to a more casual and open atmosphere. You might find that your supervisor sits at a desk right next to yours or if they have an office, they often keep the door open. It’s also common that everyone in the office goes by their first name regardless of their rank.
This structure encourages communication and collaboration. Supervisors in Australia and New Zealand generally do not want to micromanage your day. Instead, they appreciate it when interns can manage their own time and look for ways to help the team without being asked every time.
Why supervisors appreciate initiative
In a workplace, supervisors have many responsibilities. If an intern waits at their desk for every task to be assigned and explained in detail, it will create a lot more unnecessary work for the supervisor. When you suggest a new idea or ask, "I have finished my tasks, is there anything else I can assist with?", you are showing that you are motivated and reliable.
Taking initiative helps you stand out for the right reasons. It shows that you understand the business goals and the mission of the host company and that you are thinking about how you can contribute to the team’s success. It also gives you the chance to work on projects that interest you, rather than doing basic administrative work.
The balance of being humble and proactive
While being proactive is encouraged, it is important to understand the local cultural concept known as the Tall Poppy Syndrome. This term describes a tendency to dislike people who seem too proud or who show off their achievements or who seem to think they are better than others.
In the workplace, this means that while you should be confident and suggest ideas, you should also stay humble. You don’t want to come across as though you think you know more than the experienced staff. The best approach is to be a bit of a quiet achiever, that is, someone who works hard, helps others and shares ideas without looking for constant praise.
Practical ways to take initiative as an intern
If you are unsure how to start taking initiative, here are some simple ways to do it during your internship:
1. Finish your tasks on time or even early and ask for more
The easiest way to show initiative is to complete your assigned work swiftly and to a high standard. Once you are done, don’t wait for someone to notice. Approach your supervisor and let them know you are ready for the next task or challenge.
2. Suggest small improvements
As an intern, you have a fresh set of eyes. You might notice a quicker way to organise a spreadsheet or a more engaging way to post on social media. Instead of saying "the current way is wrong", try saying, "I noticed we use this method for our filing. Would you like me to try this alternative to see if it saves us some time?"
3. Be a problem solver
If you encounter a problem, try to think of a solution before you ask for help. When you go to your supervisor, you can say, "I have run into an issue with this software. I think we could fix it by doing X or Y. What do you think?" This shows you are thinking critically rather than waiting for an answer.
4. Offer to help your colleagues
If your direct supervisor is busy, look around at your other teammates. If someone looks like they are struggling with a deadline, ask if there is a small part of the project you can take off their plate. This builds strong professional relationships and shows you are a team player.
Communication and initiative go together
In a flat hierarchy workplace, communication tends to be direct. If you have an idea, you don't need to book a formal meeting days in advance. You can often have a quick chat with your supervisor during a coffee break or at their desk. However, be respectful of their time. If they look busy, ask if you can have five minutes of their time later in the afternoon to discuss a suggestion.
Making the most of your placement
Your work experience placement is the perfect time to practice these skills. By taking initiative, you move from being a student who follows orders to a future professional who contributes to a business. Employers in Australia and New Zealand value people who can think for themselves and take action.
Remember to keep your tone helpful and your attitude modest. If you can combine a proactive work ethic with a humble personality, you will fit perfectly into the local workplace culture. This approach will help you gain more experience and build a positive reputation that can help you with future job applications.
If you are ready to start your journey and find a placement that fits your studies, CareerDC can help you find the right host company where you can put these skills into practice. Taking the first step is often the hardest part, but once you start taking initiative, you will find that your internship becomes a much more rewarding experience.
More on internship success: Top Mistakes to Avoid as an Intern