I’m a 21 year old, third year, Mechanical Engineering Technology major. I have awful anxiety so I’m sure most of my worry is made up in my head. Anyways, I just got my first internship in a manufacturing facility for discs and springs. I sit near three other interns, all of which seem to have found their way, they’re all working on improvement/design projects (one has only been there a few days longer than me and barely started school) I get great grades. Honestly probably one of the best GPAs in my degree. I like 3-D modeling and am even designing a gearbox right now. I seem to have everything going for me in school… but I feel like industry is so much scarier. I haven’t worked in a manufacturing plant like this before, or done design work completely on my own. It seems like I’m going to be left on your own without a whole lot of guidance and I’m scared I’m going to make stupid decisions and mess up my first couple of projects. I tend to overthink things and want to make them perfect. Has anyone else felt like this? How will I know if I am approaching new tasks the right way? I’d rather not spam my boss with a million questions a day, especially if they seem obvious.

I’ve been working there for a couple weeks now and tend to overthink way too much, I’m worried that people aren’t going to like me, think I’m smart enough, or am too awkward. I am doing my best to learn how to use the laser cutters they have me operating and accomplish necessary tasks but worry I may not be doing things the right way, or fast enough, etc.. does anyone have any advice?