One VP says I’m doing well, but another told me I need to step up. How should I handle the mixed feedback during my IB internship?

Hey,
Getting mixed feedback during an IB internship is completely normal. Different VPs tend to value different things, so it's not unusual at all.

Rather than comparing what each VP said, I’d suggest following up directly with the one who told you to step up. Ask in a calm and open way if they can clarify what areas they think you should focus on. For example:
"Thanks for the feedback. I really want to improve. Are there specific areas where you'd like to see more from me?"

It’s best not to bring up that someone else said you’re doing well, that can come across as defensive. And even when things are going well, there’s always room to grow. That’s exactly what internships are for.

Asking for specifics and showing you're eager to learn makes a strong impression. It signals maturity and coachability, which matter just as much as technical skills.

You're already on the right track by taking the feedback seriously.

Rita

Great that you’re getting feedback! That’s actually a sign people are invested in your growth.

In IB, part of the challenge isn’t just doing good work, it’s learning how to manage multiple stakeholders with different expectations. So if one VP says you’re doing well and another wants more, see that as a chance to calibrate and adapt your style.

I’d recommend treating the “step up” comment as a prompt to clarify what they specifically care about (speed? attention to detail? initiative?) and then try to incorporate that without neglecting what’s already working.

Ultimately, being able to take varied feedback and adjust on the fly is exactly what analysts need to succeed. If you approach it that way, you’ll stand out.