Typically GIS interns will shadow senior workers to get a feel of a real world job. They may also get experience with typical tasks like: performing administrative tasks, producing digital content, collecting field data and surveys, and analyzing data. When interns are working they are typically performing basic tasks and learning from those they are shadowing to see how tasks are performed. Internships allow you to develop and improve the skills you have learned in classes in order to best prepare you for a job in the future. But you need to take an active rather than a passive role so that you mature your skills and professional thinking.