Many of us are hesitant to take internships seriously. But what we don’t realize is an internship is the easiest way of securing a full-time job before graduation. It can often prevent the agony of trying to beat the black hole of online job applications.
Besides being on time and doing amazing work, here are some tips and tricks to turn your internship into a full-time job:
- Before you start – demonstrate proactively in your career development - Internships are great because they allow you to test the waters and meet folks you probably wouldn’t be able to at a full-time job. So why waste time when you have access to all these high-rollers? Take some time to understand what you’re good at and where you want to take those skills.
a.Strengths: What are your top 3 strengths?
b. Weaknesses: What is your major weakness?
c. One-liner: What would your IDEAL job be?
d. Connect your work: Now given your current internship, which function and connections can help you get there?
e. Communicate what you are looking for in your connections. It’s best, One-liner to be honest immediately, so when the perfect full-time job comes about, they will remember you.
- Make a good Impression: Take charge of your own career development; no one else can do that for you. Ask to have lunch with as many employees and managers as you can in order to learn from them and build relationships. And seek out a mentor. Your active involvement in your internship program and your strong sense of the company’s culture and values will help managers see you as a prospect one who is not likely to quit after a few short months.
- Drop your attitude: Be humble and flexible, no matter what the task. While you may have a long list of accomplishments, you don’t want to put people off with your boasting. No one likes someone who can’t play well with others and can’t be part of a team. No matter what work is assigned to you, it pays to be positive and keen to do it – no matter what it is. It’s important to remember that as an intern, you’re not going to be given the best jobs to do, or the most exciting. The people above you had to do just the same.
- Work Hard, Work Harder, and Work Hardest: Your free moments are precious, but taking time outside of your internship to participate in company activities will pay dividends in the end. You might decide to attend an industry networking event, volunteer at a corporate charity, or just be an enthusiastic participant in the company’s social functions. Aligning your personal interests with the company’s interests highlights your true dedication to the company.
- Finish as a Professional: It may be tempting to spend the last few weeks of your internship coasting since your mind is drifting to other upcoming responsibilities. But if you’ve got one foot out the door, your complacent attitude will not go unnoticed. Instead, use the final days of the internship program to showcase the unique skills you’ve acquired at the company. Confirm that you’re a better worker than when you started.
Ultimately, candidates sending unsolicited resumes have nothing on you. From your position on the inside, you can market your skillset, talents, and team-player attitude to the powers-that-be. And when you exhibit your commitment to the company from the first day of your internship through your last, your name will be uppermost in managers’ minds when it comes time to hire.
“Let Yourself Go!”
