First of all, congratulations on landing an internship! When you applied for that internship, you might also be hoping to eventually convert it into a full-time job. How do you clinch a full-time job through your internship?
Organizations typically seek interns who are motivated and exhibit a “go-getter” attitude. They would want people that exhibit a strong work ethic and work well independently in a team environment. Many
HR departments seek their full-time employees from interns exhibiting these skills. Following these tips will increase the likelihood that your internship will turn into a full-time job offer.
- Create positive work relationships
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Successful work relationships require excellent communication skills as well as a positive attitude. Your supervisors and co-workers may be immersed in projects and deadlines and not take notice that you are new to the organization; so make sure you take the initiative to introduce yourself and exhibit a positive and friendly attitude to everyone you meet, from the janitor to the CEO. Most importantly, be yourself. Be authentic and genuine in your interactions and don’t make it seem forced. Fostering positive work relationships with your colleagues will go a long way in creating a positive impression of yourself.
- Do your homework
Before you start your internship, make it a point to learn all you can about the company and industry you will be working in. You can network with people who have worked at the company before and ask them about how working at that company is like. You can also go online to read up articles and publications about the company’s positioning in the industry. By being well-versed with what the company is doing, you will be well-equipped to be a competent employee that can value-add to the company and make an impact in the work that you do.
- Set yourself personal goals
Set personal goals that you want to achieve during your internship and ask your supervisor for things to do. If you find that your work is done, ask for new projects or look to read company literature and/or professional journals. Goal setting is especially important for interns – to ensure that you gain the relevant skills employers are seeking when hiring future full-time employees. Taking initiative to develop yourself personally shows your desire to grow and progress.
- Be willing to do minor tasks
Take the smaller tasks in stride and keep your mind focused on the big picture. You may need to make some coffee or do some filing at some point but if making coffee and filing takes up the majority of your day, it’s time to speak with your supervisor about your goals and expectations of the internship. There are menial tasks included in all jobs and pitching in and doing your share will establish better teamwork and goodwill among co-workers.
- Come prepared with questions to ask
Take advantage of your student status and ask questions about everything you don’t understand. Employers believe that students who ask questions are motivated and really want to learn all they can about the industry.
As an intern, employers do not expect you to know everything about the job or industry. Internships are a great learning experience and the more questions you ask the more you will learn about the job and how the industry operates.
- Find a mentor
Learn from those you admire and develop mentoring relationships you can continue long after your internship has ended. Professionals enjoy sharing their expertise and want to assist new professionals entering the field. A good mentor is someone who is willing to share their knowledge and expertise and wants to see their mentee succeed in the field.
- Be professional at all times
Maintain a professional image and avoid gossip and office politics. Maintain a positive and professional image both inside and outside the office. Maintaining professionalism while interning also means making efficient use of your time by avoiding the use of company time for personal phone calls and emails.
- Display your enthusiasm
Show your enthusiasm and motivation and ask to be included in meetings and professional workshops.
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Enthusiastic employees tend to rub off on each other and have a positive impact on the organization as a whole.
If you’re looking to be hired as a full-time employee after your internship ends, exhibit the qualities of an enthusiastic worker during the short time you have to make a positive impact on both your co-workers and supervisors.
That being said, being in an internship is by no means a guarantee in securing a full-time job. You have to display your competencies to your superiors during your internship to prove that you are worthy of being hired as a full-time employee. But if you generally follow these pointers, there is a good chance that you might be able to convert that internship into a full-time job!
