7 Tips to Turn Your Internship into a Full-Time Job
Written By Carla Joan
ABOUT THE AUTHOR | Carla Joan is the Business Development and Marketing Director at Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón. She also heads the firm's Internship Program.
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR INTERNSHIP PROGRAM CAN OPEN THE DOORS TO A FULL-TIME JOB.
Even though internships are a way for students to gain experience and learn more about a specific career field, they’re also a way for organizations to recruit new talent. Internship programs allow companies to experience how potential employees would fit within their organization.
If you’d like to increase the chances of your internship becoming your full-time job, then follow our tips below:
1. HAVE A GOOD ATTITUDE
Having a good attitude and being a team player are qualities that stand out to employers. Take on tasks with a smile, demonstrate that you’ve listened to feedback, be supportive of your teammates, and have an optimistic mindset when tackling any challenges you encounter along the way. Companies want passionate employees who contribute to building a positive company culture.
2. BECOME PART OF THE TEAM
Since success in the workforce largely depends on team collaboration, you should get to know your co-workers and become part of the team. You can do this by offering to help your colleagues wherever you can, having lunch with them, learning about their experience at the company, and asking for any words of wisdom. This will help you form unique relationships with the team, build rapport, and let them see that you genuinely are interested in the company.
3. BE OPEN & COMMUNICATE
Employers value and seek honesty and communication. Be honest and upfront about any challenges you might be facing, speak out when you need help, and let your supervisor know when something goes wrong. Communicating clearly and openly builds trust and will help you turn your internship into a full-time job.
4. ASK QUESTIONS
Take advantage of your position and ask questions about anything (and everything!) you don’t understand or things you may not know how to do. Interns who ask questions demonstrate they’re motivated and engaged and want to learn all they can about the industry or their position.
5. BRING SOLUTIONS
Think about new ways the company you’re interning at can work smarter and improve its performance. Maybe there are software tools that can allow for better team collaboration, or perhaps you can develop a new process that will help with the office workflow. Take the initiative and bring your creative ideas and solutions to your team. This will show off your problem-solving skills and ability to think outside the box!
6. ESTABLISH CREDIBILITY
Establishing credibility is one of the best ways to demonstrate that you can be a reliable employee. Being punctual, taking ownership of your projects, and delivering results on time, are ways to demonstrate that you can be dependable and earn your potential employer’s respect.
7. GO THE EXTRA MILE
If you’re finished with your assigned work, ask your supervisor for new projects or learn more about the company you’re working for. Set SMART goals you want to achieve during the internship and keep yourself accountable. Going the distance will demonstrate dedication, and goal setting will help you gain the relevant skills employers seek when hiring future full-time employees.
A VALUABLE ASSET
Asking questions, going the extra mile, bringing solutions, having a good attitude, becoming part of the team, establishing credibility, and communicating will show employers that you can add value to their company. Proving that you’re a valuable asset will increase your chances of turning your internship into a full-time job. Interested in applying to our Internship Program? Then click here to learn more!