Many employers who offer internships do so as a way to try out and recruit new full time employees. Even though internships are a way for students to gain experience and learn more about a specific career field of interest; they are also a way for organizations to try out individuals and decide how well they fit within the overall culture of the organization. Many employer use their internship programs as a proving ground for the hiring process and are able to save money in their recruitment efforts by trying out potential new employees prior to extending an actual job offer.
Tips for Turning an Internship Into a Job:
Make a Good Impression
As an intern it is your responsibility to show your supervisor and others within the organization that you have what it takes, both personally and professionally, to fit in with the corporate culture. Taking time to learn about the mission of the organizaton and what it values in its employees, can provide essential information on how they identify and define success.
Develop Professional Goals
Identifying your professional goals and finding a rewarding internship that meets your expectations will be more beneficial to your skill development and future career aspirations than accepting just any internship that's available. Internships are designed to prepare applicants for future jobs and careers; and finding an internship that will help you accomplish your professional goals will also assist you in being a more competitive candidate in your future job search.
Develop a Strong Relationship With Your Supervisor
Be sure to keep your supervisor abreast of your work and accomplishments by checking in frequently and making sure you are meeting his/her expectations. Once you have identified your job responsibilities and you understand your supervisor's expectations, work hard to demonstrate your personal intitiative and your ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Developing professional connections as an intern will give you a head start in developing a professional network.
Develop a Strong Work Ethic
Establishing a willingness to get the work done at all costs while maintaining a positive attitude gives the employer confidence that you will become a valuable member of the team if hired as an employee.
Complete Assigned Projects on Time
If you foresee a challenge with a deadline on a project you are working on, make sure you notify your supervisor and ask for any input he/she might provide or ask for an extension to get the project completed. Be sure that you offer a valid reason for the project delay such as other unforeseen problems or other work priorities that needed to be addressed prior to getting the specific project completed on time.
Always Follow Company Rules and Established Guidelines
Becoming part of the corporate culture includes learning the established dress code of the corporation. It also means learning time allotted and what's expected for established lunch periods and breaks. Take your time to learn the rules and guidelines expected by the organization before jumping in and making any serious mistakes. Also, check out company policy on personal emails, phone calls, and internet use to avoid any awkward and embarrassing situations.
Seek Input From Supervisor and Colleagues on Your Job Performance
Communicating with employers on your job performance will provide an opportunity for you to improve and make the necessary changes during the course of your internship. This input can be crucial in helping you to improve your job performance through clarification of the supervisor's expectations. Problems can often be avoided once expectations have been openly communicated and everyone is clearly on the same page.
Tackle Easy, Repetitive Tasks with Enthusiasm
The employer will trust you to complete more difficult tasks once they recognize your ability to handle the small stuff. Asking for additional and more challenging work will be accepted more positively by an employer if you've accepted responsibility for the more tedious tasks that are required to do the job on a daily basis.
Identify Issues Not Currently Being Addressed by the Organization
You can offer your insight on problems you identify and discuss how you might solve that problem or fill that need within the company. Employers seek people who can think out of the box and identify solutions to current problems that management may not have yet identified or addressed. Be prepared to offer solutions that you think might work to solve a specific problem or situation.
Develop Rapport With Coworkers
Employers seek individuals who can work well in a team environment and who have particular strengths that will add to the overall accomplishments of the group.
Show Initiative
Illustrating your interest in developing new knowledge and skills relevant to the position will boost the employers confidence in your willingness and initiative to do a good job. Showing enthusiasm and offering to attend workshops or seminars will increase your understanding of the business and will make a favorable impression on your supervisor.
Ask for Additional Work
If you do not have enough work to do, be sure to check with your supervisor to see if he/she has any additional work that they can provide you with. If not, check to see if you can assist others in getting their work completed which may also teach you new skills in the process.
Express Your Interest in Working for the Company
By expressing an interest in the company, you will be letting the company know that you consider the organization a place that you would like to work. Even though there may not be any current positions available, by letting your supervisor know that you would be interested in working for the company, you will be more likely to be contacted once a position opens up.
Networking is about relationship building.Once you develop a strong networking group, you will develop a better sense of what it takes to be successful and learn how to create a network that can assist you in accomplishing your career goals. Having a mentor that you respect will help to make the internship experience much less stressful. The mentor will also provide you with someone to learn from and a place to get your questions answered. Seek out a professional mentor that you trust and don't be afraid to ask him/her questions and suggestions on ways you can improve your performance and increase your current level of knowledge and skills. You can ask what it takes to move up in the field, both in the organization and in the specific industry. Once you establish a strong network and gain experience in your field, you too will have the opportunity to assist new professionals who are interested in breaking into the field.
The professional relationships you develop during your internship experience will also be part of your professional network of people who can attest to your knowledge and ability to do a good job. Your future relationships with your network must be nurtured and continued long after your internship has ended in order to keep it alive and well.
Express Your Appreciation
Once you complete your internship, a short thank you is always appreciated and will leave a favorable impression with the employer. If you are returning to college, be sure to stay in touch with your supervisor and colleagues and take the time to inquire about potential job openings they anticipate in the future.
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