How to Turn Your Internship Into a Full-time Job

Many employers who offer internships do so to try and hire new full-time employees. While internships are a way for students to gain experience and learn more about a particular professional field, it is also a way for organizations to try out individuals. Through internships, a company can decide how this potential employee fits into the overall culture of the company.

Many employers use their internship programs as a testing ground for the hiring process and can save money in their recruiting efforts by trying out potential new hires before extending an actual job offer.

If you’re interested in turning an internship into a full-time job after graduation, there are certain techniques you can use to increase your chances of getting a job.

Making a good impression
As an intern, it is your responsibility to show your supervisor and other employees of the company that you have what it takes to fit into the corporate culture, both personally and professionally. Taking the time to learn about the company’s mission and the values ​​of its people will provide you with vital information about how the company identifies and defines success.

Develop professional goals
Realizing your professional goals and finding a rewarding internship that meets your expectations is more beneficial to your skills development and future career goals than just accepting every available internship. Internships are designed to prepare applicants for future jobs and careers. Finding an internship that will help you achieve your career goals can also make you a more competitive candidate in your future job search.

Develop a close relationship with your manager
Make sure your manager stays up to date on your work and performance by checking in regularly and making sure that you are meeting expectations. Once you’ve identified your job responsibilities and understood your manager’s expectations, work hard to demonstrate your personal initiative and ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Building professional connections as an intern give you a head start in building a professional network.

Develop a strong work ethic
A willingness to get the job done at any cost while maintaining a positive attitude gives the employer confidence that if you are hired as an employee, you will become a valuable member of the team.

Complete assigned projects on time
If you foresee a challenge with a deadline for a project you are working on, notify your manager and ask for input or an extension to complete the project. Make sure you provide a valid reason for the project delay, such as: For example, other unforeseen problems or other work priorities that needed to be addressed before the project could be completed on time.

Always follow company rules and established guidelines
To become part of the corporate culture, one has to get to know the company’s established dress code. This also means that study time is allocated and what kind of fixed lunch breaks and breaks are expected. Take the time to learn the rules and guidelines expected by the organization before you step in and make serious mistakes. Also, read the company policies on personal email, phone calls, and internet use to avoid awkward and embarrassing situations.

Let your superiors and colleagues advise you on your work performance
Communicating with employers about your job performance gives you the opportunity to improve as your internship progresses and make the necessary changes. This input can be critical in improving your job performance by clarifying the manager’s expectations. Problems can often be avoided if expectations are openly communicated and everyone is on the same page.

Do simple, repetitive tasks with enthusiasm
The employer will trust you to do more difficult tasks once they realize your ability to handle the little things. Asking for additional and more demanding work is more likely to be accepted by an employer when you are responsible for the more arduous tasks involved in day-to-day work.

Identify issues that are not currently being addressed by the organization
They can provide insights into problems that you identify and discuss how to solve that problem or meet that need within the company. Employers are looking for people who think outside the box and can find solutions to current issues that management may not have identified or addressed yet. Be ready to offer solutions that you believe will be useful in solving a particular problem or situation.

Develop a rapport with colleagues
Employers look for people who can work well in a team environment and who have particular strengths that contribute to the overall performance of the group.

Show initiative
Showing your interest in developing new knowledge and skills relevant to the position builds the employer’s confidence in your willingness and initiative to do a good job. If you show enthusiasm and offer to attend workshops or seminars, you will improve your understanding of the business and make a positive impression on your manager.

Ask for additional work
If you don’t have enough work, check with your manager to see if you can do extra work. If not, see if you can help others do their jobs, which may also give you new skills.

Join a professional association
Participation in professional associations provides students with an excellent opportunity to meet people who are currently working in the field. Through professional associations, students also find out which journals professionals read and which job offers for beginners are currently available in other organizations.

Show your interest in working for the company
By showing an interest in the company, you are communicating to the company that you consider the organization a place that you would like to work. While current positions may not be available, if you let your manager know that you are interested in a job for the company, you are more likely to be contacted as soon as a position opens.

Networking is about building relationships. Once you’ve built a strong network group, you’ll develop a better sense of what it takes to be successful and learn how to build a network to help you achieve your career goals. Having a mentor you respect makes the internship a lot less stressful.

Use your mentor
The mentoring relationship gives you someone to learn from and a place to answer your questions. Find a professional mentor that you trust and don’t be afraid to ask them questions. Ask for suggestions on how to improve your performance and improve your current knowledge and skills.

You may wonder what it takes to advance in the field both in the organization and in the specific industry. Once you have built a strong network and gained experience in your field, you too have the opportunity to help new professionals who are interested in entering the field.

The professional relationships you develop during your internship are also part of your professional network of people who can validate your knowledge and ability to do a good job. Your future relationships with your network must be nurtured and continued long after your internship is over in order for it to stay alive.

Express your appreciation
After completing your internship, a short thank you is always welcome and leaves a positive impression on the employer. When you return to college, keep in touch with your manager and coworkers, and take the time to inquire about possible job opportunities that await them in the future.