Intern To Employee: 6 Keys To Landing A Job Through Your Internship
When you're hired as an intern, you have many opportunities to take advantage of.
For one, you gain great professional experience and are able to network with other interns and staff members on a daily basis.
You also have an in-depth perspective of what it’s really like to work in the field you are interested in.
The wonderful thing about becoming an intern, whether you're paid or unpaid, is that your experience can offer you more insight into what you really want to do with your life.
For example, if you think you want to be a publisher and get hired as an intern at a publishing company, you may find out the work environment just isn’t right for you, or be assured it's what you want to do.
If you fall in love with the company you’re interning with, there are a few techniques you can utilize to help get you hired after your internship is over.
Even if you’re not entirely satisfied with the company you’re working for, it’s a good idea to incorporate these traits into your working style, so you’ll become a more promising candidate for future recruitment.
1. Punctuality
Arriving to work not only on time, but 15 to 30 minutes early will increase your chances of getting noticed.
It shows your employer and coworkers you are taking your internship seriously, and have a prominent work ethic. It also exhibits passion and motivation.
2. Enthusiasm and Positivity
When you show your employer you’re interested in your position and are always trying to attain new knowledge and skills, you are no longer just a coffee-fetching intern.
You are a promising trainee who would be a great addition to the team.
Always be positive, upbeat and willing to take on any role or task you’re assigned. The more you take on, the more you’ll be observed.
3. Professionalism
There are always going to be other interns or employees who gossip, break company rules or act unprofessionally.
One of the best things you can do is to detach yourself entirely from that behavior.
You never want to be seen as the person who was caught badmouthing another intern or speaking negatively about the company.
Remember, you are always acting with respectability for yourself and others. You’re classier than gossiping, anyway.
4. Being Informed
Before going on a job interview, you do your research on the company’s history, its recent media coverage and its mission statement, right?
Well, the same applies when being hired as intern.
You don’t want to stop arming yourself with information on the company’s most recent news, just because you landed the internship.
Always be aware of any changes and updates.
This especially helps when speaking with your coworkers and supervisors inside and outside of work.
It acts as a conversation starter, and also displays you’ve done your homework.
5. The Relationship with Your Supervisor
Scheduling routine meetings with your supervisor is a great way to develop a strong relationship with him or her.
If you’re unsure of how you’re doing or if you’re meeting the company's expectations, send an email and set up a time when you both can discuss your progress.
After speaking with your boss, set personal and professional goals for yourself to achieve before the end of your time there.
Show your supervisor you can take constructive criticism and are able to adapt to new ideas. Exhibit an ability to take on the role as a leader, but also as a key player of the team.
6. Memorability
Companies are always in the process of evolution and adaptation.
If you find something you think would benefit the company, such as eliminating or adding a specific company policy or creating new methods to increase profitability or work production, come up with a plan to tell your supervisor.
It shows motivation and drive when you exceed the responsibilities expected of you, and you will make your mark not only as an intern, but as an up-and-coming employee.
