Transform your internship into a job!
Participating in an internship is a great way to gain relevant experience in a job or field that interests you. It allows you to learn and apply important professional skills, adjust to a new work setting, and start building your network with colleagues. There is a steady stream of research that has shown that completing an internship increases your chances of getting a full-time job, which makes sense. Employers want to know if a potential employee can do the job (based on skills and experience) and will fit with company culture (based on attitude, motivation, and soft skills). Internships allow employers to evaluate potential employees prior to making a full-time offer based on that criteria. So, once you land an internship, what can do you to increase your chances of turning that opportunity into a full-time job? Consider the key elements of performance, networking, and unique value.
Your performance will play an important role in both your success within your internship and potential for full-time hire in the future. It’s important to display a strong work ethic, express motivation to do the job, produce high quality work, collaborate effectively with a team (in most cases), and show initiative. Never be the last one to arrive at the office, or the first one to leave. Work both hard and smart. When assigned a task you should ask clarification questions if necessary and then complete it efficiently to the best of your ability. If you finish your assignments don’t just goof off, instead, ask if there’s anything else you can do or anyone you can assist with their projects. Through this you will show a company what you have to offer and how they can benefit from your contributions.
Networking is essentially the act of connecting with others and sharing information. When you enter into a new work opportunity such as an internship, you will be doing just this with your new colleagues and others that you meet through your role. You can build your professional network in-person in your office and at professional events, online through email and LinkedIn, or via phone. In many cases, as an intern you will have the opportunity to connect with professionals to not only complete work but also learn more about relevant issues in your industry. Embrace these opportunities to connect with and learn from others. Thank new connections, and keep in touch with them accordingly. You never know when they will reach out to you about a job opportunity if you’ve impressed them with your performance in the past.
Unique value is very important in the workplace. It is something that can set you apart from other interns and even seasoned professionals. When you possess unique value, it means you bring something to the table that no one else can. It can be a skill, knowledge, insight, or idea that contributes to the success of your workplace. It illustrates your value and contributes in a positive way to your organization. Not only does that increase your value within your current role, it makes you a desirable full-time hire that has the potential to advance critical organizational initiatives. It also makes you marketable to other organizations that may seek to hire you away based on your talent. Identify your unique value, and then make sure you communicate it effectively through your work.
Any one or a combination of the elements of performance, networking, and unique value can help you turn an internship opportunity into a full-time job. But to get there, you must first secure the internship! Build your marketable skills and seek field experience early on in your career, then invest in each opportunity that you encounter to move from an internship to a full-time role!
