A lot has been said about “what is an internship?” However, how do you turn your internship into a full-time job?
This is one question most interns ask, especially when they love the company they are interning with.
The motivation may be because of how well the company treats their staff or even the nature of the job itself.
But the only challenge is that companies may have something else in mind.
Even though internships are a way for students to gain experience and learn more about a specific career field, they are also a way for organizations to try out individuals.
Many employers who offer internships do so as a way to try out and recruit new full-time employees.
Notice that this is just a trying period and not a guarantee that you will have a job placement with the company.
Generally, internships let a company decide how the potential employee will fit within the overall culture of the organization.
Many employers use their internship programs as a proving ground for the hiring process.
As a result, they are able to save money in their recruitment efforts by trying out potential new employees prior to extending an actual job offer.
So, if you are interested in turning an internship into a full-time job after graduation, then you can use some of these tips to increase your chances of getting hired.
Tips for Turning Your Internship Into a Full-Time Job
#1. Make a Good Impression in the Company
We all know that the first impression always matter.
As an intern it is your responsibility to show your supervisor and others within the organization that you have what it takes.
You need to to show both personally and professionally, that you can fit in with the corporate culture.
A good way to make that first good impression is by taking time to learn about the mission of the organization and its values.
Make it a point to do research and learn all you can about the company and industry.
Doing this will grant you essential information on how the company identifies and defines success.
#2. Identify and Develop Professional Goals
This is one of the best tips that will help you to retain your job after your internship.
First, you want to identifying your professional goals.
What exactly do you want to do?
This will help you to find a rewarding internship that meets your expectations.
Now that you have a good internship position, you are sure of developing skills that will be beneficial to your future career aspirations than accepting just any internship that’s available.
After all, internships are designed to prepare applicants for future jobs and careers.
Therefore, 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.
#3. Be Professional Always
If you want to turn your internship to a yo a permanent job, then you need to be professional.
Always Maintain a professional image and avoid gossip and office politics that will put you in bad books.
Not only in the office, but you need to also maintain a positive and professional image outside the office as well.
Maintaining professionalism while interning also means making efficient use of your time by avoiding the use of company time for personal phone calls and emails.
#4. Develop and Maintain a Strong Relationship With Your Supervisor
What better way is there to turn your internship into a job other than establishing strong relationships with your supervisor.
Definitely, your supervisor will have to give a report of your work to superiors.
So, if you are in his good books, you get the point now…
Make sure to keep your supervisor abreast of your work and accomplishments by checking in frequently and making sure you are meeting expectations.
Once you have identified your job responsibilities and you understand your supervisor’s expectations, work hard to demonstrate your personal initiative.
Also, always show 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.
#5. 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.
In order to turn your internship into a job, you must bring in your A game in your work ethics.
#6. Join a Professional Association
There is a saying that if you hang around 5 wise people, you will become the sixth wise person.
The same thing also applies if you join professional associations.
Participating in professional associations provides students with an excellent opportunity to meet people currently working in the field.
Through professional associations, students also learn what professional journals people in the field are reading.
At the same times, they also learn about entry-level job openings that may be currently available in other organizations.
#7. Complete All Assigned Projects on Time
One way to stand out as an intern is to complete tasks quickly.
If you foresee a challenge with a deadline on a project you are working on, then make sure you notify your supervisor.
That way, you can 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.
#8. Always Obey Company Rules and Regulations
Rules are rules and when you break them, there are consequences.
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.
So, you have to 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.
#9. Express Your Interest in Working for the Company
You don’t have to presume that the company will automatically hire you.
You need to let them know that you have an interest in working with them.
By expressing an interest in the company, you are letting the company know that you consider the organization a place that you would like to work.
You have to do this 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.
#10. Develop Rapport With Co-Workers
Working as an intern in a company, you will most likely be working with many other people in teams.
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.
So, developing this skill will help you to turn your internship into a job.
Conclusion
From the tips above, you will notice that most of the things that you can do to turn your internship into a job depends on what you do during the internship.
As a result, you must make sure that you do all you can to please your potential employers.
Always remember these tips while doing your internship and act on them accordingly.
In the end, you will most likely turn your internship into your full-time job.
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