Turn Your Internship Into a Full-Time Job

While most young people nowadays partake in internships just to kill time and earn some extra cash, little do they know that a majority of companies use internship programs to discover individuals who have the potential to be part of their organization for the long term.

If you’re looking to jumpstart your career in a company of your dreams, taking an internship seriously is one of the ways to go. Here are a few tips that you should try to get promoted from being an ordinary intern to a full-time employee.

1. Be memorable

Especially during the application process, it is very crucial for your career that you leave an excellent impression and are memorable. During interviews, make sure you dress smartly and act professionally. Exude a certain level of self-confidence, but remain polite and courteous. When asked questions, organize your thoughts first and speak clearly.

2. Learn as much as you can about the company

Every organization has its goals and it is your duty as an aspiring employee to know of these goals by heart. Know your company vision, mission and core values. Familiarize yourself with its key officers, its business focus and other important matters. Raise awareness within yourself and your current position in the company.

3. Follow workplace rules

Just because you are only an intern, doesn’t really mean that rules do not apply to you. Rules exist for good reasons; thus, you should abide by them. Get to know what is considered acceptable and what is not. There are often unwritten rules at each workplace, so perhaps you can inquire about these with a colleague. If you are gearing to become a regular employee soon, you’ll have to get used to them anyway, right?

4. Develop good relations with your colleagues

For a business, teamwork is the key to accomplishing its goals and the best way you can fit into this dynamic is by going along well with the people you work with. Start by simply greeting a colleague with a “good morning” when you arrive for work. Don’t hesitate to socialize during breaks or after office hours. Who knows, these positive relationships may come in handy when you need referrals for your future career.

5. Exhibit self-discipline and strong work ethic

Landing that one job opening as an intern may require you to pay attention to even the smallest details. Show your supervisor that you are responsible and reliable by finishing tasks on time. It will also stand out if you take initiative on projects and can be a self-starter when asked to do certain tasks. Aside from that, minimize bad habits, such as coming to work late or incorporating foul language whenever you talk. Be professional at all times.

6. Show interest and enthusiasm

Nothing screams “Hire me!” more than showing others that you love what you are doing and are willing to keep doing it. Listen whenever your superior gives you instructions. Find joy in your work and if you think that’s not enough, you can always be direct with your intentions and tell your boss straight up that you see yourself as part of the team in the future.

7. Ask questions

Aside from being a way for an employer to screen potential employees, an internship also serves as a learning experience for the intern. If you are not sure how to go about things or find something in the instructions unclear, ask. If you learn something new, remember it or jot it down in a notebook. Mistakes can be costly in business. You wouldn’t want to get in the way, would you?

8. Deliver quality

Doing your tasks really well can help you get noticed. Always pay attention to the quality of your work and review it before showing it to your supervisor. If your work deadline is drawing near and you are nowhere near completion because of unforeseen circumstances, you can always politely ask for an extension. Do not sacrifice quality.

9. Appreciate feedback

Feedback is important in any job because it helps you understand how well are you doing. Because of that, learn to appreciate feedback, even if it can sometimes seem negative. Instead, consider it constructive and learn from it. Mistakes are often unavoidable, even among high-ranking positions, so don’t be too hard on yourself. What is important is that you learn and grow from them to become a person who can be a good fit for the company.

10. Keep your communication lines open

The time will come when your internship ends without the company offering you a full-time job because of various reasons, such as the lack of job openings or money constraints. When this happens, don’t lose hope. Instead, stay in touch with your colleagues after your internship and ask them to inform you as soon as possible when there is a vacancy that the company wishes to fill.

An internship is something more than just a summer gig. It is a rich ground for learning, experience and opportunity. With the right skills and attitude, one can always go from part-time to full-time. You just need to persevere and be patient until your boss happily tells you the words, “You’re hired!”

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