Taking up a summer internship during your college years offers an incredible opportunity to gain valuable work experience, closely observe company culture, acquire innumerable skills and, above all, build strong professional relationships. But what after that? Were you able to impress the people in the company and state your intentions clearly enough to get a call for a full-time job offer? According to many studies, 70% of companies offer their interns full-time job proposals towards the end of their internship period. So, what exactly should you do to earn a permanent role from your internship? Check out these simple yet highly effective ways to bring home a job offer on the last day of your internship and kick-start your career journey.
1) Understand the company and its business – Show your employer you are not there just to earn extra college credits. This starts with doing a thorough research about the company, the nature of its business, current projects, and future goals to get a clear idea of what you are signing up for and how you can contribute towards the company’s holistic growth. Also, don’t forget to read the company’s reviews to know more about its culture, ethics and expectations from the employees. It is only when you know what is expected of you that you can alter your personality accordingly and present yourself as a perfect fit.
2) Express enthusiasm and take the initiative – First and foremost rule – never consider any task menial while working as an intern. So, perform every single job assigned to you with great enthusiasm. This will further allow the company to put its trust in your abilities and equip you with greater responsibilities. Besides, when you are done completing your tasks, take the effort to lend a hand in the projects of your colleagues and seniors. Doing so will help you display your collaboration skills – something that’s greatly appreciated by every employer.
3) Don’t hesitate to ask questions, stay curious – As an intern, it’s natural to have tons of questions in your mind every day at work. So, don’t hesitate to address your confusions and queries by talking to your colleagues or managers. Let your inquisitive spirit shine before them, as employers wish to hire individuals whose minds constantly burn with a sense of curiosity to know and learn. Plus, asking questions will save you from committing errors in your tasks, boost your confidence, and improve the quality of your work.
4) Follow workplace etiquette – Practising workplace etiquette as an intern can help you build a strong rapport and leave a positive impression on others. So, be very mindful of how you dress, communicate and behave with your colleagues and seniors. In addition, always remain punctual — whether it’s about report submission, reaching the office or showing up for a discussion. Besides, learn to respect professional boundaries and never invade the private space of others. Remember, a lack of professionalism can diminish your chances of earning a permanent job opportunity.
5) Focus on networking with others – Use your internship to build as many connections as possible. Establishing a strong network requires you to continuously brew engaging conversations with your colleagues, fellow interns, seniors and managers. This not only facilitates smooth exchange of knowledge and information, but also makes it easier for you to access their wide network and directly connect with some of the industry veterans. Additionally, even if you don’t get a job-offer in the same organisation, networking can open a bunch of job opportunities in the future. Having said that, maintaining a network is just as important as building it. So stay in touch with your connections after your internship ends.
Turning your internship into a full-time job requires you to work hard, stay consistent, embrace professionalism, and clearly express your ideas and opinions till your very last day as an intern. Every move an intern makes is properly scrutinised and used to form a judgement. So make sure you put in your hundred percent. Consider following the tips mentioned above to strengthen your chances of getting hired for a permanent role.
