3 answers
Aidan
Student
Decatur, Illinois
1
Question
Asked
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How do I pivot from an internship into a full-time job?
If I get an internship and the company is satisfied with my work, do I have room to push for a full-time position, or should I seek full-time employment elsewhere?
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3 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1334
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Aidan,
Aldoghtie, so, Doc Frick already dropped some fire advice on how to turn that internship into a full-time gig — especially with showing you're a good fit, networking like a pro, and letting them know you're all in.
One more way to really seal the deal? Act like you're already part of the team. If you're treating this internship like a full-time job — showing up early, staying late when needed, and bringing solutions, not just questions — they'll start seeing you as someone they need around, not just someone passing through.
Another game-changer, is to Dig into the company's future plans. If you know they're launching a new project or trying to solve a problem, offer ideas or ask how you can pitch in. That little extra spark could be what makes them think, "We can't let this one go."
And finally — build your personal brand while you're there. If you're the intern who's always positive, always helpful, and always curious, your name is going to come up in those internal "Should we hire them?" conversations.
You've already got the golden ticket just by being inside the company — now it's about making sure they can't imagine the place without you.
Schedule a quick feedback chat with your supervisor. Ask how you're doing so far, what skills you could improve, and if there are any extra projects you can take on. It'll show you're serious about growing — plus, those little conversations can plant the "full-time potential" seed in their mind before you even ask for the job.
Start connecting with people in other departments. Shoot a friendly message or casually chat during lunch breaks. Ask about what they do and if you can shadow them for a day or help with small tasks. It shows you're curious about the company as a whole, not just your role — and who knows? They might tip you off about upcoming job openings before anyone else!
Document your wins! Keep a little brag book — whether it's a Google Doc or notes on your phone — where you jot down every project you crushed, positive feedback you got, or any ideas you pitched that made an impact. When the time comes to express your interest in a full-time role, you'll have receipts to show exactly why they'd be lucky to have you!
Learn the company's mission inside out! Dive deep into what the company stands for — their values, goals, and even little quirks that make them unique. Then, sprinkle those into your conversations or projects. When they see you're not just working there but actually rooting for them, they'll know you're already part of the team!
Aldoghtie, so, Doc Frick already dropped some fire advice on how to turn that internship into a full-time gig — especially with showing you're a good fit, networking like a pro, and letting them know you're all in.
One more way to really seal the deal? Act like you're already part of the team. If you're treating this internship like a full-time job — showing up early, staying late when needed, and bringing solutions, not just questions — they'll start seeing you as someone they need around, not just someone passing through.
Another game-changer, is to Dig into the company's future plans. If you know they're launching a new project or trying to solve a problem, offer ideas or ask how you can pitch in. That little extra spark could be what makes them think, "We can't let this one go."
And finally — build your personal brand while you're there. If you're the intern who's always positive, always helpful, and always curious, your name is going to come up in those internal "Should we hire them?" conversations.
You've already got the golden ticket just by being inside the company — now it's about making sure they can't imagine the place without you.
Dr recommends the following next steps:
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1791
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Being an intern is a great way to gain relevant experiences and insights into your chosen career field. If you make an excellent intern for the company, they may even ask you to join as a full-time employee. To improve your chances of getting a job, make an impressive performance by exceeding supervisors' expectations and proving that you can add value to their team.
✅ SHOW YOUR A GOOD FIT — Establish strong relationships with supervisors, make sure to get an understanding of the role's responsibilities, along with your supervisor's expectations. As you perform your tasks, try to exceed their expectations to prove you are an essential member of their team. You also will want to establish strong communication by checking in regularly, such as providing updates on the progress of your projects or any accomplishments you have achieved.
Strengthening this relationship is crucial, as your supervisor can potentially help you get a job in the future—inside the company or elsewhere. When you check-in, try to establish a more personal connection rather than strictly discussing work. They will appreciate your interest in them, and it will also help them gain a fuller understanding of you and what you have to offer.
✅ SHOWCASE YOUR WORK ETHIC — Your performance as an intern should prove to your supervisors and colleagues that you would be a valuable permanent member of the team. Companies appreciate an intern who displays a commitment to their job, so show them that you are eager and happy to perform your responsibilities.
✅ NETWORK WITH YOUR COLLEAGUES — Employers want to see strong teamwork abilities, so ensure you are building professional and personal relationships with your colleagues. Ask for help when needed or offer to help a teammate to demonstrate your willingness to collaborate on achieving team goals. If you establish a good rapport and showcase a strong work ethic, your team will notice that you are an enjoyable person to work alongside. Your colleagues can pass their positive feedback to your supervisor to illustrate how you benefit the team. You will also benefit from building relationships with members of other departments to grow your professional network. Employers will be impressed if you can establish a positive reputation across their different lines of business. It also may increase the number of opportunities available to you at the company, as you may find openings that match your qualifications outside of your internship team.
✅ SHOW ENTHUSIASM — As an intern, your first assignments might consist of smaller or more repetitive tasks. Approach these responsibilities with enthusiasm, turning them in on time and up to your supervisor's quality standards. If they see that you can responsibly manage these tasks, they will be more willing to start assigning more advanced tasks. These tasks can grow your professional skills and demonstrate that you can perform the more demanding aspects of the job, as a full-time employee would.
✅ DEMONSTRATE INITIATIVE — You can make yourself stand out as an intern by taking the initiative to find professional development opportunities at the company. When meeting with your supervisor, express your interest in learning skills that can help you complete your job responsibilities. They may start assigning you tasks that develop those skills or have you follow someone as they perform them. You can also offer to take on additional work, which displays your eagerness to learn and contribute to the team. Your initiative proves that you are ready to be a full-time member of the team. Supervisors will see your engagement with the company and your willingness to put effort into your personal development to help achieve its goals. As a result, they will feel more confident about adding you to the team permanently.
✅ SEEK FEEDBACK — Throughout your internship, you keep your job performance on track by seeking feedback from your supervisors and colleagues. With their insights, you can discover which areas you need improvement to help avoid mistakes or other problems moving forward. You can also learn where they see you excelling, providing you with a sense of confidence as you complete your tasks. Employers appreciate when you can receive and then implement feedback, as it shows maturity and a willingness to develop yourself. It also demonstrates that you aim to provide your best work possible.
✅ EXPRESS INTEREST IN FULL-TIME — Early into your internship, you can ask the hiring manager or HR personnel about the possibility of gaining full-time employment. Having the answer to this question can provide clarity on what to expect and your options. Throughout the internship, mention to your supervisor that you want to work for the company and explain why. When they see good work from you and know you are interested, it is more likely they will have you in mind when a full-time opportunity arises—both right after the internship or in the future.
✅ SHOW YOUR A GOOD FIT — Establish strong relationships with supervisors, make sure to get an understanding of the role's responsibilities, along with your supervisor's expectations. As you perform your tasks, try to exceed their expectations to prove you are an essential member of their team. You also will want to establish strong communication by checking in regularly, such as providing updates on the progress of your projects or any accomplishments you have achieved.
Strengthening this relationship is crucial, as your supervisor can potentially help you get a job in the future—inside the company or elsewhere. When you check-in, try to establish a more personal connection rather than strictly discussing work. They will appreciate your interest in them, and it will also help them gain a fuller understanding of you and what you have to offer.
✅ SHOWCASE YOUR WORK ETHIC — Your performance as an intern should prove to your supervisors and colleagues that you would be a valuable permanent member of the team. Companies appreciate an intern who displays a commitment to their job, so show them that you are eager and happy to perform your responsibilities.
✅ NETWORK WITH YOUR COLLEAGUES — Employers want to see strong teamwork abilities, so ensure you are building professional and personal relationships with your colleagues. Ask for help when needed or offer to help a teammate to demonstrate your willingness to collaborate on achieving team goals. If you establish a good rapport and showcase a strong work ethic, your team will notice that you are an enjoyable person to work alongside. Your colleagues can pass their positive feedback to your supervisor to illustrate how you benefit the team. You will also benefit from building relationships with members of other departments to grow your professional network. Employers will be impressed if you can establish a positive reputation across their different lines of business. It also may increase the number of opportunities available to you at the company, as you may find openings that match your qualifications outside of your internship team.
✅ SHOW ENTHUSIASM — As an intern, your first assignments might consist of smaller or more repetitive tasks. Approach these responsibilities with enthusiasm, turning them in on time and up to your supervisor's quality standards. If they see that you can responsibly manage these tasks, they will be more willing to start assigning more advanced tasks. These tasks can grow your professional skills and demonstrate that you can perform the more demanding aspects of the job, as a full-time employee would.
✅ DEMONSTRATE INITIATIVE — You can make yourself stand out as an intern by taking the initiative to find professional development opportunities at the company. When meeting with your supervisor, express your interest in learning skills that can help you complete your job responsibilities. They may start assigning you tasks that develop those skills or have you follow someone as they perform them. You can also offer to take on additional work, which displays your eagerness to learn and contribute to the team. Your initiative proves that you are ready to be a full-time member of the team. Supervisors will see your engagement with the company and your willingness to put effort into your personal development to help achieve its goals. As a result, they will feel more confident about adding you to the team permanently.
✅ SEEK FEEDBACK — Throughout your internship, you keep your job performance on track by seeking feedback from your supervisors and colleagues. With their insights, you can discover which areas you need improvement to help avoid mistakes or other problems moving forward. You can also learn where they see you excelling, providing you with a sense of confidence as you complete your tasks. Employers appreciate when you can receive and then implement feedback, as it shows maturity and a willingness to develop yourself. It also demonstrates that you aim to provide your best work possible.
✅ EXPRESS INTEREST IN FULL-TIME — Early into your internship, you can ask the hiring manager or HR personnel about the possibility of gaining full-time employment. Having the answer to this question can provide clarity on what to expect and your options. Throughout the internship, mention to your supervisor that you want to work for the company and explain why. When they see good work from you and know you are interested, it is more likely they will have you in mind when a full-time opportunity arises—both right after the internship or in the future.
Thanks for the advice.
Uti
Thank You Dr. H. It is under the greatest adversity that there exists the greatest potential for doing good, both for oneself and others.
Doc Frick
Thank You Michelle. Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.
Doc Frick
Thank you, Doc! I appreciate your taking the time to answer my question so thoroughly. Some really good stuff here!
Have a wonderful day, and nice beard - I like it. ;)
Aidan
Thank You Aidan. My beard is my MANE attraction.
Doc Frick
Freddy Kambala
F&B Manager
1
Answer
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Updated
Freddy’s Answer
money doesn't bring skills, but skills bring money. no need for a full job, for your goal is to become something valuable and more beneficial in term of over earning and qualification. complete your study while earning less temporary, Today you want job but tomorrow Job will follow you.
keep temporary job as a minimum earn while you studying to gain qualification for your dream job.
Full time job will block the progress of achieving your goal specially on what you want to become which is more important just a matter of time.
Tomorrow is promising better than today's offer. get your study done.
Freddy recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much for the advice.
Aidan