15 answers
Kate
Student
Anaheim, California
2
Questions
Asked
1354 views
How to do well in an internship for the offer to convert to a full-time role?
Hello,
I'm a recent graduate that landed a 6 month trainee/internship programme with the possibility to convert to a full time role following it.
Do you have any tips on how I can stand out to make this possible?
#internships #internship #jobs
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15 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1590
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Congratulations Kate,
Getting your internship was the easy part, now it’s about proving why you deserve to be there. An internship is the ultimate sink or swim opportunity. Nestled neatly between study and a career, it involves applying the knowledge and skills you've learned through schooling and real life situations. With the potential for a permanent opportunity ahead, an internship can carry a lot of pressure. There are a number of points you should focus on to ensure that you make the most out of your position.
TREAT THIS LIKE A JOB
Many interns take their placement as a breezy break from studying, when this is far from the case. You should treat your internship as a trial run for a new job. It’s only a short period of time, so there’s no excuse for turning up late, sloppy dressing, or underperforming. No one expects you to be perfect, or to never make mistakes, but you should come to work each day with a driven mindset and a smile on your face.
BE ENGAGED
If you’re given a small task, don’t drag it out to take the whole day. Likewise, if you’re given three assignments all due on the same day, then ask your employer how best to prioritize them to ensure you can finish them all on time. It is not your supervisor’s job to babysit you. You will be expected to work autonomously and stay on task without someone watching over your shoulder at all times. In a busy workplace, sometimes the intern’s duties can slide down the to-do list. The worst thing that you can do during your placement is to sit in a corner and twiddle your thumbs. Once on the job, pursue every opportunity to get involved in day-to-day tasks. Earn trust by seizing the small stuff (like making copies when necessary), and always be thinking of ways to remain innovative and add a fresh, young perspective. The best student workers are bright, naturally curious and quickly able to build on the skills they learn on the job. Ultimately, this kind of student will deliver real value for the company – they are exactly the type of entry-level people companies want to hire. Ask your supervisor whether you can brush up on any reading or free resources on your own time that will help you perform better. No one is going to forget about the intern who helped solve a problem or contributed to a big project.
KEEP LEARNING
There are no stupid questions when you’re an intern, everyone understands that you’re there to learn. In a supportive workplace, your coworkers should take the time to chat about aspects of the business or industry that interest you. Asking questions can also help you clarify any grey areas of conduct at your company. Whether the questions are about the company, industry, specific skills or the education/training needed to enter the field – they are all necessary questions to better help you pursue the right career path. But even when asking lots of questions, take the initiative to find the answers on your own. No question is too small or dumb to ask, but don’t expect to be spoon-fed every answer. Don’t ask before you have attempted to find out on your own first, especially if the answer is clearly stated on the company website (for example, in what cities does our company have locations?).
COMMUNICATION IS KEY
Usually, you will be able to select which role you want to shadow, rather than just be placed within the wider organization. If you’re unsure which role you want to shadow, speak about your interests and ask for advice. Your supervisor may be able to suggest a role that best suits your attributes and aspirations. Make it clear if you want a takeaway piece from this internship, such as an article or portfolio piece, which can demonstrate evidence of your learning. Tell your supervisor that you want to have a positive experience, make meaningful contributions, learn new skills and gain experience that will help develop your career. Clear communication about what you expect and need and what the employer expects and needs is key.
BUILD RELATIONSHIPS
Rather than whip out your phone, lest you appear to be off task, carry a trusty notepad with you at all times. Taking notes shows your dedication and also creates a resource that you can use in the future if you ever have to reference an idea from a meeting. And down the line, if you apply to this company for a full-time job and manage to land an interview, your notes can provide talking points for you on the company that may give you a competitive advantage over other applicants. Take a real interest in learning about the people who already work at the company. Ask questions and listen more than you talk. Remember that every person you meet while working this summer can potentially be added to your professional network. Keep track of contact information for people you meet along the way – coworkers, supervisors, clients/customers and others.
REMEMBER YOUR HERE TO WORK
As much as possible, keep work separate from socializing – it’s an especially easy time of year to blur the lines since there are pool parties and backyard cookouts almost every weekend. A college student should NOT make a habit of accepting these kinds of social invitations or going out for drinks or dinner with coworkers. There will be times when it is “safe” and in the student’s best interest as they seek to grow professionally, but many questionable situations have developed when interns become too involved with the professional staff. If there is even a hint of doubt about joining a social situation, your student would do well to beg off and go work out at the gym.
LASTLY
A timely thank-you note to your immediate supervisor is critical – be sure to include what you learned, your contact information, and express your gratitude for this great opportunity. Also, reach out to the professionals and colleagues you met during your intern experience. Following up with all of these people with a classy, well written thank-you note will go a long way, you never know who your next boss will be.
Hope this was Helpful Kate
Getting your internship was the easy part, now it’s about proving why you deserve to be there. An internship is the ultimate sink or swim opportunity. Nestled neatly between study and a career, it involves applying the knowledge and skills you've learned through schooling and real life situations. With the potential for a permanent opportunity ahead, an internship can carry a lot of pressure. There are a number of points you should focus on to ensure that you make the most out of your position.
TREAT THIS LIKE A JOB
Many interns take their placement as a breezy break from studying, when this is far from the case. You should treat your internship as a trial run for a new job. It’s only a short period of time, so there’s no excuse for turning up late, sloppy dressing, or underperforming. No one expects you to be perfect, or to never make mistakes, but you should come to work each day with a driven mindset and a smile on your face.
BE ENGAGED
If you’re given a small task, don’t drag it out to take the whole day. Likewise, if you’re given three assignments all due on the same day, then ask your employer how best to prioritize them to ensure you can finish them all on time. It is not your supervisor’s job to babysit you. You will be expected to work autonomously and stay on task without someone watching over your shoulder at all times. In a busy workplace, sometimes the intern’s duties can slide down the to-do list. The worst thing that you can do during your placement is to sit in a corner and twiddle your thumbs. Once on the job, pursue every opportunity to get involved in day-to-day tasks. Earn trust by seizing the small stuff (like making copies when necessary), and always be thinking of ways to remain innovative and add a fresh, young perspective. The best student workers are bright, naturally curious and quickly able to build on the skills they learn on the job. Ultimately, this kind of student will deliver real value for the company – they are exactly the type of entry-level people companies want to hire. Ask your supervisor whether you can brush up on any reading or free resources on your own time that will help you perform better. No one is going to forget about the intern who helped solve a problem or contributed to a big project.
KEEP LEARNING
There are no stupid questions when you’re an intern, everyone understands that you’re there to learn. In a supportive workplace, your coworkers should take the time to chat about aspects of the business or industry that interest you. Asking questions can also help you clarify any grey areas of conduct at your company. Whether the questions are about the company, industry, specific skills or the education/training needed to enter the field – they are all necessary questions to better help you pursue the right career path. But even when asking lots of questions, take the initiative to find the answers on your own. No question is too small or dumb to ask, but don’t expect to be spoon-fed every answer. Don’t ask before you have attempted to find out on your own first, especially if the answer is clearly stated on the company website (for example, in what cities does our company have locations?).
COMMUNICATION IS KEY
Usually, you will be able to select which role you want to shadow, rather than just be placed within the wider organization. If you’re unsure which role you want to shadow, speak about your interests and ask for advice. Your supervisor may be able to suggest a role that best suits your attributes and aspirations. Make it clear if you want a takeaway piece from this internship, such as an article or portfolio piece, which can demonstrate evidence of your learning. Tell your supervisor that you want to have a positive experience, make meaningful contributions, learn new skills and gain experience that will help develop your career. Clear communication about what you expect and need and what the employer expects and needs is key.
BUILD RELATIONSHIPS
Rather than whip out your phone, lest you appear to be off task, carry a trusty notepad with you at all times. Taking notes shows your dedication and also creates a resource that you can use in the future if you ever have to reference an idea from a meeting. And down the line, if you apply to this company for a full-time job and manage to land an interview, your notes can provide talking points for you on the company that may give you a competitive advantage over other applicants. Take a real interest in learning about the people who already work at the company. Ask questions and listen more than you talk. Remember that every person you meet while working this summer can potentially be added to your professional network. Keep track of contact information for people you meet along the way – coworkers, supervisors, clients/customers and others.
REMEMBER YOUR HERE TO WORK
As much as possible, keep work separate from socializing – it’s an especially easy time of year to blur the lines since there are pool parties and backyard cookouts almost every weekend. A college student should NOT make a habit of accepting these kinds of social invitations or going out for drinks or dinner with coworkers. There will be times when it is “safe” and in the student’s best interest as they seek to grow professionally, but many questionable situations have developed when interns become too involved with the professional staff. If there is even a hint of doubt about joining a social situation, your student would do well to beg off and go work out at the gym.
LASTLY
A timely thank-you note to your immediate supervisor is critical – be sure to include what you learned, your contact information, and express your gratitude for this great opportunity. Also, reach out to the professionals and colleagues you met during your intern experience. Following up with all of these people with a classy, well written thank-you note will go a long way, you never know who your next boss will be.
Hope this was Helpful Kate
Cara Maisel
Senior Analyst - Asset Management
10
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Cara’s Answer
Hi Kate,
Congrats on the internship program! Sounds like a great opportunity. At the beginning of the program, I'd make expectations clear. Ask your supervisor what type of skills/responsibilities someone in this role who's successful would be able to do by the end of your time. Ask if anyone in this program has stood out before. If so, what did they do to stand out compared to other participants. As always, make sure you're eager to work and prove you can do a good job without too much supervision. Once you prove you can do a smaller assignment then you're supervisor will trust you and give you more complex/important tasks. Good luck and have fun!
Congrats on the internship program! Sounds like a great opportunity. At the beginning of the program, I'd make expectations clear. Ask your supervisor what type of skills/responsibilities someone in this role who's successful would be able to do by the end of your time. Ask if anyone in this program has stood out before. If so, what did they do to stand out compared to other participants. As always, make sure you're eager to work and prove you can do a good job without too much supervision. Once you prove you can do a smaller assignment then you're supervisor will trust you and give you more complex/important tasks. Good luck and have fun!
Thank you so much for the advice.
Kate
Blake H.
Business
478
Answers
Updated
Blake’s Answer
Hey Kate,
I've had many interns work for me and I was an intern myself at my current company. I would say that there are a couple of things to do that can help you stand out:
1. Meet people in the company! Whether you work with them or not, say hello. Ask them about their day. You want only positive things to be said about you, and it shows that you aren't just interested in your own development or project.
2. Do what you say you're going to do. If you have a meeting at 8am, be there at 7:50am. That is the number one thing I look for is how an intern follows through with their commitments.
3. Relax and be yourself. Remember, you got the internship for a reason. The goal of the company is to hire you, they've already invested money recruiting you and will invest more training you for months. They want to keep you.
Thanks,
Blake
I've had many interns work for me and I was an intern myself at my current company. I would say that there are a couple of things to do that can help you stand out:
1. Meet people in the company! Whether you work with them or not, say hello. Ask them about their day. You want only positive things to be said about you, and it shows that you aren't just interested in your own development or project.
2. Do what you say you're going to do. If you have a meeting at 8am, be there at 7:50am. That is the number one thing I look for is how an intern follows through with their commitments.
3. Relax and be yourself. Remember, you got the internship for a reason. The goal of the company is to hire you, they've already invested money recruiting you and will invest more training you for months. They want to keep you.
Thanks,
Blake
Stacey Martell
Manager - Compliance
9
Answers
Farmington Hills, Michigan
Updated
Stacey’s Answer
Congratulations! It is a wonderful opportunity for you to further your career!
My advice is to come to work everyday with the willingness to learn something new and assist your team members. Being a team player goes a long way and is something that your boss and coworkers will notice. Offer your assistance to your team members, you never know when you might need the same in return. Don't be afraid to ask questions or ask for clarification on assignments to ensure you are on the right track. Speak with confidence and enthusiasm when presenting information to your peers or superiors. Lastly, enjoy yourself! If you like what you are doing, it doesn't feel like a job.
My advice is to come to work everyday with the willingness to learn something new and assist your team members. Being a team player goes a long way and is something that your boss and coworkers will notice. Offer your assistance to your team members, you never know when you might need the same in return. Don't be afraid to ask questions or ask for clarification on assignments to ensure you are on the right track. Speak with confidence and enthusiasm when presenting information to your peers or superiors. Lastly, enjoy yourself! If you like what you are doing, it doesn't feel like a job.
Anthony Rizzo
Graduate Assistant- College Athletics
30
Answers
Tallahassee, Florida
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Hello Kate, I am happy to help answer your question! I have also completed one of these opportunities, and while I was not hired on at the end of the 6-month period, I can hopefully offer you some valuable advice for your own experience.
The first thing I would recommend doing is taking the opportunity early on in your time with the company to build relationships with your co-workers/supervisors. Find the opportunity to sit down with them 1-on-1 to discuss expectations and find areas where you can help them with their job. Not only does this help you gain additional experience, but it shows them that you are willing to take the initiative to grow and learn as a professional, and that you are willing to help out whenever needed. This can ultimately lead to increased responsibilities because they will be more inclined to reach out to you when they need assistance. Lastly, building these relationships can help when the company comes together at the end of the term to determine who they want to keep. A lot of times, when a company knows who you are and people can speak more closely on your experience, personality, or value, you will be more likely to get kept on.
Another thing I would recommend is to work as hard as you can and ask as many questions as you can. By asking questions, your co-workers and supervisors will be able to tell that you want to learn the business and be successful. This will be very impressive to them, and could also lead to some increased responsibilities as it will help you build trust with them. Working hard is a staple in any business, but by working hard in an internship role, you are able to bring value to the organization, which is a huge factor in getting hired. Companies love to hire interns who have a strong work ethic and are passionate about growing as a professional within the organization.
The last thing I would recommend is to seek out opportunities. A lot of interns will wait for work to be assigned to them. The problem with this is that you can miss out on very valuable learning opportunities, and can miss out on the opportunity to work closely with some of your co-workers. Anytime you don't have any work on your plate, take a quick walk around the office and check in with some of your co-workers to see if you can help them with anything. This will also show that you have a strong work ethic and once again express your interest in learning and growing as a professional.
The first thing I would recommend doing is taking the opportunity early on in your time with the company to build relationships with your co-workers/supervisors. Find the opportunity to sit down with them 1-on-1 to discuss expectations and find areas where you can help them with their job. Not only does this help you gain additional experience, but it shows them that you are willing to take the initiative to grow and learn as a professional, and that you are willing to help out whenever needed. This can ultimately lead to increased responsibilities because they will be more inclined to reach out to you when they need assistance. Lastly, building these relationships can help when the company comes together at the end of the term to determine who they want to keep. A lot of times, when a company knows who you are and people can speak more closely on your experience, personality, or value, you will be more likely to get kept on.
Another thing I would recommend is to work as hard as you can and ask as many questions as you can. By asking questions, your co-workers and supervisors will be able to tell that you want to learn the business and be successful. This will be very impressive to them, and could also lead to some increased responsibilities as it will help you build trust with them. Working hard is a staple in any business, but by working hard in an internship role, you are able to bring value to the organization, which is a huge factor in getting hired. Companies love to hire interns who have a strong work ethic and are passionate about growing as a professional within the organization.
The last thing I would recommend is to seek out opportunities. A lot of interns will wait for work to be assigned to them. The problem with this is that you can miss out on very valuable learning opportunities, and can miss out on the opportunity to work closely with some of your co-workers. Anytime you don't have any work on your plate, take a quick walk around the office and check in with some of your co-workers to see if you can help them with anything. This will also show that you have a strong work ethic and once again express your interest in learning and growing as a professional.
Tyler Vandervort
Channel Growth Manager
12
Answers
Plano, Texas
Updated
Tyler’s Answer
Hello Kate,
Try to be a sponge while during your time interning, absorbing as much knowledge as you can while you are there.
Target folks that you perceive as successful and try to understand what they are doing and how that translates into being successful. Maybe even ask for one of these people to mentor you.
Ask for feedback often and demonstrate that you are executing on the feedback provided.
Visibility is important, You are solely responsible for communicating your value. So you need to ensure that you are taking ownership of your own career and contribution by communicating that to your manager.
We hope that helps and it always helped us to keep a record and document on your own some of the positive highlights that you can share with your manager periodically.
MicroFocus
Try to be a sponge while during your time interning, absorbing as much knowledge as you can while you are there.
Target folks that you perceive as successful and try to understand what they are doing and how that translates into being successful. Maybe even ask for one of these people to mentor you.
Ask for feedback often and demonstrate that you are executing on the feedback provided.
Visibility is important, You are solely responsible for communicating your value. So you need to ensure that you are taking ownership of your own career and contribution by communicating that to your manager.
We hope that helps and it always helped us to keep a record and document on your own some of the positive highlights that you can share with your manager periodically.
MicroFocus
Kristen Filosa
Project Manager
4
Answers
Roseland, New Jersey
Updated
Kristen’s Answer
Congratulations, Kate! I was an intern at my company and was offered a full time job and have been here ever since (going on 7 years)!
My advice to you is to always have a positive attitude, ask questions, challenge concepts/ideas, be open to all assignments, and start working on your personal brand. Best of luck to you! =)
My advice to you is to always have a positive attitude, ask questions, challenge concepts/ideas, be open to all assignments, and start working on your personal brand. Best of luck to you! =)
Your advice was so helpful!
Kate
Alexis Choi
Product Management
7
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Alexis’s Answer
Hey Kate, congrats on your role!
One of the things that really helped me out in securing a full-time position from an internship/co-op positions were being clear on the expectations and objectives of the internship and consistently checking in with the manager and the team to see where I am excelling or need improvements on.
As an intern, you want to show that you are passionate and enthusiastic about the work you are doing and that you have the ability to grow. You are not expected to know everything but in return, they want to see how fast and well you can adapt to the work.
I actually have a youtube video I made about having a successful internship that can turn into a return offer so I will include the link below. :)
10 things I wish I knew before starting (or during) my internship: https://youtu.be/iu32c0mT9UI
One of the things that really helped me out in securing a full-time position from an internship/co-op positions were being clear on the expectations and objectives of the internship and consistently checking in with the manager and the team to see where I am excelling or need improvements on.
As an intern, you want to show that you are passionate and enthusiastic about the work you are doing and that you have the ability to grow. You are not expected to know everything but in return, they want to see how fast and well you can adapt to the work.
I actually have a youtube video I made about having a successful internship that can turn into a return offer so I will include the link below. :)
Alexis recommends the following next steps:
Thanks for your encouragement!
Kate
Kiirsten Suomu
Sales Representative at Universal Orlando Resort
96
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Kiirsten’s Answer
Good Morning, Kate!
Congratulations on graduating and gaining an opportunity with that trainee program-- that is wonderful! When it comes to internships/apprenticeships, it is best for someone in the program to be professional, but authentically themselves. Be sure to show up to work on time and be as value added as you can; while you are learning about the business, be a sponge and soak everything up that your leadership may tell you. I'd also suggest to be prepared for meetings by doing any possible research before the meeting commences, and to bring your notebook and pen ALWAYS. If you are starting your internship soon, you'll most likely be doing meet and greets with your leadership team-- go prepared to those meet and greets with questions for them (ex: "what are three things that make someone in my role successful?" or "how does someone in my role impact what you do, and how can I make your role easier?"). Last suggestion I'd have is to be open to feedback, not only will it benefit your personal brand, but it will also show your leaders that you are interested in growing.
Have fun!
Congratulations on graduating and gaining an opportunity with that trainee program-- that is wonderful! When it comes to internships/apprenticeships, it is best for someone in the program to be professional, but authentically themselves. Be sure to show up to work on time and be as value added as you can; while you are learning about the business, be a sponge and soak everything up that your leadership may tell you. I'd also suggest to be prepared for meetings by doing any possible research before the meeting commences, and to bring your notebook and pen ALWAYS. If you are starting your internship soon, you'll most likely be doing meet and greets with your leadership team-- go prepared to those meet and greets with questions for them (ex: "what are three things that make someone in my role successful?" or "how does someone in my role impact what you do, and how can I make your role easier?"). Last suggestion I'd have is to be open to feedback, not only will it benefit your personal brand, but it will also show your leaders that you are interested in growing.
Have fun!
Lillian Tsui
Talent Partner
9
Answers
Updated
Lillian’s Answer
Congratulations! During an internship, it's important to always be on time and take initiative/be proactive. If it's not as busy of a day, ask your supervisor if there's anything they need help with. Set up informational meetings with folks in the company to network. You want to show them that you want to get converted and even discuss this to figure out how to get there. At the end of the day, as long as you are putting your best foot forward and have the mentality that no job is too small for you will enable you to shine. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions as it shows curiosity and that you ask good questions.
Jennifer Fields
Sales Operations
2
Answers
Morristown, New Jersey
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Congrats on the internship! Several good pieces of advice submitted so far... seems simple, but I certainly echo Kiirsten's suggestion to always show up to every meeting with pen & paper. My other suggestion is to ask questions and / or for help when you need it. I've had interns think that asking for help is a sign of weakness and then they ended up making mistakes, which delayed the project deadline. Never hesitate to ask questions or for help... you're there to learn and the person you're working for would much prefer to help you get it right the first time, rather than cleaning up mistakes. Good luck!
Bill Brown
Development Executive
39
Answers
Dobbs Ferry, New York
Updated
Bill’s Answer
Kate,
Congratulations on your internship. Your prior success and personal aptitude / attitude secured your internship. Therefore, I would only suggest that you treat this opportunity with respect. Be timely in your attendance, be available for additional responsibilities, be a positive influence with your teammates and prove that you are an invaluable member for which the company would benefit.
I wish you all the best in your future pursuit.
Bill
Congratulations on your internship. Your prior success and personal aptitude / attitude secured your internship. Therefore, I would only suggest that you treat this opportunity with respect. Be timely in your attendance, be available for additional responsibilities, be a positive influence with your teammates and prove that you are an invaluable member for which the company would benefit.
I wish you all the best in your future pursuit.
Bill
Laurie Martin
Director of Financial Reporting
23
Answers
Fenton, Michigan
Updated
Laurie’s Answer
Congratulations! The best way for you to make a good impression is to have a positive attitude, demonstrate a willingness to learn, be open to all tasks given to you and stay engaged in your work. I’v had several interns work for me and the one's I remember the most and want to hire are those that are excited about the work I given them and who demonstrate they want to learn. I don't expect interns to do all tasks perfectly but I do expect they learn from their mistakes. The qualities I look for are positive attitude, ability and eagerness to learn, and adaptability. Good luck!
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Kate
Holly Ross
Business Systems Analyst
16
Answers
Sunnyvale, California
Updated
Holly’s Answer
In my career I have found that it matters more who you are versus what skills you bring.
Skills matter, sure. But if you're not pleasant to work with, then your skills will only take you so far.
Build positive relationships. Establish a reputation and brand for yourself at the organization where others would say work wouldn't be the same there without you. When I graduated college and was in a similar position as you, I used to put so much pressure on myself because I desperately wanted job security... someone told me to just get to know people on a people level and organically the job part will follow. It's so true. People are the ones who can get you roles... and even if this specific opportunity doesn't work out, you never know if the relationships you build here will pay dividends in the distant future for some other opportunity.
Skills matter, sure. But if you're not pleasant to work with, then your skills will only take you so far.
Build positive relationships. Establish a reputation and brand for yourself at the organization where others would say work wouldn't be the same there without you. When I graduated college and was in a similar position as you, I used to put so much pressure on myself because I desperately wanted job security... someone told me to just get to know people on a people level and organically the job part will follow. It's so true. People are the ones who can get you roles... and even if this specific opportunity doesn't work out, you never know if the relationships you build here will pay dividends in the distant future for some other opportunity.
Simeon Snow
Risk Assurance
1790
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
Do you work well and make a good impression there, but the key to making the most out of an internship is looking to socialize. Find people it's easy to have conversations with and get to know them, ask them about their family and hobbies, and find ways to connect with them on social media. The more people you can make friends with, the better.