When getting hired as an intern, you have many opportunities to take advantage of. For one, you gain great professional experience and are able to network with other interns and staff members on a daily basis. You also have an up close and personal perspective of what it’s really like to work in the field that you are interested in.
The wonderful thing about becoming an intern, whether paid or not, is that your experience can offer you more insight into what you really want to do with your life. For example, if you think you want to be a publisher and then get hired as an intern at a publishing company, you may find out that the work environment just isn’t right for you or that your position is the perfect fit.
If you fall in love with the company that you’re interning with there are a few techniques you can utilize to help get you hired after your internship is complete. Even if you’re not completely satisfied with the company you’re working for, it’s a good idea to start adapting these tools to your working style so that you’ll become a more promising candidate for recruitment in the future no matter where you intern.
Punctuality
Arriving to work not only on time but fifteen minutes early will increase your chances of getting noticed. It shows your employer and coworkers that you are taking your internship seriously and have a prominent work ethic. It also exhibits passion and motivation.
Enthusiasm & positivity
When you show your employer that you’re interested in your position and are always seeking to learn new knowledge and skills, you are no longer just a coffee fetching intern, but a promising trainee that would be a great addition to the team.
Always be positive and upbeat, willing to tackle any role or task you’re assigned. The more you take on, the more you’ll be observed.
Always be professional
There are always going to be other interns or employees that gossip, break company rules or act unprofessionally. One of the best things you can do is to detach yourself entirely from that behavior. You never want to be seen as the intern that was caught badmouthing another intern or speaking negatively about the company.
Remember, you are always acting with respectability for yourself and others.
Do your research
Before going on a job interview, you do your research on the company’s history, their recent media coverage, and their mission statement, right? Well the same applies when being hired as intern.
You don’t want to stop arming yourself with information on the company’s most recent news just because you landed the internship. Always be aware of any changes and updates. This especially helps when speaking with your coworkers and supervisors inside and outside of work. It acts as a conversation starter and also displays that you’ve done your homework.
The relationship with your supervisor
Scheduling routine meetings with your supervisor is a great way to develop a strong relationship with him or her. If you’re unsure of how you’re doing or if you’re meeting his or her expectations, send an email and set up a time where you both can discuss your progress.
After speaking with him or her, set personal and professional goals for yourself to achieve before the end of your internship. Show your supervisor that you can take constructive criticism and are able to adapt to new ideas. Exhibit an ability to take on the role as a leader but also as a key player of the team.
Leave Your Mark
Companies are always in the process of evolution and adaptation to our increasingly changing world. If you find something that you think would benefit the company, such as eliminating or adding a specific company policy or creating new methods to increase profitability or work production – design a plan to tell your supervisor.
It shows motivation and drive when you exceed the responsibilities expected of you and go above and beyond to make your mark not only as an intern, but as an up-and-coming employee.
