How to Turn Your Internship Into a Full-Time Job
Whether it’s an animator in a creative video company or a data analyst in a tech-driven startup, the internship program can be such a massive opportunity to gain relevant experiences and insights into your chosen career field.
And when the company finds you bring valuable skills, they might offer you a full-time employee.
Of course, it takes so much more than being on time and getting your work done.
The internship is an extension of the interview process, so we’ve listed some great recommendations on how you can land that job at the end of it.
Signs You Need to Turn Your Internship Into a Full-time Job
But first, you need to make sure that it's really time to consider turning an internship program into a full-time job.
How do you know that you're ready to take the next step?
You might be considering turning your internship into a full-time job if:
1. You love the job
Doing things that you love doesn't feel like work. You should consider turning your internship into a full-time job if it feels like fun, and you look forward to going to work every day.
2. The company can't function without you
If the company is really relying on you to get things done, and they would have trouble operating without you, that's a good sign that they value your skills and contributions.
3. You're being paid (and paid well)
Unpaid internships are becoming less and less common, but if you are in one of these programs, it's definitely time to start considering a full-time job.
If you are being paid for your internship, that's also a good sign that the company is invested in your skills and experience.
4. You're getting great feedback
If your boss and co-workers are constantly telling you how impressed they are with your work, that's another good sign that it might be time to turn your internship into a full-time job.
How to Turn Your Internship into a Full-time Job
Now that you know it might be time to turn your internship into a full-time job, how can you make it happen? Here are some tips from our experts:
1. Make sure you're doing your best work
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's important to make sure that you really impress your boss and co-workers with the quality of your work. This is the foundation for everything else. But, what does it mean to do your best work?
- Going above and beyond what's expected of you.
- Being a problem solver and team player and always looking for ways to help out.
- Being a positive force in the workplace, even when things are tough.
- Being a self-starter.
In short, it means being the kind of employee that any company would be lucky to have on their team. Remember not to try too hard as it can make you appear as today or someone who is a self-promoter or always looking for credit.
2. Show that you fit in
The people you work with should actually enjoy working with you. This doesn't mean that you need to be best friends with everyone, but try to build relationships and be someone people enjoy being around.
You want to create an environment where people are happy to see you every day and feel like they can trust you.
Also, no one wants to work with someone who is negative all the time. So, make sure that you are a positive force in the workplace.
This will make people want to work with you and will also make them more likely to give you additional responsibility.
3. Get to know everyone in the company
Building relationships with your co-workers is important, but you also want to make sure that you get to know people in other departments.
Show an interest in what they do and how it fits into the big picture. This will help you see how you can add value to the company beyond your current role.
4. Understand and follow the rules
Every company has its own way of doing things. From e-commerce to even explainer video companies, it's important to understand and respect the rules. If you try to do things your own way, it will only frustrate your boss and co-workers.
But, if you follow the rules and procedures, it will show that you are someone who can be trusted.
So, take the time to get deep-seated knowledge of how the company operates. It will pay off in the long run.
5. Always willing to try
The internship program is an opportunity for you to learn and grow, so be open to new experiences.
If your boss asks you to do something that's outside your comfort zone, don't hesitate to say yes. This will show them that you are someone who is willing to take on new challenges and that you are adaptable.
Not to mention that things change all the time in the workplace, and you need to be able to adapt. If there's a new project or initiative, be open to taking it on. It will show your boss that you are a team player and that you are always looking for ways to help out.
6. Showcase your work ethic
A good work ethic is key to a career advancement, after all. Your work ethic is what gets you through the day-to-day grind. It's how you show up to work every day and get things done, even when you don't feel like it.
Your boss and co-workers will take notice of your work ethic, and it will definitely have an impact on their opinion of you. So, make sure that you are always putting your best foot forward.
Be dependable and always meet your deadlines. If there's a problem, own up to it and try to find a solution.
7. Express interest in full-time employment
Towards the end of your internship, it's time to start expressing interest in full-time employment. The best way to do this is to have a conversation with your boss.
First, thank them for the opportunity and let them know how much you have enjoyed and learned from the experience. Then, let them know that you are interested in full-time employment and would like to be considered for any open positions.
This is also a good time to ask for feedback on your performance. This will give you an idea of what they think of your work and where you could improve.
8. Get Prepared for the Next Step
The internship program is just the beginning. Once you have landed a full-time job, it's time to start thinking about your career path. What are your long-term goals? How can you position yourself for success?
It's never too early to start thinking about these things. And, if you take the time to plan ahead, it will pay off in the long run.
Turning your internship into a full-time job is a great way to get your career started on the right foot. But, it takes more than just showing up and doing your work.
You need to build relationships, show that you fit in, and always be willing to try new things. If you can do all of these things, you'll be well on your way to landing that full-time job.
In short, treat your internship like it's a full-time job, and you will greatly improve your chances of landing one at the end of it.
Author
Andre Oentoro is the founder of Breadnbeyond, an award-winning explainer video company. He helps businesses increase conversion rates, close more sales, and get positive ROI from explainer videos (in that order).
- Twitter: @breadnbeyond
- Email: andre@breadnbeyond.com
- LinkedIn: Andre Oentoro