You’ve finally scored an internship that truly matters to you, and now you are looking forward to try and turn it into a job. So what are the little (but no little) things you can do towards it? Read on to find out.
Yes, impressions do count – So while first impressions may not be the last impression, they do add up towards the bigger picture. If this is an internship you’d really like to turn into a full time job, show them how you are in sync with the organization’s core work principles and ethics – through action. Adhere to some very fundamental, but extremely important things like showing up on time, behaving appropriately and professionally and being appropriately dressed.
Whatever you do, do it with enthusiasm – Since this is something you want to do full time (which is why you are reading this post), you must show you are interested in your job by doing it with passion and enthusiasm. That is what will set you apart from the others – you do it because you enjoy doing it, and you want to, not just because it’s your job, and you have to.
Take initiative – Being proactive and taking initiative is a great way to show your interest in what you have signed up for. Be a bit cautious about going overboard with it though, as you also want to take care to not become an eyesore for your potential colleagues. That said, doing this can greatly enhance your chances of landing the job you really want.
Take responsibility - As important, or maybe even more important than taking initiative. Taking responsibility for a task you’ve taken up, or been given means to ensure you deliver. If it goes well, well, you may or may not be given sufficient credit for it. But if it doesn’t go well, and you know you didn’t quite do your bit, take responsibility for it and try your best to do what you can to fix it. This “can-do” attitude is something employers consider an indispensable asset in the teams they look to build. You could do with wearing it on your sleeve.
Don’t hold back, go that extra mile – This doesn’t mean you have to go out of your way to do things merely to cast an impression. It means that you must try and immerse yourself in what you do, wholeheartedly, and try and surpass the targets you set for yourself. Think of it this way – regardless of whether or not this internship converts into a job, it is still a hard earned and cherished opportunity that you have achieved. You want to walk away feeling happy and accomplished for the way you have spent your time during the internship, and feel proud of the work you’ve done.
When you enjoy what you do, it shows in everything you do. Just take care of that, and you will see how everything else falls into place!
Bonus inspiration: Watch Robert DeNiro teaching us how it’s done in his movie The Intern. Not to mention the absolute charm Anne Hathway brings to the screen!
Need answers to specific career related queries? We are all ears and would love to share our experiences with you. All you’ve got to do is reach out!