Tips on how to turn an internship into a permanent job

Generally, for college students, it is during the last year of their studies, fifth or sixth semester, that they look for internships. Most of the time, the organizations that we opt for internship are some of the best in the industry. When we give it our all and perform beyond expectations, we catch the eyes of the employers and hiring managers. This is the perfect opportunity to turn the short-term internship into a permanent job offer.

While you get hands-on experience and get the opportunity to network with the right people during your internship, the employees have advantages they get through you. They get to utilize your skills and rely on you to get fresh perspectives on the projects assigned to you during the internship. So, more often than not, they scrutinize the interns to see if they’d be a good fit for the company. 

In these uncertain times, finding employment is no longer a walk in the park. Due to the COVID pandemic, the landscape of the job market has changed drastically. Though with economic activities opening up gradually, many hiring managers are now looking for skilled candidates. So, when an opportunity for a permanent job arises within the organization you are doing your internship, it’s wise to take advantage of it. 

Here are a few tips on how you can ensure that your internship turns into a permanent job:

Know your Company:

Before you decide to join a company for your internship, do thorough research and learn everything you can about the company – their products, mission statement, important figures such as VP, hiring manager, CEO, etc, company culture, success rate and so on. 

Impressing your employers, managers and supervisors is the first step to stand out among the many other people seeking internships there as well. Moreover, this will show how serious and committed you are to work for them. 

Be Professional:

When we say be professional, it covers many areas. From your body language to dressing to being punctual to meeting deadlines, follow all the important workplace etiquettes. Remember that you have now entered the corporate world where something as standard as wearing the right and appropriate clothes determines people’s perception of you. The first impression lasts for sure. 

Be a Team Player:

To let your supervisors know that you fit in well with the company culture, be a team player. Always be willing to assist others. Don’t wait for them to ask you for help, offer your assistance as many times as possible. Ensure that you attend company meetings as well as get-togethers (as long as you are invited or your presence is expected). 

Master one Particular Skill:

If you are excellent at one thing that even the permanent employees are not so skilled at, your value will be appreciated and noticed. For instance, let’s say that the employees in the company are not so skilled at using FreshBooks, upskill yourself and master it to the point that it is you that they come to for help. This will definitely help you in securing your future job with the company. 

Be Positive:

No one wants to work with a Negative Nelly. Take feedback from your supervisors positively. How? Well, with the mentality that every feedback is an opportunity to be better, you will be able to see the positive side of things. So, when any crisis arises, do not panic. Rather try to assess the problem and come up with the best solution. This will show them that you can work under pressure and that you have leadership skills. 

Be Confident:

To be professional, you need to be confident. Even when you don’t know something, ask questions. Don’t do anything blindly because you are afraid that saying you don’t know how to do something will make you look daft. When you have the solution for something, speak up and offer them your assistance. 

Do not be overconfident though because you will only be a smart alec. 

Keep learning while you work hard:

It goes without saying that if you want a future with any company, you would have to give it your 100%. Also, be willing to learn and adapt. Feedback plays a vital role in knowing what to learn or in which area you should improve. If the company happens to offer training or other courses, learn more about it and show your interest every chance you get. This will tell your employers and supervisors that you want to continue your professional career with them. 

As long as your performance is outstanding and you have unrivalled skills, the company will even be willing to wait for you to graduate. 

We wish you the best of luck!