Here are hundreds of internships available in every sector of work imaginable at this time. Although they are defamed in some sectors, they can be an important part of a career, particularly in industries where practical experience is a much clearer indication of aptitude than any activity carried out in a classroom or university course.
But how to get the most out of an internship? And how do you close the gap between being an intern and becoming a full-time staff member?
- PLAY YOUR PART
It is important to understand from the beginning that, while there is a gap between interns and full-time staff, no one will expect you to remain silent.
I was lucky to be part of a small team, so I was able to sit down and contribute to some content meetings. Being able to have a creative voice and not just be the “intern” was an excellent way for everyone to know me and show what I can do.
If you are doing an internship in a place where it is not possible, be sure to make yourself known. It is so easy to fall through the cracks. Try to meet and interact with as many people as possible.
If you do not accept that you are “just an intern”, you will be treated as a simple intern. But if you see yourself as part of the team, you will be treated as part of the team.
“Not all companies have a structured training program or welcome receptions for new interns, so be prepared to roll up your sleeves and find opportunities to contribute.”
- SET YOUR GOALS
While we can accept that the goal is to convert the internship is to turn the internship into full-time paid work, that goal can be vague and not oriented.
It is important to ask yourself when taking an internship how the progress is seen. To that end, set weekly goals: participate in a certain meeting, participate in a certain project or speak with a key decision maker.
I recommend writing down your goals and sharing them with your manager / teammates. Responsibility is crucial, so putting your goals in writing makes them “real” and increases the likelihood that you will achieve them.
A hiring manager says that seeing an intern with specific goals is someone who shows “transferable skills.”
“You know that an intern with a goal sheet is someone who will do it in a full-time job and is someone who has taken the time to get to know your company.
“You can teach job skills, but you cannot teach the initiative.”
- ASK QUESTIONS, BUT BE PREPARED TO FIND ANSWERS
While you are advised to act as if you were a staff member, it is important to remember that no one expects you to have all the answers.
There is an expectation that you will have certain knowledge deficits; what will not be expected is that you are well with those deficits.
“Have a real interest in getting to know the people who already work in the company, which of course means asking more questions (and listening to the answers).
But even while they are busy asking all these questions, I also tell them that most of the time they will have to find the answers for themselves. No question is too small or silly to ask, but do not expect to receive all the answers with a spoon.
So, although asking questions can be uncomfortable, it will show you how committed, passionate and eager to learn.
- LISTEN TO COMMENTS
An internship, unlike a full-time job, is a learning opportunity, so take advantage of that opportunity.
Find your superiors or those with more knowledge than you and learn from them.
Ask them for comments on their work and listen to them. Some of the comments may sting, but use its constructive nature to improve, and to see that you want to improve.
“Do not be afraid to ask for feedback throughout your time with the company, this shows your employer that you are anxious to do what is necessary to do your job well, and it will also allow you to discover what your strengths and weaknesses are. That you can work on them before you leave. ”
- PRACTICE THE LITTLE THINGS
Needless to say, but as an intern you are expected to have the same standards as any other staff member.
This means that you must have the same time management, dress and professional behavior as the best staff members of the company.
Being in the middle of the pack in these things will not help you stand out.
“Consider how you present yourself to your co-workers and your supervisor. What is the right attire for your workplace? What is the appropriate email label for the person to whom it is addressed? If you have a concern or there is a problem that you do not know how to handle, who is the best person to talk to? And do not forget the basic aspects of common courtesy: be punctual, say thank you, follow up and move on. ”
“We say we have a” do nothing “policy, you spend a lot of time with your co-workers and you want to know that it’s easy to get along with the people you work with.”
- STATE YOUR CASE
When the period of your internship is about to end, you may want to stay in the company, but it is crucial not to wait for it to be requested.
While some companies with better internal programs will be able to manage better if they make the transition or not, others will not. This means that with people who are busy focusing on other things, you can fall into a crack.
To make sure this does not happen, you must remember that old maxim:
If you do not ask, you do not get.
“Most HR people should be honest in one way or another, apply for a permanent job, if you do not ask, you’ll never know, once again, if you do not ask, the answer is always no.”
LEARN, ASSES AND CHANGE
Working as an intern can be a demanding task, particularly in fast-paced industries such as marketing. However, internships can become full-time jobs by becoming a valuable team member.
This means learning the culture of the company, evaluating yourself and being willing to learn. Become a member of the team, ask questions and listen to comments.
While these tips do not guarantee you 40 hours a week, they will help you get the most out of the experience.
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