Being an intern opens up the door to so many opportunities, the main one being the fact that you could gain a full-time job from this experience. Of course, it will be difficult, but it’s achievable.
Before you even begin your internship, you need to consider what you really want to gain from it. If you’re considering that line of work as a long-term career, make that clear to your employer – that way, you’re expressing that you are truly interested. Don’t be afraid to go out of your way to make your intentions known.
You could quite possibly be thrown into the deep end with your internship, depending on the field of work. In this case, be ready and willing to work independently. However, you won’t be expected to know the answerto every problem, so feel free to ask questions to your employer if you have any – but make sure to refrainfrom being a hindrance.
You need to try to demonstrate your ability to make decisions for yourself, but it isn’ta crime to need a little help every now and again.
In this case, be ready and willing to work independently. However, you won’t be expected to know the answer to every problem, so feel free to ask questions to your employer if you have any – but make sure to refrain from being a hindrance.
How Long is an Internship?
The duration of an internship can vary depending on various factors such as the company, industry, and the specific program or agreement in place.
Internships can range from a few weeks to several months or even a year. Here are some common types of internships and their typical durations:
- Summer internships: These are often offered by companies and organisations during the summer break for students. Summer internships typically last 8 to 12 weeks, aligning with the academic calendar.
- Semester internships: Some internships are structured to align with a specific academic semester. These internships can last anywhere from 10 to 16 weeks, depending on the length of the semester.
- Full-year internships: Sometimes, internships may extend beyond a single semester or summer break. These internships can last an entire year, providing interns with an extended period to gain valuable experience and contribute to the organisation.
- Part-time internships: Instead of a full-time commitment, some internships are designed to be part-time, allowing interns to balance their work with other responsibilities such as attending classes. Part-time internships can be spread over several months or even longer, depending on the agreed schedule.
It's important to note that the specific duration of an internship is typically determined by the employer or organisation offering the training. When applying for internships, reviewing the internship benefits, and programme structure or inquiring with the organisation to understand the expected duration and any additional requirements or commitments is advisable.
Did you know that you are allowed to work full-time jobs from the age of 16, but not before that?
Impress your employer
The best way to impress your employer is to contribute something to the team. Whether it’s your willingness to do a task that others might not or your bright smile in the morning, be sure to add something to the workforce so that not hiring you seems like a wrong decision. Remember that you have a voice; you can volunteer your ideas where needed to show initiative. You could offer to help someone with a large workload surpass what’s expected of you. Show your passion and drive. Be indispensable.
While there, venture into different business branches, and you may find that you’re better suited to a different position, and your internship could allow you to trial different sectors. Also, it might be worthwhile to research the business throughout your internship, giving you a greater understanding of how certain thingswork, the clients, etc. By doing research, you’re being proactive, and it will help to learn of any changes and to understand how things work both before and during your internship so that you’ll have less uncertainty. Knowledge is power.
Have a good relationship with your co-workers
Having good relationships with your peers is crucial if you want to turn your internship into something more permanent. A good relationship with your supervisor is essential. Still, if you have positive relationships with your co-workers (and those outside of your department), you’ll show your willingness to go the extra mile, and demonstrate your communication skills. Those colleagues could also give you a good recommendation, so I highly suggest doing this. Your reputation will really help you.
Don’t neglect the small things: work ethic is key. Not only that, but being organised too. Essentially, you need to ensure that you demonstrate a lack of tardiness, and complete all tasks to a good standard. If you’re still in school while you’re completing your internship, time management may be significantly more difficult,but you need to make it a priority to work on this skill.
Ask for a job
Although this might seem like the most terrifying thing, you could always ask your supervisor/employer what the chances of you getting a full-time job would be. You would even ask what the company would look for in a full-time employee, then hone in on the skills they mention. This would demonstrate engagement, and maybe give the employer a not-so-subtle hint that you’re interested in a permanent role.
If asking your supervisor seems too daunting, ask your colleagues for to impart some of their professionalwisdom on you. Even if you don’t manage to turn this internship into a full-time career, these colleagues could be very useful connections for future careers instead. Learning how to network within your internship will bring new opportunities for you.
When you finish your internship, make sure to send a genuine follow-up email, or even a letter. By doing so,you can express your gratitude as well as asking the company to keep in touch with job vacancies, and you’dhave the upper hand over people who had never worked within the company before. You could use this email (or letter) to turn your internship into a full-time position if you couldn’t step straight into it from theinternship, i.e. needing to return to school.
A small guide on how to turn your internship into a full-time job
Turning an internship into a full-time job can be a great opportunity for professional growth and career advancement.
- Clarify your long-term career goals: Before starting your internship, it's important to have a clear understanding of your career aspirations. If you see the internship as a potential long-term career path, communicate this to your employer. Expressing genuine interest and commitment can make a positive impression and show that you're dedicated to the field.
- Be independent and proactive: Internships may throw you into challenging situations where you'll need to work independently. Demonstrate your ability to take initiative and make decisions while also being open to seeking guidance when needed. Strive to contribute positively to the team by going the extra mile, volunteering ideas, and taking on additional responsibilities.
- Explore different areas of the business: Use your internship as an opportunity to gain exposure to different departments and roles within the organization. This exploration can help you discover where your strengths and interests lie and may lead to unexpected career paths. Additionally, take the time to research the company and its operations to deepen your understanding of the business.
- Build positive relationships: Cultivate strong relationships with your supervisor and colleagues during your internship. Effective communication, collaboration, and a willingness to support others can help you stand out as a team player. Positive relationships with colleagues outside of your department can expand your network and potentially lead to future job opportunities or recommendations.
- Demonstrate a strong work ethic: Show dedication, professionalism, and organizational skills throughout your internship. Arrive on time, complete tasks efficiently, and strive for excellence in your work. Time management is crucial, especially if you're juggling school or other commitments alongside your internship.
- Seek feedback and discuss future prospects: If you feel comfortable, have a conversation with your supervisor about the possibility of a full-time position. Ask about the company's criteria for hiring permanent employees and focus on developing the skills they value. This demonstrates your engagement and interest in a long-term role.
- Network and maintain connections: Don't underestimate the power of networking during your internship. Build relationships with colleagues and professionals in your industry. They can provide guidance, mentorship, and potentially open doors to future job opportunities. After completing your internship, send a follow-up email expressing gratitude and interest in staying connected. This can keep you on their radar for future job vacancies.
Remember, turning an internship into a full-time job requires dedication, hard work, and professionalism. By demonstrating your skills, initiative, and commitment, you increase your chances of securing a permanent position or gaining valuable connections and recommendations for your future career.
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