This article was originally posted by Rob Porter on Vault.
The probability of an internship converting into a full-time role varies from company to company. In certain cases, an employer will be transparent about how often they provide interns with a direct path toward full-time employment, and other times it is less clear. Either way, there are things you can do to greatly increase your chances at receiving a full-time offer at the end of the program.
Know the Company Culture
We’re always talking about conducting research during a job search, and that also goes for your internship. Take the time to look into the company by checking out its website and social media pages, where you can find information about a company’s leadership team, core values, and workplace culture, among other things. The more you can learn about the company before you start your internship, the more comfortable you’ll feel in those all-important early moments.
The knowledge gained from your research will also give you an advantage over other interns who haven’t done their homework. You’ll be able to better anticipate the tone of the workplace and make any adjustments to help you to better fit in. If you’re able to demonstrate that you’re a great fit for the team during your internship, you’ll be far more likely to be hired for full-time employment at the end of the program.
Ask the Right Questions
Internships are all about learning and preparing for your career. This includes asking questions whenever you’re confused or in doubt; however, there are certain types of questions you should avoid. Let’s say you’re having trouble understanding a task or you’re preparing for a presentation. In either of these scenarios, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask your manager or mentor for help.
During the course of your internship, you should avoid asking disruptive questions or questions that might make you seem lazy. For example, if your boss is providing details on an upcoming project, refrain from asking unrelated questions during that time. Use your intuition when it comes to asking questions during any kind of presentation. If the question feels disruptive or inappropriate, you’re probably onto something. In addition, avoid asking questions that you could easily find the answer to, or that you might be expected to know already.
Show Your Value
If you can prove that you’d be a great addition to the team, the chances that you’ll get a direct path toward full-time employment will increase drastically. As such, it’s important to do your best to demonstrate your value, and there are several ways to go about this. For starters, maintain a positive attitude and an eagerness to learn and take on new challenges. When it comes to your workspace, take the time to organize it and do your best to keep it that way.
Always be punctual. This means showing up on time, attending meetings and events on time, and sticking to the designated break periods. Do your best to go above and beyond when it comes to your day-to-day tasks, and be consistent in the quality of your work. This will show that you’re motivated and committed, and that you have a strong work ethic.
Be a Problem Solver
All companies love employees who can solve problems. A great way to demonstrate your value during an internship is to show off your problem-solving skills. Now, keep in mind there is a distinct difference between a problem-identifier and a problem-solver, and if you are cognizant of an issue but you can’t think of a way to resolve it, it’s best to leave it be.
Let’s say you’re particularly adept at front-end website development and you noticed that the company’s website is…how shall we say…lacking in the style department. Here, you could mention that you checked out the website and you have some suggestions to improve it, and that you’d be happy to put the time in to work on it. This will make you more memorable in your supervisor’s eyes, and will increase your chances at a full-time position at the end of the internship.
Take the Initiative
Throughout your internship, it’s crucial that you adhere to all the rules and guidelines set forth by your supervisor. That being said, there will certainly be opportunities to demonstrate your ability to take the initiative when it comes to certain tasks or with regards to developing valuable skills. Let’s say that you’ve been assigned a group project with some other interns, and you’ve got a great idea of how to start. In this scenario, speak up and make your ideas known.
Another great way to take the initiative is to offer to take on additional tasks or projects. Whether you’re assigned to them or not, you’ll be demonstrating your eagerness to jump right into the work and tackle new and exciting challenges. Taking the initiative will prove that you’re ready for the next step, and it could lead to full-time employment with the company.
Show Interest
Another way to increase your chances at full-time employment is by simply expressing interest in a full-time role. One way to do this is to ask about direct pathways to a full-time role during the internship hiring process. This will give you a better idea of how often a company hires its interns at the end of the program.
If you’ve done the proper research, you can find ways to connect your skill set and interests to what the company is looking for in a candidate. Then, you can have a conversation with your manager in which you can mention why you’d love to work for the company full-time. Your manager will appreciate your enthusiasm, and might just keep you in mind for the next open full-time role.
