Quintessential Careers Press:
The Quintessential Guide to Finding and Maximizing Internships
Chapter 6: Turning Your Internship Into a Job
Page 36
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- Be aware that your every move may be scrutinized. "An
intern must understand that an employer watches everything you
do," Pyle notes. "Even if you think it is a meaningless task, there
is a reason for it, and it is important to your employer. If you
handle the task with professionalism -- even though you may think you
are 'above' the task -- it will reflect highly on you."
- Don't just work hard. Strive to do your best, and extend your
best behavior to your interactions with company stakeholders --
suppliers, vendors, distributors, and especially customers. Keep
quality in the forefront of your mind for every project you
undertake. And be sure you project the utmost in professionalism to
those stakeholders on whom the company wants to make a good
impression.
- Seek out extra work, new projects. Show your willingness
to go beyond what's the the job description for your internship,
especially if the employer is overusing you for low-skill tasks (such
as making coffee or acting as a go-fer). Look for ways you can make
your co-workers' jobs easier. You'll make a great impression while
sharpening your skills so you can step into a permanent position when
the time comes.
- Strong academic performance can be influential with some
employers. Some firms value good grades highly. If you can
maintain strong academics while also performing in your internship,
you may gain a leg up. "I think performance in school is important
for being selected for one of these opportunities," Rhoads says. "It
was for Andersen's criteria. Work hard in school to get past the
interviews so you can get locked in with an internship."
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