June 10, 2022

How to turn an internship into a job: Tips for graduates


So you've landed an internship! Congratulations! 
 
You are on your way to an awesome career. Now, how do you turn that internship into a full-time job? 
Some tips I have shared in this article to get you started:
 
Table of contents
 
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How to turn an internship into a job?

There are several strategies for turning your internship into a career.

Be a team player

 
First, make sure you work hard and are a team player. Your employers will be watching to see how you work, both independently and with others. Show them that you're willing to put in the extra effort and are a good team player. That will impress them greatly.
 

Stay in touch with seniors

Second, stay in touch with your supervisors. Let them know what you're up to and keep them updated on your progress. They may have other opportunities for you or be able to refer you to someone else at the company.
 

Networking

Third, network as much as possible. Get to know the company's other interns and employees. Attend company events and get involved in the company culture. The more people you know, the more likely it is that someone will be able to help you get a job.
 
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Professionalism

Fourth, be professional. Even if you're interning for a company you really want to work for, don't slack off. Do your best. Put your best foot forward. It's impossible to know who might be watching you and who might be able to help you in the future.
 

Show your value

Fifth, show your value. Interns are often seen as low-level employees, but that doesn't mean you can't show your worth. Be proactive, take on extra assignments, offer new ideas, and be a team player. When the opportunity comes for a full-time job, you'll be able to point to your accomplishments and demonstrate them.
 

Take opportunities

Sixth, be a go-getter. If you see an opportunity, take it. If you want something, ask for it. Never be afraid to ask something and go after what you want.
 

Arrive early and stay late

Seventh, arrive early and stay late. The best way to make an impression on your boss and get the most out of your internship is to arrive early at office and stay late. This shows that you're dedicated to the company and your work. It also allows you to learn from your boss and other employees.
 

Be proactive

Eighth, be proactive and take on extra assignments. Once you have an idea of the company's goals, it's time to take some initiative. If you see an opportunity to go above and beyond, take it. Offer to help with projects that aren't necessarily in your job description. This will show your boss that you're eager to learn and contribute. Not only this, you may even learn something new in the process.
 

Get to know the people

Ninth, Meet as many people as possible. Meeting as many people as possible is the greatest way to turn an internship into a job. Know the people in your department and chat with people in other departments. Attend company events, and get to know your coworkers' families and friends. The more people you know, the more likely you are to get hired.
 

Act professionally

Tenth, be professional. The tenth step to turning an internship into a job is always to act professionally. That means showing up on time, dressing appropriately, and being willing to do any task that is asked of you. Even if you're not given busy work, offer to help out your team in any way that you can.
 
 

Strong online presence

The final secret is to keep your social media presence up to date. Make sure you have a strong LinkedIn profile and that your Twitter and Facebook are well-maintained. Mention there you are doing an internship. When potential employers search for you online, they'll be able to see your social media profiles and get a better idea of who you are.
 
If you can follow these eleven secrets, you'll be well on your way to turning your internship into a job.
 
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Signs your internship will turn into a job

What are the signs that an internship could turn into a full-time job? How can you guess?
 
There are a few things to look for. 
 

More responsibilities

First, if the company starts giving you more responsibilities and expects you to do more work, that's a good sign. They may be grooming you to take on a full-time position. You should expect to do the grunt work first as an intern. But, if your boss gives you more important tasks and responsibilities, that's a good sign that the company is considering you for a permanent role.
 

Long-term plans

Another sign is if your boss starts talking to you about their long-term plans. They may want to know if you're interested in a full-time role and see how you fit into their future.
 

Company is investing in you

Another sign is if the company starts to invest in your training. If the company is starting to put money into your development, it's a good sign that they see potential in you. They may also give you more responsibilities and opportunities to take on new challenges. If the company starts to treat you more like a full-time employee, it's definitely a sign that they're thinking about making you a permanent member of the team.
 
If you find that you're constantly being invited to lunch and after-work social activities, it's likely a sign that the company is interested in hiring you full-time. Most internships will only last a few months, so if you're enjoying regular social events with your coworkers, it's probably because they're trying to get to know you better to see if you'd be a good fit for a full-time position.
 

Other signs

Your supervisor asks for your opinion on important projects and decisions. They want to know what you think, and they trust you enough to give you important tasks.
 
Your colleagues start relying on you for help with their work. When people respect your skills and knowledge, they'll come to you for assistance.
 
If you see these signs, your internship might turn into a job.
 
 
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Closing thoughts

Landing a job after an internship can seem daunting, but if you make the most of your time as an intern and apply all the secrets of "how to turn an internship into a job" in your work, you'll be in a much better position when it comes time to apply for full-time jobs.
 
Follow all the secret tips in this article and give yourself the best chance of landing a job after your internship.
 
Good luck.
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