Can an Internship Lead to a Full-time Job?

Internships are not only a way that students and recent graduates gain work experience and learn more about possible careers—they’re also a method that many companies employ to find new recruits who might make suitable full-time employees in the future. If you have or are about to start an internship, there are several things you can do to demonstrate your suitability for the company and increase your chances of landing a permanent full-time job.

Fit in with Corporate Culture

Fitting in doesn’t mean you have to act just like everyone else—you don’t have to give up your personal identity just to get a job. However, it’s very much worth taking the time to learn about the culture of the company you’re working in. This means arriving at work and meetings on time, sticking to project deadlines, adhering to the company’s dress code, displaying a good work ethic, and maintaining a positive attitude.

Cultivate a Good Relationship with your Supervisor

Keep in regular contact with your internship supervisor, both to keep them informed of your progress and accomplishments, and to make sure that your performance is up to par. Don’t, however, be the intern that can’t do anything without asking first—you’ll need to show that you can act on your own initiative when necessary.

Be Enthusiastic and Efficient

It can be difficult being enthusiastic about performing the easy, repetitive tasks that interns often get stuck with. However, by showing your willingness to get the job done—whatever the job is—you’ll also show that you are trustworthy and can be depended on to handle more complicated tasks.

Show your Initiative

Take any opportunity you can to learn more about the company and the industry you’re working in. Offer your assistance to other workers, if you find you have some spare time—but check with your supervisor first, and make sure they have no extra work for you.

Keep in Contact

Networking is a very powerful tool for job hunting, and the contacts you make in your internships can often be useful in your future career. Take the time to thank your supervisor and employer for the opportunity of working with them, and if you’re returning to college after the internship is over, keep in touch with your supervisor—when you’re ready for full-time work, they may be able to help.

Also, please review our Tools to Find a Job section.  If you need more help, please consider using a Career Counselor.