Landing an internship is a brilliant achievement. Whether it is for a month or six, paid or unpaid, with a huge company or an SME you'll undoubtedly learn loads on the job and finish with lots of shiny transferable skills to use in your future career. Ah, your future career. Wouldn't it be nice if you could start your full-time job with the company you've been interning for? Where you already know your colleagues and the ropes? Well, here are the five golden rules of interning to turn your placement into a job.<br/>
1. Make Good First Impressions:
Making a good first impression will stand you in good stead for the rest of your internship. When you first meet someone you have approximately 7 seconds before they make up their mind about you- so make them count! Make sure you arrive promptly on your first day, dressed appropriately. Greet each person you meet with a smile, firm handshake and introduce yourself; maybe add 'do let me know if there's anything I can do for you' if you really want to stand out. Make sure this brilliant image of you lasts the length of your internship (and further!) by maintaining an approachable and hardworking demeanour. Building rapport with your colleagues and boss is obviously beneficial; you'll fit in with the gang and seem like a real team player. Make sure you strike the right balance between friendly and professional; remember you are at work and need to be respected as a professional, not just be everyone's best friend.<br/>
2. Ask Questions:
If you don't ask, you don't get. So, if you don't understand something, ask for clarification. They'd much rather you did it right the first time than right the third time! If you want more information on something, ask; 'Why do you do it like that?'; 'Why is that beneficial?'; 'How do you normally tackle this situation?' You are there to learn and asking questions will make you seem keen, show you are genuinely interested and have a passion for the business and company. Make notes when they answer to emphasise your genuine want to learn and make an effort to absorb the information ready for next time (you don't want to constantly keep asking the same questions!) Your queries don't have to be task-at-hand oriented. Feel free to ask how you can progress and improve and don't forget polite, conversational questions; 'How was your weekend?' 'Anyone want a cup of tea?'<br/>
3. Go Above and Beyond:
Unfortunately, as an intern you may get lumbered with some undesirable tasks. Coffee runs, making teas, stuffing envelopes... but, make sure that no matter how small the task may seem you approach it with enthusiasm and willingness. It might be boring and repetitive but if you accept these jobs graciously they are more likely to give you more important tasks sooner. If you find that you seem to be constantly under-utilised, try politely asking if there is anything else they would like done as you're really interested in x, y or z. Even if it is just observing a meeting or project you can make notes and learn. Additionally, be keen to go the extra mile for them. Stay behind and help them with the finishing touches or offer to come in early to help set something up. Showing you are dedicated and determined will put a big tick next to your name.<br/>
4. Get Feedback:
Every so often ask your supervisor for some feedback on your performance. It doesn't have to be a huge long report, but a few hints, tips or observations that they have made about you over the last week or so. Hearing some praise or constructive criticism will be extremely beneficial to you. If you don't ask for feedback as you go along they may not give you any or wait until the end when your placement is over. It is much better to learn as you go than to find out too late what you should have done. Better still, implement their comments into your performance to show you listen to and appreciate their opinion and are adaptable to the workspace. Asking for company specific progress will impress them and involve them in developing your professional goals.
5. Offer Ideas and Initiative:
Continually contributing whenever is appropriate will demonstrate your creativity and natural flair for the job (something they will look for in their employees!) Listening and absorbing information is great but they will expect you to contribute too. Showing initiative will take you a long way- they may not implement your ideas, especially at first, but showing you have something to say is good. Suggest things the company could improve on, perhaps that they haven't thought of, an additional detail or even just ask for extra work (if you have time to do it). Make sure you are always doing something and are not caught filing your nails or checking Facebook - unless you are a social media intern!
