What Steps Should Job Seekers Take to Convert Internships into Full-Time Jobs

Bravo! You submitted hundreds of applications, interviewed for numerous positions, and finally secured an internship that you genuinely enjoy.

From the growth of learning opportunities to honing new skills to upgrade your resume, securing an internship is an exciting start towards your future career. As you focused on building connections and expanding your network, you ultimately evolved into a meaningful professional, loved working with your co-workers, and resonated with the company’s vision. Maybe you even earned a letter of recommendation from your supervisor for your future endeavours.

An internship is always an exciting opportunity to jumpstart your career, but after all the learning and development that has enriched your journey, this phase will reach its end.

However, what if you do not want it to end? What if you want to turn your internship into a full-time role?

Well, we have developed some tips that can help you excel in your role and increase your chances of being promoted to a permanent position.

Be the go-to guru.

Let’s be honest; no company wants you to join as an intern and turn everything around the next day. But you can play a significant role by being present in important discussions. Try getting involved, exploring needs, and presenting solutions even before the problem arises. Aim to be the person that everyone turns to when they want something done right. Your goal? Be the go-to guru for your team. When you are known for your expertise, a full-time offer becomes the natural next step.

Network like a pro.

You already know that nobody is going to notice you if you are sitting at your desk and scrolling through social media all day. Your internship is a crucial time to build genuine connections with the people in your company. Get up, network with people across departments, and ask them questions about their projects. Maybe assist them with what’s on their plate. The more connections you build, the more people are going to vouch for you when a full-time position opens up.

Stay curious and ask questions.

Asking questions goes a long way. Nothing says you love your work more than staying curious and wanting to get your hands on everything. You may be scared to come off as lacking understanding, but do not hold back. If you really do not know what to ask, preparing a question or two wouldn’t hurt. You can ask about the company culture, other departments, and the company’s goals for the next quarter. Any company would love to offer a full-time job to someone who is interested in them and who could be a potential asset for their business.

You may be giving your best, but sometimes imposter syndrome can feel very real. Do not let this stop you. Log your small wins and push through any self-doubt that may arise. Just like you jot down particulars of a day in your journal, why not keep track of your achievements at work? Most internships last a semester, and if you have documented your work in an organised sheet, it is helpful for you to make a good case for a full-time offer. Besides, it will also strengthen your portfolio even if you do not end up landing a full-time job.

Conclusion

The bottom line: give your best. Do not hold back from asking questions, offering assistance, and showing off your small achievements. The road to a full-time job should not be a lonely one, and that’s where all the networking you would do during the internship will come in handy. Put the above steps into action and kick-start your career journey now! Want to level up your career and jumpstart your journey? Talent Higher can help right away. Write to us about your needs and access our Job Seeker insights for more information.