If you want some real experience to put on your resume or get a head start on your career path, an internship could be the thing for you.
Most employers look for someone with practical experience to back up their qualifications and an internship certainly gives you that. Moreover, it could also be a foot in the door to a permanent (and fully paid!) position in the same company.
Of course, not everyone who works as an intern lands a job at that organization — and maybe you wouldn’t want one. It’s still invaluable experience that could count towards your next job application. It’s simply a matter of knowing where to put your internship on your resume.
Here’s a quick guide of how to get the most out of your internship and how to make it count towards your future career.
Gain Skills for the Workplace
First and foremost, an internship is an opportunity to gain some real, practical experience in the workplace and learn how to do a job. During this time, you’re sure to pick up new skills that will be useful in the future.
How much you get out of your internship depends on how much you put in. If you go in with key objectives clear in your head, you’ll be able to focus on developing the skills you want for your career going forward.
Think about the type of graduate job you want to get, and try to gain experience in relevant skills in those areas during your internship.
This may be easiest in internship programs like the Woods Hole Summer Internship, which offer positions in various different fields.
Learn from Your Colleagues
Your co-workers can be an invaluable help while interning — and not just for helping you to do your current role.
Colleagues usually have useful tips and can help you to learn new skills. They may well already be helping you to develop your potential in ways that will help your career in the future.
Taking advice from those with experience is always a way to improve, so be sure to listen and never be afraid to ask.
Getting to know your colleagues can also help you. Find out their stories and how they got to where they are. They may be able to recommend courses, certifications, and other ways to aid your professional development. They may also be able to offer advice on how to get a graduate job, either at that company, or in general.
Colleagues can also give you important details about the company from the inside. If you make friends, they’ll be able to tell you what the working environment, management salary, and benefits are like. This can be crucial in deciding whether you really want to get a job at the same organization.
Get Involved in the Company
If you’re hoping to turn your internship into a job at the same company, you’re already at an advantage over other applicants.
Senior staff will already know you by the time your internship comes to an end and will be well aware of your level of skills and expertise. The trick is to show them just how good you are. Your time as an intern is an opportunity to demonstrate that you are a good fit for the company and the role.
The best way to do this is to go the extra mile while you’re there. Ways to do this include the following:
- Attend as many staff meetings and professional gatherings as you can
- Use your initiative and make suggestions
- Engage with clients (if appropriate)
- Make friends with other members of staff
- Take an interest and engage in the company and the job
The key thing is to make a good impression and to be remembered. At the end of the day, you want the people around you to think: “we need this person around permanently”. Make yourself the person they think of first when a position becomes available.
Ask for Help With Looking for a Job
It’s no secret that interns are looking for a job — everyone knows that the internship is just a stepping stone.
Feel free to ask for help with your resume or in job searches. Colleagues may be able to recommend open positions in the same or other companies.
Plus, just because there are no openings when you finish your internship doesn’t mean there won’t be in the future. Your time as an intern is a valuable opportunity for networking.
Make friends and leave a lasting impression. Keep in touch with co-workers, supervisors, and mentors. At some point in the future, these connections could pay off.
The Internship and Career Center can offer further help with internships and applying for jobs.
