Internships: Work hard, learn lots, but get paid? Not always.
Internships provide a valuable opportunity to gain experience, build your resume and network with professionals in the field. They’re a resource to build relationships with your colleagues and bosses and can possibly provide you with valuable references. Internships allow you to learn more about a company’s culture and lets you experience what it would be like working in your career.
If you are successful in your internship, you may even be able to transform it into a job offer! It’s important to be proactive and take initiative in order to make the most of your internship and increase the chances of landing a job offer.
Here are some tips on how you can perform well in your internship and snag that dream job:
Start by making a positive impression
Creating a good first impression is super important. Make sure you come to work on time, dress professionally, and be friendly and polite with your coworkers. Show that you are reliable and willing to learn. Though a first impression matters, you have more than a month to prove yourself, so keep building on your image.
Take initiative
Ask your supervisor or mentor how you can help with tasks outside your assigned duties. If you find yourself completing your tasks quickly, ask for more assignments. It will show that you are dedicated toward your work, you can take on more responsibility, and are eager to learn new skills.
Build relationships
Get to know your coworkers and supervisors and engage in small conversations. Ask them questions about the company, the industry, and their careers. Show genuine interest in the company and the job.
You never know how a small conversation can lead to big opportunities!
Ask for feedback
Ask your mentor for feedback on your work and how you can improve. This should be a genuine approach to learning more about your work and learning about your strengths and areas where you can improve. Show that you are open to criticism and willing to work on your weaknesses.
Get creative
Think of ideas that you could bring to the company and suggest initiatives that could help the organization. Try to do at least one big project or task in your internship period to display your true potential. This way you can add your work to your portfolio and show it off in your next job.
Express your interest
Lastly, before your internship is over, let your supervisor know that you are interested in continuing your journey at the company. Ask them questions about any future job opportunities that may be available in the organization. In case there are no immediate positions available, try to stay in touch with them for those future opportunities!
Unpaid Opportunities
Internships, while incredibly valuable, can sometimes come without a paycheck. But we firmly believe that your hard work deserves recognition and support. That’s why, we’re thrilled to introduce the GLOW Bursary.
In collaboration with Humber College, IGNITE has been awarded $350,000.00 in funding from Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL Canada). This funding is aimed at increasing access to work-integrated learning opportunities for underrepresented students and reducing financial burdens.
It’s all about making sure YOU get a fair shot at valuable learning experiences. Mark your calendars because applications open Oct.2!
These tips should help you make the most of your internship and possibly help you convert it into a full-time job. However, know that you can be an exceptional intern, but still not get the job, and there could be several reasons for that. Perhaps the company isn’t hiring at the moment or doesn’t have a position to fit your skillset – that’s okay!
Just make sure to give your internship your best and leave a lasting impression, you never know what opportunities may arise down the line.
Header photo courtesy of Tran Mau Tri Tam ✪ from Unsplash.
Want to learn more? Here is how to stand out in a competitive job market.
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