by: Alyssa Olvera

Landing an internship can be a huge step towards landing your dream job. But it's not just about showing up and doing the work – you need to make sure that you're putting your best foot forward.

According to NACE’s 2022 Internship & CO-OP Survey, you are more likely to be offered a job after interning when compared to years prior, which is great news since employers expect to hire 22.6% more interns this academic year. And because over 70% of interns are offered a job, internships are still one of the best ways to lock down a job after graduation.

But how do you make sure your internship gets in that 70%? In this blog post, we will discuss 10 tips that will help you turn that internship into a job offer.

1. Make a good impression from the start

Be on time for your interviews, dress the part, and be polite and professional with everyone you meet. First impressions matter, so make sure you're putting your best foot forward from the very beginning.

Take the time to learn about the company, the industry, and your specific role and absorb as much information as you can while you’re there. The more you know, the better equipped you will be to do your job well and impress the employer!

"Become invaluable," says Sarah Zurell, chief brand officer, executive vice president and one of the founders of Pavemint. "As an intern, you have the chance to become the person your boss can’t live without.”

2. Go above and beyond

Your internship is an opportunity to show what you're capable of and that you value the company, so make sure you're always going the extra mile. Volunteer for new projects, offer to help out with tasks outside of your job description, and be a team player. Take on extra assignments and offer new ideas!

Don’t just take it from us. Jaime Sarachit, Head of Communications for Comparably says the way to prove yourself invaluable and turn that internship into a job or an excellent recommendation is to, ”Come in early and stay late. Go the extra mile to get the job done. Speak up when asked for your opinion. Ask for extra assignments that will give you more experience. If you hear about a project where you could make an impact, raise your hand to help."

3. Ask questions

Asking questions shows that you're interested in learning and growing, which is something any employer wants in an employee. So don't be afraid to ask questions – it will only make you look better in the long run.

4. Be proactive

Don't wait around for someone to give you work to do – be proactive and take initiative. Find ways to improve your team's workflow, come up with new ideas, and offer to help out with tasks that need to be done.

5.Take feedback well

No one is perfect, and you will make mistakes – but it's how you handle those mistakes that will really matter. When you receive feedback, take it gracefully and use it as an opportunity to learn and improve.

Zurell of Pavemint reminds interns that the way they take criticism matters. “Exercise grace in all things that you do, especially when it’s hard,” says Zurell

6. Be a good communicator

Communication is key in any workplace, so make sure you're always communicating effectively. This means being clear and concise in your writing, speaking up when you have something to say, and listening carefully when others are speaking.

7. Be flexible

Things change all the time in the workplace, so you need to be able to roll with the punches. Be flexible and adaptable, and willing to change your plans on a moment's notice.

8. Be organized

An organized intern is a valuable intern. Stay on top of your tasks, meet deadlines, and keep your work area clean and tidy, whether it is your desk or desktop.  This will show your employer that you're capable of handling multiple tasks and responsibilities.

9. Show your personality

Your internship is an opportunity to show your employer who you are as a person, so don't be afraid to let your personality shine through. But make sure you're still professional – there's a fine line between being friendly and being too familiar.

10. Stay positive

Things will inevitably go wrong – that's just part of life. But it's how you react to those things that really matter. If you can stay positive and keep a good attitude, you'll be much more likely to impress your employer.

Follow these tips and you'll be well on your way to impressing your employer and landing a job offer at the end of your internship. But don't forget – the most important thing is to just be yourself. If you show your employer that you're a hard worker, a team player, and a good person, you'll be sure to stand out from the rest.

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