Now that you’ve successfully secured that summer internship you were hoping for, you may be wondering how to get a full-time offer for the fall. Here are a few tips to increase your chances of becoming a permanent part of the team. Regardless of whether you’re in a finance internship or a scientific research internship, these are surefire ways to improve your likelihood of staying on for the fall. 

  • Research the company. Before starting your internship, read up on the company and do your research. Even throughout the internship, keep up-to-date on the inner workings of the company. Having this knowledge will not only allow you to set better goals and serve the company to suit their needs, but it will also allow you to show your boss that you’ve done your homework and are passionate about the work you are doing. 
  • Be professional. This means showing up to work on time, dressing appropriately, and staying late if you have to. Don’t be on your phone while you are on the clock. Treat your colleagues with respect and use appropriate language. Be professional both in the way you present yourself and the way you carry yourself. First impressions are everything, so make sure to know what image you want to present of yourself and keep with it throughout the internship. 
  • Set weekly goals and keep track of weekly achievements. Each week, write down 2-3 tangible goals for the week, whether that be related to your assigned tasks or your own personal development. Revisit these goals at the end of the week, and write down any additional tasks you got done. This way, you can keep track of exactly what you’ve accomplished and deliver on your tasks. 
  • Be Proactive. Don’t wait for responsibilities to be assigned to you. Show what you are capable of from the very beginning. Learn to predict what you need to do before you are told. 
  • Ask for more responsibility. If you feel like you are completing your assigned tasks quicker than expected, do not be afraid to ask for more responsibility. It is reflective of your diligence and work ethic, and will go a long way in showing you are a worthy candidate to keep on the team permanently.
  • Network. Get to know your colleagues and team members. Set up lunch dates with coworkers and go out to social hours outside of work. Show that you are a team player. Do whatever you can to build that network and forge those connections within the workplace.
  • Ask Questions and Be Present. Asking questions is the perfect way to show your employer that you are engaged and eager to learn. Be active during weekly meetings and take constant notes. This is another way to show that you are a hard worker and willing to learn and keep up with the team. 
  • Ask for Feedback. Regularly ask for feedback on your work. Use the feedback to constantly improve throughout the relationship. This shows your humility and the fact that you want to produce the best work possible. Try to set up meetings with your employer 1-2 times during the internship, depending on the length, to ask for feedback and see what you’re doing right and what you can improve on. This will for sure push you in the direction of a full-time offer.
  • Be Creative. Try to pursue original projects outside of your assigned tasks, projects that will ultimately benefit the company. But, do make sure you are not prioritizing these additional projects over your primary tasks. This is a way to show your employer your outside-of-the-box thinking and desire to add value to the team.
  • Keep in touch. Even if you are not offered a full time position right as the internship ends, do not despair. Keep in touch with your employer and your coworkers. Connect with them on LinkedIn and maintain these professional relationships for future opportunities. It is always beneficial for you to have connections in all fields. 

If you keep these tips in mind during your next internship, know that you’ll be taking a step towards gaining a full-time position. 

Good luck.