In today’s day and age, the job market is booming and it is becoming easier to find a job right out of college. However, a challenge most recent graduates face is the need for a minimum number of years experience in order to even be considered. That’s where an Internship comes in. Helps you build some connections, gain some experience, do some networking, all great things but how do you convert this into a job? Since I started out as an intern, I figured I could help shed some light on the subject.

Stand Out

Every career industry is competitive, if you’re lucky enough to intern for a company that you love, obviously you’d want to stay around. Most internships do have more that one intern, so odds are you’re competing with all of the other interns for a permanent spot with the company. Nothing means more to a company than a strong work ethic and a positive attitude. If you are constantly pushing yourself to do more, learn more, and improve your skills, you can not only make the most out of your internship but show potential as a future employee.

Nothing Goes Unnoticed

Probably the most important piece of advice I could give you is to treat your internship like a real job. Trust me when I say this, your bosses are keeping tabs on you whether you realize it or not. If you’re putting in a 110%, staying late to finish a project, or contributing creative new ideas they’ll be more willing to bring you on full time. However, if you’re constantly showing up late, slacking off, or acting unamused with the company, you’re probably not going to be asked back. Whether you’re getting paid or not, you are gaining valuable real-world experience to use on your resume. You should always strive to make a strong impression and ensure that you have a killer recommendation if you decide to go to a different company.

Make a Connection

Before a company decides to hire someone full time, they want to ensure that you’ll be a good fit for the company. Get to know everyone, every team member is a valuable part of the network and a crucial part of the culture. Building strong connections with your coworkers and immersing yourself in the culture, will make it harder for them to picture it without you. If there are out-of-office events, team lunches (especially taco Tuesday), or company outings, participating will help you build relationships and get to know your coworkers on a more personal level.Even if your internship doesn’t result in a full-time position, going the extra mile and pushing yourself further will help you build your career and help develop a strong work ethic. So if you’re currently looking for an internship or in the middle of one now, try out some of my tips and start standing out.