How to turn internships and work experience into a permanent job

Making a good impression during an internship or industry placement can be enough to kickstart a career.

FOR jobseekers pursuing graduate roles, a university degree alone is no longer enough.

Education and career experts agree that internships and industry placements are key.

Career Success Australia program director Naren Chellappah says employers are looking for graduates who have practical, hands-on experience.

“If 100 graduates apply for a job, and 10 have internship experience, they will have an advantage – plus references from their host company,” he says.

Swinburne University of Technology employability director Professor Ruth Bridgstock says graduates who gain real industry experience while studying are not only more likely to be employed but more likely to be working in a role related to their qualification.

That’s why the university is now guaranteeing industry experience for all undergraduate students from 2021.

“Employers know that graduate work readiness isn’t just about qualifications,” Bridgstock says.

“It’s about work-relevant learning that will help graduates transition seamlessly into career roles and add value in those roles.”

Interns can make the most of their experience by asking questions and taking notes. Picture: iStock

So how can interns make sure they are getting the most out of their work experience?

BRUSH UP ON SKILLS

Before starting an industry placement, Chellappah recommends interns make sure they have the core skills required for the job.

For example, they should learn AutoCAD, or Bluebeam for civil engineering; JavaScript or UX/UI for software development; or Xero or MYOB for accounting.

“Study the company website, learn more about their projects, or ask the host company what to ‘brush up’ on before you start,” he says.

“If you aren’t ready, then you will spend most of your internship watching YouTube to learn the skills, instead of applying them.”

MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION

Once on placement, Chellappah recommends interns ask lots of questions, take notes and get involved in as many projects as possible.

“Don’t wait to be told what to do,” he says.

“Ask your teammates if they need help.

“Identify areas in the business that need more help, then volunteer your time.”

He also advises dressing and acting professionally, always being on time, and never saying “no” to an activity or task.

TICK ALL THE BOXES

Companies are looking for interns who are hardworking, determined and committed so it’s important they show that side, Chellappah says.

“They want a self-starter and someone who will not wait for instructions, but someone eager who will take initiative,” he says.

“They don’t want to have to repeat themselves 10 times either, so someone who is paying attention, taking notes and one step ahead is what they are looking for.”

Introduce yourself to as many people as possible. Picture: iStock

MAKE CONNECTIONS

Chellappah says interns should introduce themselves and make a connection with the head of their department or manager of their area.

They should also reach out to the human resources manager and other key decision makers in the organisation.

“Go out of your way to talk to as many people as you can – for example, in the tea room,” he says.

PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE

Before asking for a job, Chellappah recommends interns get feedback on their performance.

“When you approach the halfway point, ask for a meeting to check off your goals and key tasks,” he says.

“(Organise another meeting) before the end of your placement to ask about your performance and to see if there are any opportunities coming up that you can apply for.

“You can also ask for a reference at the end of your internship.”

ADD IT TO THE RESUME

Chellappah suggests interns keep a log book of what they have completed and accomplished during their internship.

He says they should update their resume each week with key responsibilities and achievements.

“We suggest using ‘action verbs’ to start each bullet point,” he says.

“Examples include: delivering, creating, designing, co-ordinating, leading and preparing.”

Boeing intern Brooke Jones hopes to make her role permanent. Picture: Supplied

BROOKE’S EXPERIENCE WITH BOEING

University student Brooke Jones landed an ongoing role with Boeing Defence Australia after completing the company’s 12-week paid Summer Internship Program.

She is now a human systems engineer intern, working casually while completing her studies in electrical and biomedical engineering.

Jones says she got the most out of her industry placement by never saying “no” to a task.

“(For example,) I was given the opportunity to lead my team’s daily meeting when my manager was away,” the 21-year-old says.

“To me, this task was terrifying, but I took on the challenge and did not regret it.”

Jones, who hopes to land a graduate role with Boeing once she finishes her studies, says she made a positive impression on colleagues by being authentic and performing her role to the best of her abilities.

“As an intern you are not expected to work miracles, but playing your role in the team effectively helps everyone,” she says.

“The second and most important thing was being myself.

“I made sure to not try and be someone I am not or pretend to know something if I did not. “Asking questions and being authentic makes sure that you are not only a good fit for the company, but the company is a good fit for you.”

For its 2020-2021 Summer Internship Program, Boeing took on a record 112 interns – 42 new and 70 returning – that were selected from more than 2500 applicants.

The interns gained hands-on work experience across engineering, finance and supply chain management.

Applications for the 2021-22 program will open in July.

Originally published as How to turn internships and work experience into a permanent job