Erin Berthon, MA Career Manager, Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, at Chapman University

While internships provide valuable learning experiences, they can also serve as a crucial stepping stone to secure your dream job. If you are currently in an internship you love, read more to find out how you can turn that internship into a full-time position.

Exceed Expectations

If you’re looking to turn your internship into a full-time role, it’s essential to go beyond the basics and consistently exceed expectations. Start by always meeting deadlines, being punctual, and double-checking your work for accuracy. But don’t stop there—taking initiative is key. If you find yourself without a task, ask your supervisor what you can do next or offer to help with office work that others might avoid. Alum Sharaf Mowjood (‘05 Peace Studies) shared that in his internship at CBS, he would walk around and pick up empty cups that were left over at staff meetings, stay late, and help with clerical duties to help others. People noticed, and this helped him get recognized for hiring.  When you receive feedback, listen carefully and apply it to show you’re adaptable and eager to improve. Familiarize yourself with company policies and procedures, taking time to understand them thoroughly so you can avoid unnecessary mistakes. By being proactive, attentive, and respectful of workplace rules, you’ll make a lasting impression on your supervisor, increasing the likelihood of standing out when it is time to secure a full-time offer.

Cultivate Meaningful Relationships

Building strong relationships with others at your place of internship—whether it’s your supervisor, coworker, or fellow intern—is essential to making the most of your internship. Establishing rapport proves that you are approachable, friendly, and a positive team player, which encourages others to provide positive feedback about your performance. To foster these relationships, be polite, respectful, and adaptable while also offering help when you can. Don’t limit your networking to just your immediate team; take every opportunity to meet members from other departments to grow your professional network.  Gain a better view of other roles in the company, and possibly shadow another position that interests you. By building these relationships across the business, you’ll not only increase your chances of getting positive feedback, but you may also discover new opportunities outside your current role.

Show Off Your Skills

One of the most effective ways to secure a full-time role after an internship is by showcasing your unique skill set. Don’t hesitate to share your technical skills with your supervisor, and be ready to step up when opportunities arise to demonstrate them. If you see a colleague struggling or know your expertise can benefit the team, speak up and offer your help. This proactive approach will show your supervisor that you’re capable and a valuable asset to the team. Internships may not always present obvious chances to highlight your best qualities, but often the key is seeking out those moments. If you’re skilled at building relationships, use that strength to engage with colleagues and demonstrate your communication abilities. If you are skilled at social media or Excel, that could be helpful to someone else on the team.

Let Your Intentions Shine

It’s crucial to express your interest in a full-time position if you want to transition from intern to employee. Let your supervisor, colleagues, or even the HR team know that you’ve enjoyed your experience and would love to continue working with the company after your internship, even if it’s a few months down the line. Early on, consider asking the hiring manager or HR about the potential for full-time employment to gain a clearer understanding of your options. As the internship progresses, remind your supervisor of your desire to work for the company and explain why. This way, when opportunities arise, they’ll already have you in mind as a committed and capable candidate. By combining strong performance with clear communication, you can position yourself for full-time consideration when the time comes.

By treating your internship seriously, building strong relationships, showcasing your skills, seeking feedback, expressing your interest, staying informed about job openings, being adaptable, and following up with gratitude, you can increase the likelihood of turning your internship into a long-term career opportunity.