Strategies to Secure a Permanent Role

The concept of internship has been around for centuries. Laborers would mentor new, young workers in medieval times, teaching them their trades. The workers would commit to an employment arrangement with the laborers in exchange for the training.

The most significant difference between then and now may be that work commitment. Modern-day internships don’t come with the promise of an eventual paying job. However, the bottom line remains the same: The ultimate goal is to turn the experience into long-term, paid employment.

How an Internship Works

Internships can involve working either full- or part-time, but the arrangement isn’t indefinite. Internships typically last just a few months. They provide work experience, training, and knowledge in the intern’s chosen field. They’re often student,s and their internships line up with their area of study.

They aren’t always paid positions, at least in cash. The experience gained is considered sufficient compensation in most cases. Federal law prohibits the labor of unpaid interns from being used by a company in any capacity that earns it money; several states impose similar rules.

The intern comes out of the arrangement with valuable experience and additional knowledge and skills they can later use to earn a living.

A Paying Job With the Same Company

“It’s up to the company how it determines whether interns get hired as full-time employees,” according to Doug Crawford, founder of Best Trade Schools in North Canton, OH. “I’d say the chance of landing a job depends on performance and how well the individual interacts with the team, if everything’s organized correctly, and is meant to prepare for full employment.”

The first step is to establish early on that you’d be a worthwhile employee. The University of Southern California urges turning that cell phone off while you’re on duty and being vocal about asking questions rather than risking making mistakes in job performance. Commit to doing more than you’re asked to do.

Now, find out exactly how internships can be transitioned into paying jobs within the company. Ask your boss or the human resources department what the procedure is and do it well before your internship ends, so you have time to make sure you get it right. Schedule a meeting with them. Make it official.

It’s possible that the company isn’t currently hiring, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the door is forever closed. “Ask if you can stay on in a part-time or freelance role,” suggests Alari Aho, human resources and talent acquisition expert and CEO at Toggl Hire. “You already know the team and tools, so you’re a low-risk hire for ongoing projects. And stay in touch with the company. They might have future openings or be willing to refer you elsewhere.”

A Job With a Different Company

The whole idea behind performing an internship is to gain valuable work skills and experience. You can be an asset to any firm. You don’t have to give up on your dream career simply because your internship employer isn’t actively hiring. “Use the internship as a launchpad if a full-time offer isn’t on the table,” Aho says.

Networking is key. You’ll most likely meet dozens of employees and professionals in your field of interest during your internship. Make it a point to get to know them professionally and socially. You may want to reach out to them later when you’re looking for work. Ask them for contacts and references in the field. Be sure to stay in touch with them when your internship ends.

Consider Your Resume

“Update your resume and LinkedIn with what you worked on,” Aho advises. “Focus on real accomplishments, not just tasks.” Do it while you’re still working for the company so your daily responsibilities and activities are forefront in your mind. You’ll be less likely to overlook something important.

Attend workshops in person or online if you don’t have a lot of resume-writing experience. The College of Business at Colorado State University suggests meeting with your supervisor during this time to gain insight into what they think you did well and your most significant contributions to the company.

“Ask your manager for a written reference or a LinkedIn recommendation while your work is still fresh in their mind,” Crawford says. “Save any projects you worked on and get permission to use them in your portfolio or resume. Don’t just say you interned when you apply elsewhere. Explain what you actually did. Hiring managers want to see the value you brought, not just that you showed up. Spell it out if you improved a system, cut down time on a task, or supported a team under pressure. That’s what gets attention.”

The Bottom Line

It may take some time to land a full-time, paying position with the company you interned with or another, but you have gained experience and knowledge. You can use that in an eventual paying position, and you may have other options until a position becomes available.