Internships are a good way to land a full-time job

Gaining an advantage over the competition is important in business. It is also important in obtaining a job. Whether you’re looking for your first job or seeking a new employer, working as an intern can help you land a spot with your company of choice.

By M.B. OWENS
GUEST COLUMNIST

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Internships vary widely by industry and employer. They are found in large and small private businesses, non-profit organizations and government agencies. They may be for the summer or anytime during the year. Some are paid and some are unpaid. Almost every industry has internships at some level. Often, they are an integral part of the work force.

Levels of responsibility vary depending on the needs of the employer. Variables and dynamics of the employer’s work force may affect the demands placed on its interns.

Employers are aware of the advantages of using interns. It reduces the need and expense of recruiting.

Many managers see internships as one way to develop employees for the future. At the very minimum, it is a way to have talented people work for them inexpensively.

Managers don’t like to take risks. By hiring people who are familiar, they reduce the chances of making a mistake.

Working with an employee over a period of weeks or months allows a manager to observe performance, work habits and attitude.

Internships can help you gain experience with an employer that may hire you full-time after you become a real asset. It is a way to continue training and education without having to pay. Even if an employer does not eventually hire you, valuable experience should be gained that can be applied elsewhere.

The great thing about working as an intern is that if you do a good job, when a position becomes available you have a tremendous advantage over those not working for the employer.

People hire people they know especially if they know they can do the job.

Getting an internship may be easy or hard depending on the employer, the industry, the state of the economy or your qualifications. Some employers have a rigorous selection program with specific requirements. Others have minimum requirements.

Spend as much time on your resume and cover letter as you would for a full-time job. You still have to get the attention of the hiring manager. Just like for full-time positions, most managers only spend a few seconds scanning a resume and accompanying cover letter. These must grab their attention right away.

Prepare for the interview in the same way as for a regular job. Be able to answer questions about your qualifications and accomplishments. Be able to explain what you can do in the position. Be prepared to ask appropriate questions about the position’s duties and what would be expected of you.

Determine whether you can and want to perform the job. You don’t want to end up in a situation where you are unhappy.

Treat the internship like you would if you were full-time. Be professional. Ask to be evaluated periodically. Look to improve your performance. Become an asset.

When seeking an internship, take the time to find something you want to do. Look for an employer you really want to work for.

There are different ways to find employers that want interns. Looking at employer Web sites is one way. Another is calling a company’s human resource department and asking. Publications such as Peterson’s Internships lists hundreds of employers that hire interns. Sometimes just calling a department manager and discussing what you can do can lead to an interview and a position.

Evaluate your situation to determine whether an internship is a good move for you.
M.B. Owens is president of a career consulting company.