We asked Alumni: How can students navigate the transition from internships to full-time jobs?
Here is what they shared:
- Understand and Exceed Role Expectations
- Always Ask About Opportunities
- Leverage LinkedIn Connections
- Build Your Brand Early On
Understand and Exceed Role Expectations
Transitioning from an internship to a full-time position can be quite a journey. Adapting to changing work hours and handling increased responsibilities can be daunting. Seeking guidance from colleagues and peers, especially when switching to a new company, is essential for a smooth role transition. My advice to current students is to thoroughly understand your new roles, aiming to exceed expectations for long-term success. Balance professional readiness with personal life organization, maintain a work-life equilibrium, and prioritize effective communication to facilitate the transition. Set yourself up for success from the beginning.
Zoe Jirgens, BS CIS ‘20, Marketing Associate, mberry
Always Ask About Opportunities
As someone who began my career as an intern at the company I have been with ever since, my biggest tip is: ask. So many times, interns fall victim to believing that the opportunity to work at a certain place will end with the end of the originally decided internship timeline. But the truth is, many companies love to extend those internships or hire interns full-time; there are so many benefits on both sides to doing so. And you won’t know what those opportunities are if you don’t ask!
Taylor Nelson, BA/MMC Journalism and Mass Communications ‘16, Account Supervisor, Brodeur Partners
Leverage LinkedIn Connections
The ‘apply-and-pray’ approach occasionally works, but your odds of success are greatly improved if you can find a connection to the company and obtain an endorsement. LinkedIn is a great tool for discovering these connections. It’s important to demonstrate respect and gratitude to people who offer to help, and to follow up regarding the outcome.
MaryAnn Miller, MBA ‘01, Former Chief Administrative Officer and Chief HR Officer, Avnet Inc.
Build Your Brand Early On
Creating your brand begins as a first-year student. Your journey within the W. P. Carey School of Business certainly includes your studies, but that is only half the battle. Your involvement within student clubs and organizations will prepare you for internships, and in turn, prepare you for your first job out of college.
It is extremely important to gain experience while working with diverse teams, learning new skills, and enhancing your leadership style. What better way to do it than within an organization on campus while doing something you love? Whether you choose a professional or social organization, find one that you are passionate about, become an “active” member, and eventually become a leader. It will help you become a more well-rounded candidate with diverse experience, and set you up for success with your post-graduation career.
Doug Owczarczak, BS Economics ‘09, Account Executive, Zoom
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