Intern to teammate: Making the big leap

Tech internships are heating up this summer, and it’s not just the weather. In these 12 weeks, interns can turn hot prospects into cool jobs. Reflecting on my internship stint from the summer of 2020, sharing a few tips to help students swing from intern to full-timer before the graduation caps fly.

?Establish success criteria and aim higher

In my first week as an intern, I aligned with my manager on S.M.A.R.T goals for my project, which really spelled out what I was aiming for. After I hit those targets in the first month, I was all about upping the ante with more challenging tasks to demonstrate initiative and build credibility. Remember, going above and beyond can really make you stand out as an intern.

?Share your career ambitions with candor

From day one, I openly communicated my long-term career aspirations with my manager, which fostered a supportive partnership. This transparency enabled them to tailor assignments that were not only relevant but also instrumental in advancing my career goals. Remember, speaking up is key because if you don’t share, others won’t be aware.

?Network with peers and leaders

I made it a priority to schedule regular one-on-ones with my team, soaking up their advice and learning from their experiences. These chats were a great way to get their perspectives on work passions and what makes them stay on the team/company. Plus, I grabbed every chance to connect with the PMs and leaders I admired. These conversations gave me deeper grasp of the company’s direction, culture, and opportunities, all of which helped me figure out if it’s the right place for me.

?Contribute to the culture

I didn’t just stick to my assigned projects but also engaged in cultural and learning events. I shared my unique perspectives and volunteered to help with team morale events. Getting to know my colleagues beyond work helped me build real connections that lasted way beyond my internship. Culture eats strategy for breakfast and if you make a mark on the company culture, you’ll leave a lasting impression that won’t be forgotten.

?Build skills by leveraging company resources

As an intern, I capitalized on the company’s exclusive learning resources to bridge skill gaps and enhance my capabilities. I independently sought out and utilized these materials to upskill, embracing the continuous learning process that internships ideally support.

?Keep it real and cultivate meaningful connections

Maintaining connections with the people you meet during your internship can be more valuable than the internship itself. I’ve made a conscious effort to keep in touch with my colleagues post-internship, a practice I uphold to this day. The relationships built are paramount, regardless of a full-time offer.

Thanks for reading till the end. If you could relate with my story or have experienced something similar, I’d love to hear from you in comments.

Product Nuggets is my humble attempt to share my candid stories about navigating a career in product, data, and tech. If you find these nuggets useful, please share them with one more person who can benefit from our conversations. I welcome your feedback on how I can make this most valuable to you.