The Interns that get IN!

There is an abundance of guidelines developed and available for organizations on how to navigate their relationship with interns. This includes how to manage and nurture them to ensure that they acquire the most enriching experience, ultimately leading them on a path towards success.?

However, after having hired over hundreds of interns in the span of my career, I have come to appreciate and gravitate towards candidates with a certain set of qualities.?

According to me (and I am sure most organizations and HR Leaders alike), the following attributes are what determine success within an internship and beyond, and are specifically what I look for in my interns:

Diligent work ethic – treat your internship like a real job – take it seriously if you want to be taken seriously, no matter what the compensation may be. Be punctual, be thorough in your tasks, be organized, productive, and respectful toward the organization, employees and management.?

High motivation and drive –??it is imperative that you give 100% to all that you do (not one foot in and the other foot out). Often employees go on to take their interns as full-time employees, so it is important to show them your dedication and enthusiasm on the job.

The ability to take feedback constructively – as in intern, you will be new to a variety of tasks and settings, and managers will constantly provide feedback because they are eager to watch you grow. By taking feedback constructively, you can apply it towards personal improvement and development within the organization and beyond.?

The willingness to emerge from your comfort zone -?You may not be comfortable?with or inclined toward all the tasks assigned to you, but as long as it is not compromising your learning, go for it! Remember, there is so much more that employers attend to beyond your ‘capabilities’.

Maintaining a positive attitude – if you are able to retain a positive outlook no matter what you are assigned to do and who you collaborate with, then mastering all the above qualities will be a natural process

And finally, not all internships will be the best fit for you in terms of a prospective job opportunity, and that is ok. Remember: any work experience is a learning curve; take it in your stride. Also, keep your options open, but avoid burning bridges. If you are planning to exit, ensure that you complete your pending tasks whilst giving enough time to your employer, so that you can remain on good terms. You never know what opportunities could arise in the organization, or the direction that your occupational path may take in the future may align with the organization; at the least, you may need a referral.