Internships are an integral part of a well-round higher level education. In fact, many college graduates will indicate that much of their first job experience was gained through an internship, and not in the classroom. Along with picking up new skills, learning to communicate with fellow workers, and developing relevant skills that will serve you as you enter the labor force, internships are an opportunity to showcase just what you can bring to a company as hiring season hits. So, it’s important to make a good impression.
One of the biggest mistakes interns can make when taking part in an internship is not committing to giving their best each and every day on the job. Laziness and slacking at your internship can hurt your career prospects in ways you can’t foresee. Here are 3 reasons why you must take your internship seriously:
Fading Out
Internships will be one of the few professional references you have to rely on as you make the transition from college student to full-time working adult. A common mistake you can make is “fading out” as the summer ends and your internship draws to a close. Don’t start slacking or taking days off as the final days of your internship come about. Chances are, if you’ve been an intern at a company for the entire summer, you’ve been handed important tasks that need to be accomplished and the entire company is relying on you to complete those tasks. If you begin to slack off, this hurts your reputation. Remember, when your professional references are called, you want them to say words like ambitious, hard-working, and punctual when they speak about you.
Hireability
Just because you can get an internship opportunity at a company, doesn’t always mean that you should take the first one that comes your way. Remember, internal corporate recruiters and recruiters at agencies will use your internships to measure how hireable you are. You need to take on projects and internships that can add substance to your resume, otherwise, you’re just wasting time.
Competition
Every May, some 2 million graduates leave U.S. colleges with bachelor degrees looking for jobs. That’s heavy, heavy competition in an already competitive job market. Not only are you competing with seasoned, well-qualified and experienced job seekers, but you’re also trying to outshine a couple million other recent graduates who want that job you’re looking at too. That said, your internship is your proverbial foot-in-the-door to become a full-time hire after graduation. Make sure you take your work tasks seriously and make a good impression.