Be Available and Open
I can’t tell you how many times I have encountered interns that are already stating what they will and won’t do at a job. One of the quickest ways to ensure a job is not offered to you full-time is to come with limitations right out of the gate. Part of an internship is exploring all of the different facets at a company. Just because your degree is in Journalism, does not mean you might not love the videography department more than you could have ever imagined.
You need to arrive at your internship appearing available and open. But to get there in the first place, you need to give off that attitude in the interviewing process. Here are a few ways to demonstrate your willingness to adapt and be versatile as you move your way through securing the dream internship:
1. State Your Openness in All Interviews:
There will be a variety of questions in which you can announce your openness to try new things. The classic “what do you hope to get out of this internship question?” sets you up perfectly. Be sure to state that you are excited to experience every element of the company structure, exploring the different departments that work in tandem to the benefit of the business every day. Highlight that you are not afraid of change, and that you are completely open to new positions, skills, talents, and so forth.
Remember: companies are living, breathing entities. They are constantly changing and adapting to market pressures. Therefore, their employees need to be willing to do the same. Any company is going to prefer an intern that is willing to change with them over-time, as opposed to one already set in their ways. Not to mention, it’s better for you, too, to get this kind of exposure! Then you will learn about what truly makes you happy in a professional setting.
2. Clear Out Your Schedule:
If you show up to an interview and tell them that you want a summer internship, but that you will be gone the entire month of July, they are going to pick the intern that is available in July. Chat with your family and convince them to go on vacation around the holidays instead this year. Internships are more important. Try and clear your schedule so that you can tell your future employer you are totally available and ready to work.
Employers are not impressed when interns are already trying to take off work. They want people who are happy to show up each day and get the job done. Plus, if you are already trying to shorten your internship, then is it really the right one for you?
3. State Your Willingness to Go the Extra Mile:
Are you willing to work overtime? The occasional weekend? Earlier on some days? Make sure to tell the interviewer that as a young person, you are energetic and ready to take on everything that comes with the internship position. Obviously, no one wants to agree to working consistent weekends. But in reality, you won’t have to – it just looks good, anyway, to state this where you can.
Highlight these 3 things in your resume and cover letter as well, in addition to when you contact employees at the institution directly. It will make you look eager, excited, and energetic about the opportunity. Everyone loves a grateful and willing person, especially when it comes to the hiring of an intern.
As I said above, if you are already dreading the internship before you even get there, you might need to reevaluate the internships that you are applying to – sit back and think to yourself “what would I LOVE to do that would not feel like work to me?” Right now is the time to experiment and explore what makes you happy!
Internships are not supposed to be miserable.
