How to Turn an Internship into a Job

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Build Relationships

One of the big differentiators in this ultra-competitive job market is the friends you make at work. The internship is like a 10-week interview for your full-time job. "When being interviewed, you're building a relationship with that person," says Roycee Kerr, director of BBA Career Services at the Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business (SMU Cox Undergraduate Business Profile). "It's hard for people to not want to have you around if they really like you."

But traditional networking—exchanging of business cards and pleasantries at meetings and events—is not enough in this economy. To take things a step further, you should be introducing yourself to people in the company and its industry, asking them about their functions, and how they got into the role they have. Building relationships might start in the office but it should extend outside the office and online at professional networking sites, such as LinkedIn. Don't just limit yourself to senior execs. You should be getting to know the assistants, younger staff, and anyone who works in the office, says Perrella, who adds that starting with "Good morning. How are you?" is the simplest way to initiate conversation.

Being nice is a must, but so is showing optimism in the face of great obstacles. "When things are so difficult and the economy is so challenging, being the person who is positive will make a difference," says Kerr. Being happy on the job does more than make for a warm-and-fuzzy office. "You must convey interest and enthusiasm in the work you're doing," says Palkar. "No one wants to be a backup option."

Demonstrate Intellectual Curiosity

One of the characteristics that GE wants to see in recruits is a desire to continue learning, says Canale. A know-it-all who doesn't want to work to improve himself will not go far. Reading industry journals and relevant books—and then discussing them with your colleagues or explaining how you're applying what you discovered to your work—is one way to show intellectual curiosity. Another is striving to know more about the company and the various jobs that might be available to you.

In this economy especially, you must remain open-minded and show interest in trying out different roles, says Peters. Indeed, a demonstrated willingness to take a different path to your dream job or even to move to a different location could mean the difference between getting a full-time offer and ending your summer empty-handed.

Of course, you will make mistakes. But you should prove that you are dedicated to constantly learning by never making the same mistake twice and always striving to improve everything from your e-mails to your presentations to yourself.

Tell No Lies

At a time when business executives are getting a bad rep for their part in the financial crisis, employers are carefully considering the ethics of job candidates. "Integrity is a big thing at GE," says Canale. He says that proving yourself begins with simple habits, such as being honest when you're late and straightforward if you're going to miss a meeting. Accepting responsibility for mistakes you've made and considering the influence your work and performance will have on others and on the company as a whole are musts. Although it should go without saying, drinking too much—even outside the office—or conducting yourself in an immature or unprofessional manner are big no-nos that could cost you the full-time offer.

Never Give Up

The people who will get the full-time job offers at summer's end are those who are hanging tough for the long haul. They'll keep up with their contacts even if November arrives and they still don't have an offer. They'll lend a hand on projects even after their internship is over. They won't wait for offers to come to them, they'll go to the offers. They'll keep believing that their full-time offer is just around the corner. "Keep a positive attitude," says Kerr. "With persistence, you can make things happen for yourself."

Di Meglio is a reporter for BusinessWeek.com in Fort Lee, N.J.

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