From Intern to Full-Time

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Show respect for everyone.

You're being foolish if you think the cleaning service, security guards, or the assistants have no say about who gets accepted into the company's circle. If you're disrespectful to anyone, your bad behavior will likely get back to those who will decide your fate. Assistants especially can help you make appointments with their bosses and get the scoop on the lay of the land.

Fischer notes that when he worked in consulting, he and his colleagues used the "Tokyo Test"—basically determining if a potential hire was the kind of person you would want to sit next to on a flight to Tokyo. Treating people well is a surefire way to pass the Tokyo Test.

Make an impact.

Citi's Hubert says MBA interns have to "get in the weeds," which is another way of saying you have to take on tasks big and small. You have to prove you're willing to work hard and do whatever it takes to get the job done well.

Doing more work than is expected of you is a must, especially in a year as competitive as this one. Agree to help people when they ask you for a hand and offer to help, when appropriate, even if they don't ask. Columbia's Malone reminds MBA interns to take advantage of opportunities as they arise, ask for feedback, and incorporate feedback into your projects. Prove to your managers that what they tell you is important by listening to their advice and taking action accordingly. Ultimately, you want to make a difference and have people commenting that you left a lasting impression through your work.

Network through the company.

The summer internship is short, which means you don't have much time to get to know people. But you need them to know you. "The entire organization makes the decision on whether to give the offer at the end of the summer," says Everette Fortner, executive director of corporate relations and career development at University of Virginia's Darden Graduate School of Business Administration.

Two ways you can network effectively are never eating lunch alone, no matter how swamped you are, and reaching out to alumni from your business school already stationed in the company, says Fortner. Don't be afraid to approach people you'd like to meet and ask to snag a few moments of their time before the internship is over. Be respectful of their time, and they will likely be happy to get to know you.

Remain a team player.

Obviously, especially in a year with a shaky economy, you are competing with fellow interns for a full-time offer. However, you still have to work with one another, and you can't let competition get in the way of doing a good job. "Team with one another," says Fortner. "Focus on all of you being successful, and you'll get recognized for that."

Never try to compete with people who already work at the company, especially analysts. "Treat your analysts like gold, learn what you can from them, don't compete with them, and don't seek their approval," suggests Fischer.

Humility will come in handy. Some MBAs forget about being humble as they try to show off to impress their colleagues—and it costs them. "One year of school does not make you an expert compared to someone who's been in the business 15 or 20 years," says Steger. "Asking questions and trying to be a sponge is more important than trying to be an expert."

Keep in touch.

Steger offered to work on projects after his summer internship was over to keep his foot in the door while his employer decided if there was a full-time opening for him. You could do the same, or at least you can check in with your manager from time to time and keep him or her posted on your education and work.

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