Taking the Next Step: The Leap from Intern to Full-Time Professional
In the summer of 2023, I began my Skillsoft journey as a Communications Intern. It didn’t take long for me to grasp the beauty of the company — its mission, culture, and people. Inspired by the commitment to continuous learning, I recognized that Skillsoft provided an environment for both personal and professional growth.
Fast-forward to today, I have transitioned into a full-time role as a Product Marketing Manager Associate. This is an exciting step in my career, offering an opportunity to cultivate a well-rounded skill set and discover pathways for development.
As a young professional, I understand that internships can be daunting, particularly when there is potential to advance into a post-graduate role. It can be challenging to communicate one’s unique strengths and distinguish oneself from a competitive talent pool. Thus, to help future interns accelerate their careers, I have compiled three key tips that were central to my journey from intern to full-time employee.
1. Be Adaptable
In the wise words of a fellow Skiller, professionals must aspire to be like Play-Doh. Faced with an evolving job landscape, this advice has become a vital cornerstone to career success.
When embodying Play-Doh, interns should strive to be malleable, ready to transform, and boldly enter unfamiliar territory. Instead of succumbing to stagnation, they should be prepared to reshape their skills and expand their capabilities. These qualities foster trust in the intern-manager relationship, encourage exploration, and create new opportunities that enable them to thrive. The “Play-Doh” mindset is not only beneficial during internships but also crucial for long-term career success. In a world engulfed by change, these power skills are in high demand with employers seeking versatile candidates who can effectively navigate uncertainty.
2. Go Beyond the To-Do List
Interns must demonstrate that their commitment extends beyond their required to-do list. This advice by no means suggests that interns should overwork or sacrifice their well-being, but rather, it underscores the need to display interest through diverse avenues.
While there are various ways to exceed expectations, interns can start by networking. Taking the initiative to connect with colleagues exhibits dedication and increases visibility, both of which are useful in securing future employment. Within these networking calls and throughout daily interactions, they should aspire to be inquisitive, showing enthusiasm for the company and a drive for continual learning. Rather than solely asking task-related questions, interns can spark big-picture discussions, inquiring about industry trends, organizational objectives, and more.
On a larger scale, interns can further differentiate themselves by offering innovative ideas and solutions. They should remain aware of the company’s obstacles or points of friction and seek to provide forward-thinking remedies. In this scope, if they encounter projects that intrigue them, they should ask how they can play a role. In doing so, interns can elevate their level of contribution and highlight their ability to shape organizational progress.
3. Commit to Introspection and Transparency
Making career decisions requires introspection and honesty. Interns must understand their goals through careful consideration of their aspirations and strengths. Armed with self-awareness, they will be empowered to make choices that align with their passions, and if a full-time offer is presented, they will possess the knowledge to constructively evaluate the proposal.
During this process of reflection, interns should lead with transparency. It is critical to be honest with team members about future ambitions and when applicable, clearly express the desire for a permanent position. This thoughtful communication provides managers with insight for long-term planning, helps interns keep their names top-of-mind in the decision-making process, and creates space for all parties to ask pertinent questions.
Certainly, these tactics can serve as a useful guide in navigating the early stages of one’s career. Still, it is crucial to remember that an internship holds intrinsic value, with its primary objective being to enhance one’s expertise — not necessarily to receive an offer letter. Interns should be sure to remain focused on their current positions, celebrating all achievements, both big and small.
