Congratulations! You’ve just completed your summer internship. Now what? Don’t let that hard work and newfound knowledge go to waste. Here’s how to turn your internship experience into a springboard for your future career:
- Secure those references
Don’t underestimate the power of a glowing reference! Before you leave, schedule a meeting with your supervisor to discuss your performance and express your interest in staying connected. This is the perfect opportunity to ask for a formal reference – this is beneficial for future job applications.
- CV refresh
Now’s the time to show off your internship experience, update your CV with your new skills and accomplishments, use action verbs and specific examples to highlight what you learned and achieved. Quantify your impact whenever possible – did you manage a project that saved the company time or money? Be sure to tailor your CV to each job application, emphasising the skills most relevant to the specific role.
3. Networking
The connections you make during your internship are important, stay in touch with your colleagues and supervisor. Connect on LinkedIn and send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. You never know when these connections might lead to future opportunities.
- Keep learning, keep growing
The learning doesn’t stop when the internship ends! Reflect on your experience. What did you enjoy most? What skills did you develop? Use this knowledge to guide your future career path. Consider taking online courses, attending industry events, or volunteering to further develop your skillset.
- Don’t be afraid to follow up
Did your internship company leave a lasting impression? If a full-time position aligns with your career goals, reach out to your supervisor or HR department after a few weeks to express your continued interest. Even if there aren’t any immediate openings, your enthusiasm and initiative will be remembered.
If you are a student looking for either an internship, short-term placement or full-time permanent position, get in touch with Step today and we can help you!