Internships are opportunities that soon to be fresh grads come across only once (or twice if lucky) throughout their careers. We have all embarked on our job search journey with a vision of what the ideal job would be for us, but here’s a piece of news for you: A vision would - more often than not- be founded on an “idea” that you have developed in your mind based on courses you sat for in college and/or hypothetical case studies you worked on.
You can only get certainty when you’re actually on the job learning all there is to learn about the industry of your interest and getting acquainted to other industries/ career paths that may eventually be of more interest to you.
There is no better way to explore all these options and identify the career path you really are interested in than via an internship! So your research pays off, you sit for your “internship” interview, management likes you and you’re finally the new intern. Now what? How can you turn (for example) your 2 months’ gratis internship in Dubai to a full time job in Dubai (or anywhere else in the region) with perks and benefits? Here are some pointers to keep in mind:
1. Make an introduction:
Take the time (and the initiative) to meet and greet staff and management and exhibit a positive attitude in order for them to start enjoying your company, opening up to you and eventually put in a good word for you (at managerial level) toward the end of your internship.
2. Display Resourcefulness:
Conduct the necessary research before you join. In other words, research all there is to know about the industry in general and the company in specific. Show your mentors/ supervisors that you are knowledgeable and interested in more day to day practical details.
3. Ask Questions:
Let the “intern” title work for you and ask questions about everything you come across. Employers like “proactive” interns who display curiosity and intelligence, remember the more you ask the more likely you are to learn about how the industry and the company works (and eventually if there is room/ budget for recruitment).
4. Display Flexibility:
You might get asked to take care of filing or archives or printouts at the very early stages. Do so with an open heart bearing the big picture in mind. Remember there are basic tasks included in all jobs and doing your share will shed light on your collegial and teamwork spirit.
5. Develop relationships at the workplace:
Make it a point to communicate with supervisors and colleagues and aim to establish strong professional relationships with them. In fact, this should be a rule you abide by moving forward in your career. A solid professional network is a secret weapon you can always resort to when pursuing new job opportunities or potential career options.
