How to Turn Your Externship Into a Job
An externship can be more than a learning experience – it can be the gateway to the first job in your new career. The secret is to enter your externship with the mindset of an employee and not just a student. Demonstrate your knowledge and skills and always be willing to watch, listen, and learn. Build relationships with the team and express your interest in coming aboard full-time. You never know what doors might open if you show off your true talents.
Treat Your Externship Like a Real Job
An externship is the perfect time to begin the transition from student to professional. It allows you to gain hands-on experience, practice what you learned as a student, and hone your abilities. Make the most of the opportunity. Conduct yourself professionally and responsibly. Dress appropriately and follow all workplace rules. Show up before your shift starts, fully prepared to work, and stay late if you need to finish work. Take initiative whenever you can. Do the work before someone has to ask you to. Volunteer to take on extra tasks. And be enthusiastic about your role to show everyone that you’re ready to be part of the team.
Show Curiosity and a Willingness to Learn
The best workers are those who have a positive attitude and are always willing to learn new things, whether it’s a new process, system, or technology. As you shadow employees, observe their work and ask thoughtful questions about their techniques, decisions, or goals. Take notes and observe where your skills might fill a gap. Request feedback on your performance throughout the externship to show that you can take constructive criticism well and are willing to grow as a professional.
Build Relationships While on Externship
Even though your externship is temporary, the relationships you create can last much longer. Build a good working relationship with your supervisor and create a strong rapport with other team members. To be considered for any future position, you need to show the team that you’re dependable, reliable, and able to get along well with others. Show genuine interest in the team’s work and careers. Ask them questions about their career paths and lessons they’ve learned along the way. And don’t forget to get to know them on a personal level. As you work and learn, you can gain valuable insights and build your network at the same time.
Express Your Interest in Staying Past Your Externship
The people at your externship won’t know how much you love working with them if you don’t tell them. Toward the end of your externship, let your supervisor know that you’re interested in working at the site long-term. Find out if there are jobs currently available or if any positions are expected to open in the near future. You may even want to inquire about part-time or contract positions that have the potential to turn into a full-time job. By expressing interest in the organization, you show your dedication, professionalism and initiative – and it could convince your supervisor to give you a permanent position.
Stay Connected to People from Externship
Even if your externship doesn’t have an opening right now, it may soon. That’s why you should get—and stay—connected to the people you meet while you’re there. Connect with the team on LinkedIn and follow the organization’s page to get alerted when new jobs are posted. Email your externship supervisor from time to time to check in and see if anything’s available. If you make a good impression, they might keep you in mind for job openings at their organization or even at another.
Are you ready to begin a new chapter of your career? Externships give you experience, knowledge, and even a shot at a job once you’re done. At Charter College, many of our programs include externships. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.