Turning an MBA Internship into a Job

MBA internships provide a variety of experiences. Treasure each one. You will be afforded the opportunity to build new skills. Internships allow you to learn about the company beyond what you read on the company’s website and learned in your MBA program.

A few reasons to intern:

• Opportunity to learn the ropes.
• Internships aid in determining if the company culture is the right fit for you.
• The development of instincts about what to do when and how to proceed in various scenarios/situations.

Having an MBA internship on your résumé levels the playing field in your favor. But you do know that obtaining a full time job is extremely competitive? In certain industries, internships are expected – banking, financial services and consulting to name a few.

Can you name a heavily-weighted attribute on which employers focus? Internships! Need I say more?

Let me pause here for a commercial break. If you remember only one thing from this post, remember this – keep a running list of your results/accomplishments during your internship. Why? It is easier to keep track of details when you keep a running list. That running list will better allow you to identify personal trends and patterns. Bottom line, it will be extremely useful when applying for a regular full-time position after your MBA program.

Now back to our regular programming.

There are a number of key skills that you need to possess if you want to turn that dream MBA internship into a job. Which skills do you think are essential? My list includes but is not limited to the following: networking, adaptability, initiative, communications and collaboration. Think about those skills that you identified. Are they skills in your personal arsenal?

You’re thinking, all of this is background information is great but I need to know how I can turn my internship into a job? I felt obligated to lay the foundation before I gave you the real meat of this post. In this life, there are few things that are guaranteed. I cannot guarantee that following this advice will result in a full-time job. But I can tell you that it will give you an advantage. What do you have to lose by acting upon my advice? You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. So let’s get started. Are you ready?

1. Treat the internship like a full-time job

Show interest and enthusiasm for the position.

2. Image

You only get one chance to make a first impression. You will be judged by the image you project. During your interviews, observe how the employees are dressed. If everyone is in a suit, guess who will be wearing suits to work? You.

3. Scope of work

Show a high degree of initiative by seeking diverse projects. Go for those projects which are outside of your comfort zone; those that will require you to stretch your talents and abilities.

4. The boss

Develop a relationship with your boss. Ask for feedback. Feedback will allow you to grow professionally. If you perform well during the internship, they won’t mind recommending you for hire.

5. Find a champion in the organization.

I can’t stress enough the importance of having a mentor. Your mentor will be a valuable resource within the organization. The mentor will guide you as you navigate through the office politics, gossip and rumor mill. They can help you grow your network. Your mentor can also recommend you for hire.

Finally, don’t be afraid to toot your own horn. If you don’t, who will? No one.

I hope this information provided you with some insight on turning your internship into a full-time job. Best of luck to you!

About Starla Trigg

Starla holds a MBA degree from Indiana Wesleyan University.  She has spent her career working in various capacities for Fortune 250 companies.  In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering, learning new things, and playing golf.