From Intern to Leader: Transforming Experience into Opportunity
It might seem like a dream to shape your own career from intern level onwards, but it is totally possible with consistency and patient adherence to a vision.
In the past, internships have had bad press, with stereotypical visions of young people being exploited into doing mundane tasks and fetching coffee, but strategic internships are now on the rise, with many universities assisting their pupils in gaining good positions.
Whereas you may not want to work for the company you intern at long term, there is a strong correlation between internships and full-time job offers. In 2021, 66.4% of interns transitioned to full-time jobs.
The general benefits of internships for providing relevant experience can also be seen. LinkedIn data has found that interns are almost 25% more likely than non-interns to start a full-time position within 6 months of graduation.
My experience started with studying International Business with French at Sheffield Hallam University in the UK. I spent a semester abroad at ESSEC Business School near Paris during my degree and completed a year-long internship in France. I chose AdaCore for my internship because of its affiliation with my university, which offered the ideal opportunity to deepen my understanding of international business while practicing my French. Upon graduating in 2015, they offered me a full-time role, and I didn't hesitate to accept. My career quickly gained momentum after I joined AdaCore full-time as part of the marketing team. Within a few years, I took on increasing responsibilities and set my sights on a managerial role. I began by co-leading the department as Marketing Operations Manager alongside the Marketing Director, eventually becoming the Team Lead—a position I held for several years. In early 2019, I was offered an exciting new challenge: establishing a UK division as Managing Director.
Whatever your internship opportunity, here are some top tips for helping the experience turn into a fruitful career-boosting opportunity.
- Set Clear Objectives:
Define what you hope to achieve during your internship by setting specific, measurable goals. This could include acquiring new skills, understanding particular business processes, or gaining exposure to various departments within the organisation. Clear objectives help maintain focus and provide a framework for assessing your progress.
- Embrace Proactivity:
Take the initiative to volunteer for projects and offer assistance beyond your assigned tasks. Proactive engagement not only demonstrates your enthusiasm and work ethic but also allows you to gain a broader perspective on the business and build your professional competence.
- Build a Professional Network:
Use your internship as an opportunity to establish meaningful relationships with colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals. Engaging with a diverse range of contacts can lead to valuable insights, future career opportunities, and a better understanding of organisational dynamics. For example, starting to grow and build your LinkedIn and business contact network will bode well for your future.
- Seek Constructive Feedback:
Ask for feedback from your supervisors and peers regularly to identify areas for improvement. Constructive feedback is essential for professional growth, enabling you to refine your skills, address any weaknesses, and adapt your approach as necessary.
- Document Your Experience:
Keep a record of your tasks, projects, and the lessons learned throughout your internship. Documenting your experience not only assists in tracking your progress but also serves as a useful reference for updating your CV and preparing for future job interviews.
In summary, internships have evolved into strategic platforms that offer more than just entry-level tasks; they provide a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience, build a robust professional network, and transition into a full-time role. By setting clear objectives, engaging proactively, seeking regular feedback, and meticulously documenting your achievements, you can transform your internship experience into a launching pad for a successful career.
References:
https://financesonline.com/internship-statistics/
