Today’s Internships are Not Your Parents’ Internships

Today’s internships are not your parents’ internships.
They’re paid.
They come with real expectations.

And if we’re being honest, they’re not just extended job interviews anymore.

They’re jobs.

Over the years, I’ve hired interns, worked with interns, and watched young professionals rise quickly inside organizations. And almost never was it because they were the smartest person in the room.

It was because they were dependable.
Curious.
Communicative.
And willing to do more than what was assigned.

So if you want that offer at the end of the summer, here’s what employers are actually looking for…beyond your GPA, resume, or technical skills:

Show up early. Stay engaged.
Be the person people can count on.

Have a strong work ethic.
This sounds old-fashioned until you’re the only intern willing to do the hard or boring stuff without complaining.

Show initiative.
Raise your hand.
Ask questions.
Offer ideas.
You bring a different generational perspective to the organization. Use it.

Follow through.
A lot of people start strong.
Very few consistently finish.
Be the person who sees the project through from beginning to end — even the small tasks.

Communicate.
If you’re confused, ask.
If you made a mistake, own it.
If you’re waiting on something, say so.
Silence creates more problems than imperfection ever will.

And finally: be a team player.
People hire people they want to work with again.

The skills that got you in the door are not necessarily the skills that will keep you there.

Or lead to the offer.

And one more thing:
Almost everyone in that office can teach you something, if you’re paying attention.

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