TURN YOUR INTERNSHIP INTO A FULL-TIME JOB

For the second consecutive year, employers rated their internship programs as the most effective method they have to recruit new college graduates. Once you begin your internship, you may find that the company is everything you are looking for in and would like to work for them once you graduate. Here are some suggestions for turning your internship into a full-time position.

Show you fit in. You can show your fit with the employer's culture in many ways - from wearing attire that aligns with what your co-workers are wearing to demonstrating a work ethic that's at the same level as regular employees.

Seek out extra work, new projects. Show your willingness to go beyond what's in the job description for your internship. Look for ways you can make your co-workers' jobs easier. You'll make a great impression while sharpening your skills so you can step into a permanent position when the time comes.

Maintain a positive, eager-to-learn attitude. Ask questions. Show that you want to learn the job and learn the company. Strike a balance between asking enough questions to show your desire to learn and pestering people with so many queries that you become annoying. Ask if there are any training programs, seminars, or workshops you could attend to increase your learning, and hence, your value to the employer.

Track your contributions and accomplishments. Be sure to keep a record of all the ways you've contributed during your internship. Be prepared to present this list when you make your pitch to the employer for a permanent job.

Be a team player. Some companies will host many interns simultaneously. Those numbers should not inspire competition because there are usually plenty of full-time opportunities to go around for successful interns. Instead, teamwork should be among an intern's major strategies since most employers value their workers' ability to perform in collaborative relationships.

Seek input and feedback from supervisors and co-workers during your internship so you know how to improve as you go along. Show those you work with that you want to be the best you can be.

Don't be shy about asking about permanent job opportunities. Your employer won't know that you're interested in a job unless you ask. Also be vigilant for opportunities to create a position. Look for employer needs that aren't currently being met and consider proposing a job to meet those needs.

If the internship doesn't segue immediately into a job, keep in contact and be persistent. Maybe there are no open positions or maybe you have another semester to complete before graduation. If that's the case, be sure to leave on the best possible terms. Write to your supervisor to thank him or her for the internship opportunity. Keep in touch periodically and ask about openings, especially as graduation approaches. In addition to touching base with your immediate supervisor determine what other company contacts might be valuable in your quest to join the company - such as human resources folks and hiring managers in the departments that most interest you - and remain in contact with them.