Overview

There is no one which way that you can definitely turn your internship into a full time job position, it truly depends on what you have to offer and whether the business you are interning for currently are looking to hire someone.

However, there are a few things you can do to ensure that you show the company how hardworking you are and how you can secure an excellent reference, if not a full time position!

We spoke with our very own Head of Student Services, at Twin, Daniela Hierzer to find out how she turned her 3 month internship into a permanent full-time position, over a year ago.

Q: What did you do during your internship? How long was your internship?

A: I was interning in the student services team at Twin’s English Centre in London for 3 months, from October to December 2016. During my internship I could get a really good insight in how an English school works and meet people from all over the world. I really enjoyed my internship as it combined some administrative tasks and the possibility to actually meet all the English students, help them out and show them around London and South East England. 

Q: What general advice would you give students during their internship?

A: First of all, I think it’s always helpful to have an open mind and to be adaptive. It is a different country and company cultures might be different from what you know from your home country.

Secondly, I think your experience is not only about working but also about the people you meet along the way. Depending on your placement, it might be a bit difficult to meet other interns or students who are your age (or who want to do the same things as you – if they’re British they probably are not dying to see Madam Tussauds or Stonehenge). For that reason, I think it is good to join some social programme activities, especially in the beginning, to meet other students and interns.

Q: What tips would you give to students who want to turn their internship into a full time job?

A: Present yourself in a good light and make your manager see your strengths during the internship.

Q: What qualities should you portray?

A: It’s always good to show your manager that you are willing to work, actually think about things (how to make them better/more efficient), etc. I think it’s also very important to make a good impression by being on time, polite and friendly.