Dream Job One Step Away: Steps to help land the job after an internship

College students can benefit from internship experiences where they gain hands-on experience in their major.  According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) 2010 Student Survey, internships factored into job offers after graduation. The survey reports that 42 percent of recent graduates with internships received  job offers over peers who rejected the opportunity. The study also shows that 42.3 percent of seniors who had internship experience and applied for a job received at least one job offer. Only 30.7 percent of seniors received a job offer without internship experience. Those with an internship are more likely to accept post-graduation job offers.

Yanela Gordon, director of internship/placement for Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism & Graphic Communication, explains the importance of doing an exceptional job as an intern. Eventually,  recruiters will become references for students to use on future applications. “They tend to become your mentors. They can share with you how to get the job,” Gordon says.

Internships are about exposure. The NACE says 83.4 percent of internships  are designed to help the company recruit for entry-level  hires. Around one-third (31.1 percent) of employers say the programs help students gain experience. Just fewer than 20 percent of companies report offering internships as a way to build relationships with key universities.

“The sheer experience at a professional environment makes you more marketable and competitive,” Gordon says.

Gordon also says follow-up thank you notes or e-mails are highly favored after interns complete their programs. Students are also encouraged to keep a copy of all their work since it is a record of their experience. “You will have proof and evidence of your skills,” Gordon says.

So network with the people you intern for, they can validate the skills you have acquired. Afterward, maintain relationships with recruiters. Building contacts and repertoire will be valuable for future success as a candidate for full-time positions.

Kendra Anderson, 21, a magazine production student, was an editorial intern at Tallahassee magazine this past summer . “It was very demanding but comfortable, they treat you like an employee and not an intern,” Anderson says. “And I still e-mail the company and let them know what’s going on with me. I made sure to leave a lasting impression.”

Recruiters are looking for specific qualities within a candidate: leadership, proficient conduct and intern experience.

Coren Burton, a recruiter for Lockheed Martin, insists that students follow up after an internship. “Yes! Let them know you are still interested. It will make your life easier in the long run,” Burton says. Essential steps she suggests for students  are to “go above and beyond, do a good job and show initiative.”

Be able to sell yourself to the employer, they want to know what makes you stand out from the rest. “Do not limit yourself to a specific location, be open to opportunities,” Burton says. “There are cases when students don’t pursue an opportunity because it is not what they want she adds, but recruiters feel this is a mistake. Taking an unwanted offer could lead to a better prospect.”

The Apprentice: Rattlers who were able to snag a job post-internship

Georgia Dawkins, 23, a broadcast journalism student, worked for ABC news in New York in 2008 as a digital fellow. Later, Georgia was invited to return as a desk assistant, an entry-level position at the network. While there she worked on Good Morning America, America This Morning, World News Webcast with Charles Gibson, ABC News Now and ABC.com. “I believe that during my employment with ABC I showed that I am committed to the organization and I am willing to work hard,” Dawkins says.

Brittany White, 23, a nursing student, interned at Capital Regional Hospital in 2009 as an understudy to a certified nurse. While there she helped care for patients in an unlicensed but active role. Afterward she was hired as a certified nurse assistant. “Everything I learned in my clinicals I applied during my internship. I work to the best of my abilities and after my internship was over I was offered a position,” White says.

Crystal Warren, 24,an  elementary education student, interned at Astoria Park Elementary School in 2010. There she assisted  in planning activities for students and grading assignments. Eventually, Crystal became the temporary instructor and taught for the remainder of her internship. “I feel I was hired after the internship because there’s a lack of teachers in Florida. Plus, my intern with Astoria Park Elementary prepared me for the journey I’m about to embark upon,” Warren says. Crystal was offered a position with Astoria Park Elementary, but she declined and accepted a position teaching  in Boca Raton, Fla.