Here you can find some useful tips on how to bring your placement performance to perfection.
1. Be aware of your skills
There is no reason to think to keep yourself back just because you are a students or fresh graduate. The company chose for you for a good reason, namely your CV. If you got the job then, because the company wanted you! Every start is difficult, but do not feel intimidated because you have not been welcomed with flowers and champagne. Showing self-confidence is an important skill and shows self-awareness: act as a professional!
2. Make use of your network
It is a fact, that most people find their dream job via someone they know. Get in contact with other employers and show interest also towards other departments. Try to get to know other managers and even more important: try to stay in touch. Usage of ‘linkedIn’ or similar business networks can be of good help. After your graduation positions may come free and you already have established a valuable contact.
3. Be proactive
Don’t lean back and wait until you get new tasks. Be proactive and try to develop yourself in advance. Stay busy and show dedication. Taking the initiative is vital to set yourself apart from the rest. Ask to be part in meetings and ceferences to learn about business politics. Study hiring practices, learn about how often positions get free, etc. Only then you know how things are done a floor above you and that is ultimately where you want to get, isn’t it?
4. Expand your knowledge
Learn about the industry, trends and developments and recent changes in the respective field. Talk to people, clients, suppliers and other managers. Read the papers, publications, letters, browse the internet and try to grasp as much information as possible. The study guide is something every competitor knows; be better than them! Who knows when you will have the chance to shine through what you have learned? In any case, you will know the answer and if not, you learn something new again.
5. Attitude is everything
Don’t feel to good for certain work, also minor interesting or challenging things need to be done. Grunt work will teach you routine in particular areas and will give you a better understanding of the whole picture. Once your boss recognizes you are even giving your best for such work, he will reward it.
6. Understand your environment
Who performes best and his respected the most within your company or department? Learn from these people about their key to success and make the best with the information. The general key to success is improving yourself and your skills. Never forget: once the star performers have been a student just like you and worked themselves up!
7. Being a student opens doors
Everyone is keen on helping a dedicated student, rather than a full-time employee who might be considered being a threat. You will see that you have more access and opportunities than others. Listen to colleagues during your lunch break. In general use and expand your network.
Here is a list of 10 easy mistakes that many students make when applying for an internship
1) Not Caring – Many students don’t much motivation into the internship placement
2) Procrastinating – many students don’t focus their search and have no really targeted internship they are after
3) Lowing your grades – an internship is just like a job they want to see that you are motivated and that your grades and studies are going well
4) Using only a narrow list of resources to find an internship (there are many mediums in which to find the right internship for you)
5) Not Devoting Enough Time – this is important as many of the application forms for an internship are quite long winded. Plus to really search for an internship it takes time and effort to find the right placement for you.
6) Racing Through Applications – treat your application like a bank statement keep it clear and 100% neat and tidy and to the point
7) Not Having Good References – get references from your school and employment these might tide the difference of hiring or rejecting your application
8) Messing Up The Interview – many people fail at the interview because they do not take it seriously and fail at this point
9) Not Following Up ask about your interview show some interest in the company that you are going to and be motivated.
10) Not Being Persistent
Find a Mentor
You don’t need to jump on this task your first day, but as you get introduced to senior staff, begin thinking about developing a mentoring relationship with a member of management above you — and outside your department — in the organization. Mentoring has numerous benefits, from a simple sounding board to someone who helps direct and advance your career within the organization.