Make the Most of an Internship or Co-op Placement

When your son or daughter rushes to tell you, "I've been selected to do an internship!", wholehearted congratulations are in order. Not only have they got their foot in the door of a potential employer, they have been given a chance to develop key skills that they can apply to future work situations.

An internship or cooperative (co-op) education assignment can be an invaluable opportunity. Among 2015 bachelor's degree graduates, 65 percent took part in an internship or co-op assignment, according to a nationwide survey of college students conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

For many young people, a co-op placement might be their first experience working in an environment that is directly related to their career aspirations. It might involve working within a formal business structure, with highly technical equipment, or with a team of professionals.

In today's dynamic labor market, many companies offer such programs as a significant way to lure new talent. For young people, it's an excellent way to demonstrate to potential employers their skills and areas of knowledge and how they might potentially perform as a "hired" employee.

According to a 2017 employer survey conducted by the NACE, 41 percent of respondents indicated an increase in intern and co-op hiring and 42 percent indicated that they've manintained current levels.

No matter the situation, there are some strategies to help young people make the most of their work experience.

Strategies for Making the Most of an Internship or Co-op Placement

  1. Demonstrate Good Workplace Etiquette
    Young interns or co-op placements have to show their employer that they are committed employees. To do this, they should show up to every shift or work day on time; be efficient; limit socializing with other co-workers; avoid the gossip and rumor mill; stay within their allotted lunch and break times; and work to exceed the minimum performance that's expected of them.
    This is especially crucial if they are hoping to move toward a full-time job with their employer following graduation. If your son or daughter has limited workplace experience, discuss some of the key points of employability with them before they head off to work.
  2. Go Above and Beyond
    This is a common belief held by many successful service-oriented companies. In addition to providing their standard services, these companies always strive to go above and beyond their customers' expectations. For example, a customer may go into a hardware store to buy a lawn mower. The customer expects to pick out a lawn mower, pay for it, and load it into his or her vehicle. The hardware store manager would exceed the customer's expectations by sending an employee out to assist the customer with loading the machine in the vehicle. Most likely, the customer would remember the gesture and be more likely to favor that store in the future.
    Similarly, your son or daughter will receive favorable reviews and be likelier to be considered for full-time employment if they exceed their employer's expectations.
    For example, if they are a public relations intern and are expected to identify two new media sources a week, they could exceed expectations by finding four or five. If they are a computer programmer intern and are expected to test five programs a week, they could go above and beyond by testing six or seven.
    The possibilities for exceeding employer expectations and going above and beyond are endless. In most cases, doing so will result in many benefits to them as interns and as potential full-time employees. Ask your son or daughter about their employer's expectations on a regular basis and help them develop strategies that are meaningful in their work situations to demonstrate their keenness and ability to exceed expectations.
  3. Display Energy and Enthusiasm
    There is no bigger downer in a workplace than working with someone who is negative and apathetic on a regular basis. The opposite is true when working alongside someone who excited and eager to get a job done. The most successful interns are those that display an upbeat attitude and a genuine interest in performing their role.
    Most employers have long-held the belief that energetic, enthusiastic employees are happy in their positions and therefore more successful. Students who demonstrate these qualities from the start will more likely obtain greater opportunities in the future.
    Keeping up enthusiasm might be tough for some with the physical and mental challenges your kids might face in a new work situation. Keep an eye out for signs of stress so you can be there as a support person and sounding board -- that way you can help your kids stay focused and maintain enthusiasm.
  4. Network, Network, Network
    Not only is an internship a great way to get experience, it is a great way to make connections in the chosen field of work. Suggest to your son or daughter that they try meeting as many people as possible while on their internship. Most likely, they will get to know their immediate supervisor and any co-workers working in their area.
    Suggest that they also try to meet people with different roles and from other departments (with their supervisor's permission, of course). A relatively non-threatening way to network with someone is to ask him or her to grant you a 15- to 20-minute informational interview. The interview should be centered on gaining knowledge about the industry and useful information for a career in that field or type of work.
  5. Gather Content for a Portfolio or Resume
    Remind your son or daughter to keep relevant documents that will demonstrate their abilities to future employers. With their employer's permission, suggest that they gather some items for their portfolio such as copies or summaries of completed projects, letters of recommendation, and positive performance reviews and supervisor feedback.
    Supporting your son or daughter during their internship with words of shared experience, advice and encouragement will help them make the most of their work experience. If they work hard to show themselves to be a good employee, it may well lead directly to a permanent job in the future.