How to convert an internship into a job

You could see placements as just another part of university study. But as two IT students recently discovered, applying some simple lessons in the workplace can convert an internship into a job.

The spotlight of the workplace fell on Lachlan McGregor, the IT intern embarking on his six-week journey at a global distributor of chemical and raw materials.

Despite modest expectations, Lachlan felt ready to handle whatever came next.

“They thought I was going to be a high school student then realised I was a little more competent than that,” the ACU Bachelor of Information Technology graduate said. “Once I got through that things were a little smoother.”

Smooth was an understatement. Lachlan’s diligence, knowledge, demeanour and adaptability were recognised at the end of that placement when the company, Redox, offered him a full-time role as an information technology specialist.

The leg-up into his chosen career provided satisfying closure to his university studies.

Not all internships end so happily. But the sweetener for Lachlan illustrated what can be achieved when some simple lessons are applied to converting an internship into a job.

Get involved

Thomas Karas is in the final semester of his Bachelor of Information Technology course at ACU’s North Sydney Campus.

Just like Lachlan, Thomas had enrolled in the unit ITEC320 Work-Integrated Learning (WIL), which involved completing an internship to bridge theory and practical application.

Thomas worked as a data analyst at Menarini Australia, the Australian division of a multinational pharmaceutical company.

“It’s expected that you do a lot of self-directed learning,” Thomas said.

“My supervisor was a great guide. [But] you need to be able to teach yourself the software that you’re expected to use.

“I really enjoyed it. The work was meaningful and the people were fun to work with.”

Thomas also converted his opportunity into a job offer and will join Menarini full-time after he graduates.

His lesson? Don’t see yourself as just an intern.

“Be enthusiastic about work and get involved in what’s happening at the company,” he said.

“It’s easy to think, oh, I’m just an intern. But if you integrate yourself, they see you as someone worth keeping on.”

Extend yourself

Lachlan could have stayed inside his lane and met obligations, and everyone would have been happy. But that won’t win you a permanent gig. He quickly learned to expose himself to growth opportunities.

“You’ve just got to put yourself out there,” he said. “Even if it’s not something you’ve done before, give yourself an opportunity to take something on and figure it out.

“Don’t say no, even if it takes you a little longer to figure it out.”

Learning on the job

Dr Walayat Hussain, a senior lecturer and National Head of Information Technology at ACU’s Peter Faber Business School, leads the WIL program and was unsurprised to hear of students seizing workplace opportunities.

Through WIL, students spend 150 supervised hours under the guidance of two supervisors: academic and industry supervisors. Those placements are sourced and organised by ACU’s Faculty of Law and Business.

In the unit, students receive training on working collaboratively in teams, facing real-life challenges, handling digital resources and experiencing ethical decision-making. A variety of resources, including LinkedIn Learning materials, TED Talks, HSTalks and several others, are provided to enhance learning. Guest lectures from professionals inject nuanced skills that can’t be obtained from a book.

“The focus of our unit extends beyond technical proficiency; we prioritise the development of soft skills alongside technical competencies,” Dr Hussain said.

Satisfaction

For Thomas, the closing months of his course are less stressful knowing there is certainty, at least in his short-term future.

“I’m still working for them part-time, but the expectation is that I will become full-time once I graduate,” he said.

“It’s great to know there’s a job for me when I graduate, and that there’s an opportunity to develop the skills that I’ll need for my career.”

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