Intern Like a Pro: How to Turn This Summer Into a Full-Time Gig
As internship season kicks off, it’s the perfect time to talk about how undergrads can make the most of their summer experience and maybe even turn that internship into a full-time job offer. This isn’t just about getting coffee or updating spreadsheets; it’s about showing who you are, what you bring to the table, and how you handle the small, everyday moments that build into a bigger professional reputation.
When I was sixteen, I went through a rite of passage familiar to many working teens in New York State: getting my working papers. That little yellow card was my golden ticket to a minimum-wage paycheck and the thrilling challenge of making change correctly at the register. I brought the form home, expecting my dad to sign it quickly and give me a casual “good for you” or a smart comment like, “now you can pay for your own Gatorade supply.” But instead, I got a dose of classic dad wisdom vintage, no-nonsense, and soaked in experience. He looked me in the eye and said, “Son, for the rest of your life, wherever you work, make yourself valuable through your work ethic and contributions.” He went on to explain, “If you do that, people will hold on to you. When they’re promoting they think of you and if they are downsizing or laying off, you’ll be the last one they let go.”
At the time, I was more focused on soccer cleats, cassette tapes, and enhancing my treasure chest of baseball cards than career strategy, but those words serve me well over the years. And if you’re starting a summer internship, they matter now more than ever.
Your internship isn’t just a temporary gig, it’s an audition. Not the “sing into a hairbrush and hope someone’s watching” kind, but a real-world, real-time opportunity to show a company what an asset you are to their team. You’re not just learning; you’re also showing them what you can contribute, what makes you special, and why you’re worth keeping around. In “The First 90 Days”, Michael Watkins reminds us that the beginning of any new role is a crucial window for building credibility, learning the ropes, and delivering results. For interns, your summer is your 90 days. The clock starts ticking on Day One, and you don’t get to hit snooze.
I’ve leaned on “The First 90 Days” during every major transition in my career, pairing it with the invaluable nuggets I’ve gathered from mentors over the years. It’s like having a personal GPS during times when everything else feels like a maze. But books and mentors only take you so far. You have to put in the the work. So how do you stand out in your limited time? How do you go from “summer intern” to “indispensable team member” when opportunities are on the horizon?
Start with presence. That little glowing rectangle in your pocket, your phone is helpful, sure. But if it’s constantly in your hand, it’s quietly eroding your credibility. Multitasking on the wrong things doesn’t impress; it distracts. People notice when you’re only half there. Instead, work with two hands, two eyes, and your full attention. Be the intern who’s laser-focused in meetings, who actively listens, and who stays off social media during work hours. Your reputation is built in small moments, don’t let distracted ones define you.
Next, keep your word and take your commitments seriously. If you say you’ll deliver something by Tuesday, make sure Tuesday gets it with no excuses, no ghosting. That might mean staying a little later or asking for help when you’re stuck. Interns who follow through become professionals who get trusted. Your reliability will be remembered long after your name tag comes off.
Consistency matters, too. Show up early not just once, but regularly. Be the one who’s already settled in and ready to go before the office lights are fully on. It sends a signal: “I respect your time and I’m serious about this role.” Watkins stresses that credibility comes from consistency, and nothing is more consistent than being five minutes early every day.
Mistakes will happen. Own them. Don’t hide behind excuses or throw blame. Admitting you messed up, explaining how you’ll fix it, and moving forward with grace earns you far more respect than pretending you’ve got everything under control. We all stumble. What matters is how you respond when you do.
It’s also worth remembering that listening is a powerful skill especially early on. You might feel pressure to sound smart or pitch big ideas, but Watkins emphasizes that your early days are best spent learning the language, culture, and rhythms of the organization. Ask questions. Take notes. Pay attention to how your team communicates, both formally and informally. As my grandma used to say, “You have two ears and one mouth for a reason.”
Stay away from gossip. When the breakroom chatter drifts into “Did you hear what happened at the happy hour?”, smile politely and exit the conversation. Your job is to be professional and trustworthy, not the unofficial keeper of workplace drama. People remember who stayed above the fray and those are the ones they’re comfortable bringing onto the team.
Your word is everything. As Arthur Ashe wrote in Days of Grace, “Trust has to be earned and should come only after the passage of time.” He also said, “Your reputation is all you have.” If you want to build a solid foundation, start by doing what you say you’re going to do every single time. Be the person whose actions match their words, who communicates clearly, and who steps up without having to be reminded twice.
Being dependable is only part of the equation, you also need to be proactive. If you spot a problem, don’t just point it out. Bring potential solutions. Say, “Here are a few ways we might tackle this. Here’s the one I’d recommend.” That kind of thinking separates someone who’s just passing through from someone they want to keep.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Get curious, not defensive. No one expects you to know everything but they will appreciate your willingness to learn. Admitting what you don’t know is a strength, not a weakness. Just make sure you’re asking thoughtful questions, and maybe hold off on asking what “cc” means until week one is behind you.
Going the extra mile doesn’t mean burning out. It means taking ownership of your tasks and adding value where you can. If you’re asked to finish a spreadsheet, format it clearly, color-code the tabs, and prep a summary slide. Those little details? They matter. Watkins refers to these moments as “early wins.” They don’t have to be big, but they do need to be intentional.
Always give credit where it’s due. If another intern has a great idea or catches something you missed, say so. Being generous with praise makes people want to work with you, and teams hire people they trust and enjoy collaborating with. When you lift others up, your own stock rises, too.
Ask for feedback early and often not just at the end. Say, “What could I be doing better?” or “How would you approach this differently?” And when that feedback comes, don’t bristle. Absorb it. Even if it stings, that’s where the growth happens. Watkins says momentum builds with early wins and feedback is your fuel for improvement.
And finally, keep your cool when things get weird. Something will go sideways, the printer will jam, the calendar will glitch, someone will “Reply All” when they shouldn’t. Be the intern who stays calm, steps in to help, and doesn’t fan the flames with drama or panic. Your ability to bring steadiness to a situation is more valuable than you think.
In the end, your summer internship is more than just a résumé, it’s your chance to show who you are and what you bring. Michael Watkins reminds us that the first 90 days are about earning your place. Internships may be temporary, but the impression you leave can be lasting. So go in ready to work, listen, grow, and surprise a few folks along the way. Be the intern they can’t imagine not having around.
And who knows one day, someone might bring you a form to sign, and you’ll pass the wisdom on too.