Step 1: Treat It Like a 3-Month Interview, Not a Summer Job

The intern’s underlying question: “How should I act? What’s the right mindset?”

From your very first day, you are being evaluated. Every interaction, every project, and every meeting is part of a long-form interview. The interns who get offers are the ones who understand this and act accordingly.

• Master the Basics, Flawlessly: Be punctual, every single day. Dress professionally, aligning with or slightly above the company’s dress code. Keep your phone out of sight. These seem small, but lapses in basic professionalism are the fastest way to get your name crossed off the “potential hire” list.
• Be an Eager Learner: You are not expected to know everything. However, you are expected to be curious and willing to learn. When someone is teaching you a new process, take notes diligently. This shows respect for their time and prevents you from having to ask the same question twice.
• Exceed Expectations on Every Task: If you’re asked to compile a spreadsheet, don’t just deliver the data; format it cleanly and perhaps add a simple chart visualizing a key trend. If you’re asked to research a topic, deliver a one-page summary with key takeaways, not just a list of links. Always ask yourself, “What would make this 10% better?”

Pro-Tip: Observe the company culture. How do people communicate—via Slack, email, or in person? What time do your successful colleagues arrive and leave? Adapting to the unspoken rules of the workplace shows you belong there.

Step 2: Document Everything: Create Your “Brag Sheet”

The intern’s underlying question: “How will I remember everything I did? How can I prove my value?”

Your internship will be a blur of projects, tasks, and meetings. If you wait until the end to try and remember your accomplishments, you will forget crucial details. The key is to track your contributions in real-time.

Create a private document on your computer or in a notebook and call it your “Brag Sheet.” Update it every Friday afternoon.

• Track Your Projects & Tasks: For every significant task, write down what you did. Instead of “Helped with social media,” write “Researched and drafted 15 tweets for the Q3 product launch campaign, incorporating feedback from the marketing manager.”
• Quantify Your Impact (Metrics Matter): Numbers are more powerful than words. Did you help organize an event? Note the number of attendees. Did you work on a piece of code that improved a process? By what percentage did it get faster? Note these metrics.
• Save Your Praise: Did your manager send you a “Great work on this!” email? Did a colleague compliment your presentation in a Slack message? Copy and paste it into your Brag Sheet. This is concrete evidence of your positive impact.

This document will be your secret weapon when it’s time to update your resume and, most importantly, when you have the “what’s next” conversation.

Step 3: Network with Purpose: Build Your Internal Brand

The intern’s underlying question: “How do I meet people without being annoying? Who should I talk to?”

A job offer after an internship often comes from more than just your manager’s approval; it comes from a collective “yes” from the people you’ve interacted with. Your goal is to be known as “that impressive intern” across multiple departments.

• Master the Coffee Chat: Ask your manager for introductions to people on other teams. Send a polite, concise email to request 15-20 minutes of their time to learn about their role.
• Find a Mentor (Officially or Unofficially): Is there a more senior employee on your team who is great at their job and willing to help? Lean on them. Ask for their advice on projects and their perspective on the company. This relationship can provide invaluable guidance and a powerful advocate for you.
• Be Visible: Don’t just hide at your desk. Attend company social events, all-hands meetings, and volunteer opportunities. Ask thoughtful questions in larger group meetings. This shows you’re engaged in the company’s mission, not just your own tasks.

Step 4: Take Proactive Initiative: Think Like an Owner

The intern’s underlying question: “How do I stand out from other interns? What does ‘going above and beyond’ really mean?”

The difference between a good intern and a “must-hire” intern is initiative. Good interns complete their assigned tasks well. Great interns look for ways to add value that no one has asked them to do.

• Solve a Problem You See: Is there a repetitive, manual task that everyone on your team hates doing? Spend a little extra time thinking if there’s a more efficient way to do it. Present your solution to your manager—this is incredibly impressive.
• Ask “What’s Next?”: When you’re close to finishing an assignment, go to your manager and say, “I’m wrapping up the report and should be finished by 3 PM. I just wanted to check in and see what the next priority is so I can be ready to jump right in.”
• Become the Expert on Something: Offer to become the go-to person for a new software the team is using, or volunteer to take the first pass at analyzing data from a new source. Owning a small niche makes you a valuable resource.

Step 5: The Final Act: How to Have the “What’s Next?” Conversation

The intern’s underlying question: “This is awkward. How do I actually ask for a job?”

This conversation is the culmination of all your hard work. The key is to be professional, prepared, and direct.

• Timing is Everything: Schedule a formal meeting with your manager 2-3 weeks before your internship is scheduled to end. Do not try to have this conversation in a hallway.
• Prepare Your Case: Before the meeting, review your “Brag Sheet” from Step 2. Pick out your top 3-4 accomplishments to use as evidence of the value you’ve provided.

The Script:

1. Express Gratitude: “I wanted to start by saying thank you so much for this opportunity. I’ve learned an incredible amount this summer, especially while working on [Project A] and [Project B].”

2. State Your Interest Directly: “As I get closer to my end date, I wanted to express my strong interest in continuing to contribute to the team. I’m very passionate about the work you’re doing here, and I would love to be considered for a full-time position after I graduate.”

3. Provide Your Evidence: “During my time here, I was particularly proud of how I was able to [mention your top accomplishment, with a metric]. I’ve really enjoyed the company culture and feel that I’ve been able to make a tangible contribution.”

4. Ask the Question: “Based on my performance this summer, could you see a potential for a full-time role for me on this team or within the company?”

No matter the outcome, this professional approach will leave a lasting positive impression and could open doors for future opportunities. Good luck!