5 Foolproof Tips for a Successful Internship

In recent years, interns have taken on increasingly strategic roles within companies. Internships not only support HR succession planning but also offer a mutually beneficial exchange. While companies gain new talent and technologies, interns gain practical experience, build professional networks, and develop their portfolios. Internships can also help secure a full-time job.

“Interns and early career workers are still building out their technical skills and looking for opportunities to get hands-on experience,” said Matt Lemming, MA, director of knowledge and infrastructure at Hogan Assessments. “Yet if they can’t land an internship, how are they supposed to practice in the real world? Having a better understanding of their personality with strategic self-awareness is a great first step in getting their foot in the door,” Lemming continued.

Early career workers, such as those belonging to Gen Z and Generation Alpha, are increasingly interested in careers in technology fields, such as blockchain engineering and digital data analysis, as well as in finance and innovation sectors, according to O*NET. This talent seeks workplace environments that provide financial growth opportunities and value entrepreneurship. Regardless of the field, certain personality traits are crucial for succeeding as an intern and predicting a promising career.

Hogan Assessments, a global leader in corporate personality assessment and hired by 75% of Fortune 500 companies, conducted an in-depth study on personality characteristics and competencies necessary for intern success. The research involved a comprehensive analysis of intern roles, conducted by experts who identified the most important characteristics for success in the role. The findings show that core personality characteristics predict intern performance, which mirror what we see from a general employability perspective.

The study highlights the following essential traits for outstanding performance:

• Conscientiousness: This is fundamental for success at entry levels and stands out as the best individual indicator of job performance.
• Personal Skills and Work Ethic: Competencies such as reliability, responsibility, professionalism, proactive attitude, stress tolerance, result orientation, communication, and decision-making are crucial for any entry-level employee.
• Flexibility: The ability to change direction and explore alternatives is necessary in today’s workforce. Interns who bring diverse perspectives and new approaches can add value to the organization.
• Adaptability: Interns who process information effectively and approach problems with an innovative mindset stand out for their ability to adapt.
• Proactivity and Initiative: Those who anticipate problems and take initiative often excel in uncertain environments. The ability to work independently and the willingness to make decisions are characteristics that distinguish outstanding interns, particularly in virtual or hybrid teams.

For professionals at the start of their careers, adopting these practices and enhancing these skills is an essential step to securing a full-time job and standing out in an increasingly competitive market.

Lemming oversees recruitment, hiring, and performance for interns at Hogan Assessments, which has an excellent record of hiring interns into full-time positions. “When we interview prospective intern applicants, we leave time at the end for them to ask questions about our internships,” Lemming said. “Inevitably, they ask us about behaviors that will help them stand out. Our answer begins and ends with the key competencies found in our high-potential interns who later transition into successful full-time employees. The more the intern can understand their personality strengths, the easier it is to add value to the organization and accelerate their career advancement.” Currently, Hogan Assessments has 14 interns across several departments.

The personality characteristics revealed by Hogan data are fundamental for intern success. They can also be decisive in the hiring process. Companies are increasingly attentive to qualities like showing initiative, which not only indicate exceptional performance during the internship but also signal a promising future in the job market. After all, every CEO has an origin story. Many successful CEOs launched their careers with an internship, learning their business from the ground up.

Investing in the development of these skills can make a significant difference for interns to build a successful career. “The most successful interns understand the importance of their personality and how it can impact their work performance, job fit, and career advancement,” Lemming said.

* Article provided by courtesy of Hogan Assessment