Employers often view internship opportunities as a way to recruit new full-time talent, but there are certain skills and qualifications employers look for when considering new talent. Apart from relevant skills, employers usually seek someone with personal values, characteristics and personality traits that will lead to the company's success.
According to an About.com article by Penny Loretto, an internship is the perfect opportunity to learn what a potential employer wants and to show off those qualities. Some traits employers generally look for include:
- strong work ethic
- dependable and responsible
- possessing a positive attitude
- adaptability
- honesty and integrity
- self-motivated
- willing to grow and learn
- strong self-confidence
- professionalism
- loyalty
"Offering jobs that encourage learning and the development of new skills also gives employees a sense of empowerment in the workplace," Loretto states. "Aligning an employee's values with the goals of the organization will foster loyalty and a bond between employer and employee.
"Fostering good relationships within an organization and offering constructive ways to handle conflict provides a win – win situation for both employer and employee," Loretto continues. "Creating an organization that values loyalty within the organization can also work to its benefit by using the same techniques and strategies to establish loyalty with customers; and loyatly from customers ultimately makes for a successful business."
So whether an internship is a requirement through college or just a chance to learn more about the workforce, it should be looked as a potential chance to secure a future career.
