How To Turn Your Internship into a Career

How to Turn Your Event Production Internship into a Fulfilling Career

Careers in event production and experiential marketing are highly sought after, especially in competitive markets such as New York City. With summer just around the corner, now is the best time to start thinking about how to find — and make the most of — a 2019 internship. The opportunities to grow within a company as a young professional are endless; the challenge is unlocking all these advantages.If you're looking to start a thriving career in event production, here are five tips that can help you turn your internship into a full-time job you will love:

1. Network, network, network

The old saying "it's not what you know, it's who you know" has stood the test of time for a reason.  While networking is a crucial component of business success in many fields, it is especially true in the events industry. It is essential to begin building meaningful relationships early on in your career. While there are many doors to be opened within the realm of event production, it does not hurt to take advantage of opportunities that could accelerate the process.With online platforms, like LinkedIn, making networking more accessible, it is essential to pay close attention to both the number of connections you're making and the quality of those relationships. While these digital platforms can make the initial contact easier, the best way to showcase your passions is the old-fashioned way with an in-person meeting. By creating meaningful personal connections, you will be able to showcase your potential and expertise.While on the job, it is important to be intentional about keeping in contact with the people you've added to your network, which includes people you work with as well as people you may happen to meet through an event. You never know when a past co-worker or friend may help you advance to your next opportunity. Take advantage of your internship to network and build lasting relationships. Interns who understand the power of networking and are purposeful about leveraging it will frequently be the ones to have the most success in the long run.

2. Pay Attention to Details

When you are in charge of performing tasks as an intern in event production, often the tiniest of details can have a significant impact.While every intern starts their first day with enthusiasm to work hard and grow professionally, it is essential to demonstrate this level of passion throughout your program. Remember, no matter what your alma mater, your field of study, or GPA may be, you must bring a high level of attention to detail and willingness to learn, which will distinguish you from your peers. Even though the work may seem monotonous at times, it is crucial to demonstrate care and focus for small responsibilities. By doing so, you will prove that you have earned the right to more critical tasks moving forward.

3. Show Your Dedication

Perhaps the two most important qualities that hiring managers look for in long-term prospects are work ethic and engagement.If you are an intern who's still in college, it can be easy to get distracted by papers or a busy social life. However, if you want to turn your internship into a job, you need to demonstrate your commitment to your work. Being completely focused on your work will not only allow you to complete your objectives effectively but will also enable you to surpass your goals and assist in other facets of the company. Your involvement in multiple aspects of a company will make you more well-rounded, versatile, and, most of all, valuable. So, be sure to shut off that phone and be fully present and engaged with your work.

4. Perform Your Own Self-Evaluation and Grow

One of the best ways to approach your internship is with a proactive growth mindset.During your internship there may be performance evaluations done by a supervisor, even with these, you should be setting up your checkpoints and evaluating yourself regularly. As an intern, it is expected that you will make mistakes or have questions from time to time. Do not be nervous to speak up. Showcasing this desire to learn and perfect your work is not something that can be taught by your employer; it has to come from within yourself. A company would rather hire someone full-time who can admit their flaws and work to improve themselves rather than someone who stays within their ways. Remember, leaders, are always seeking to innovate and grow.If you are ever stuck on how you can best improve, here are some questions you should be asking yourself regularly:

• What have I done best?

• What has felt effortless for me?

• Where have I struggled?

• Where do I see myself at this company?

If you show your team that you're serious about continuous improvement, you will make yourself a more desirable candidate for full-time employment.

5. Ask

A common concern amongst many interns both during and after their program is asking upfront questions to management or other staff. However, if you never express any interest in full-time employment or a change in roles – then how will your supervisor ever know how to best lead you down the right path? Although it may seem that everyone around you is always bustling in the world of event production, every single employee – be it the CEO or the intern next to you – wants to help you grow and succeed to your greatest potential. Recognize that while it may seem uncomfortable at the moment, asking how to achieve your goals will enable you to better yourself in the long run.Many interns miss out on opportunities both during and after an internship because they never step up and ask. If getting hired into a full-time role is what you want, try asking your supervisor, or HR, what the chances are for full-time employment, or what you may need to do to improve your odds for success. If need be, you might even ask if you can intern again the following year.Remember, if you don't ask, you will never know. iDEKO is now accepting applications for the 2019 Fall internship program.  If you're enthusiastic about large-scale experiential marketing and event production, and you want to both learn and contribute as a proactive member of a high performing team, we want to hear from you!

(Scroll to the bottom of the page, upload your resume, and tell us a little about yourself and why you'd be an excellent fit for iDEKO!)