Intern Like a Pro: From internship to an offer

Career Tips
Written By Jihye Kim

66.4% of graduates with paid internships receive job offers. Then how do you become the intern who gets the offer?

Here’s how to propose a project that can not only leave a lasting impression but also add impact to your resume 🤓

Dear intern,

If you haven’t already, now’s the time to shift your mindset: from just getting through your internship to earning that offer letter. Why? Because…

So how do you become the intern who gets the offer?

The good news is you have more control than you think. Unforgettable interns don’t just do what they’re told. They spot problems, propose solutions, and leave behind real results.

How? Here’s how to propose a project that can not only leave a lasting impression but also add impact to your resume 🤓

 

Step 1: Find the friction

Find one small, specific problem that, if solved, would make life easier for at least one person on your team.

  1. Look for manual work
    Does someone spend an hour every Monday pulling the same data for report?

  2. Listen for “I wish we had…”
    Do you hear managers say, “I wish we had a better way to track…?”

  3. Notice the clutter
    Is the team’s shared drive a mess? Is there a confusing process that everyone complains about? That’s a project waiting to happen.

 

Step 2: Draft the fix

Create a tangible, one-page solution (aka proof-of-concept) that proves your ideas is viable. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to demonstrate the concept. This sows you’re a serious problem-solver, not just an ideas person

  1. Process improvement
    Create a simple flowchart or checklist

  2. Report generation
    Build a basic template in Excel or Google Sheets

  3. Tool building
    Mock up a simple design in a presentation slide

 

Step 3: Pitch the Value

Schedule a brief chat with your manager. Make your pitch to be concise and framed as a "win-win". It helps the team, and it helps you learn.

Structure:

  • Define the friction

  • Explain the rationale (why solving the friction is a value-add)

  • Share your solution

  • Ask for the opportunity to lead or contribute

It’s easy as these: 

  • "I drafted a way to improve [the friction] to save the team some time. Would you be open to me spending a few hours developing it this week?"

  • "Hi [Manager's Name], I have an idea that could help streamline [the friction]. I've already started on a draft. could I get your approval to spend a bit of time developing it as a contribution to the team?"

 

Step 4: Execute!

Execute your approved project to completion, ensuring it meets objectives and your ability to stay accountable. This section is more rigorous because it's key to making it a reality.

  1. Define the Roadmap
    Break down the project into a series of clear, actionable milestones and tasks. This includes outlining who is responsible for each part of the project and setting a realistic timeline for completion.

  2. Allocate Resources
    Identify and secure all necessary resources. This means ensuring your team has the right people, budget, and tools to complete the work efficiently. When needed, collaborate with other teams or departments to proactively address any resource gaps.

  3. Maintain Communication
    Establish a rhythm of consistent and transparent communication. Regularly update all stakeholders on your progress, challenges, and successes. This proactive approach builds trust and allows you to address potential issues before they become major problems.

  4. Ensure Quality
    As you execute the plan, implement a robust quality assurance process. Review all deliverables against the standards set in the proposal. This ensures that the final product not only meets expectations but also demonstrates a high level of craftsmanship.

 

Step 5: Present and Celebrate!

Formally showcase your project's impact and acknowledge your achievement, showcasing your value to stakeholders.

  1. Present the impact
    Schedule a dedicated session to formally deliver your project and its outcomes. Focus on the tangible value, directly linking it back to the original friction and the benefits for the team or company.

  2. Document your growth
    Use this opportunity to reflect on what you learned, the skills you developed, and any challenges you overcame.

  3. Celebrate success and recognize contributions: Beyond showcasing your own impact, take the time to recognize any cross-functional teams or individuals who supported your success. This demonstrates strong teamwork and gratitude.

 

Deliver your projects in a way that highlights your value, showcases your professionalism, and leaves a lasting positive impression.

 

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Jihye Kim