Intern to Employee: Be a Keeper!

How "Likeable" Are You?

2010-03-25T07:38:00.008-04:00

We all know there are laws that bring order to our lives - laws of nature like gravity that holds everything in place, laws of the land that keep us safe, and laws of the universe such as cause and effect that help us be successful....or not....in life.

So what do laws have to do with how likeable you are? What does being likeable have to do with interns?

I recently found another group of laws that make a difference when applied daily and especially in how I view and interact with other people. These are the Laws of Likeability which can make a BIG difference to an intern who wants to stay on full-time after their internship. This doesn't mean kissing up or brown-nosing (as it used to be called). It just means being genuinely helpful, kind, courteous and thoughtful of other people.

Here are the first four of fifteen Laws of Likeability:

We like people who like us
We like people who are like us
We like authentic people
We like people who make us feel safe
...... (go here to see the rest of the list.)

Bob Sommers, "The Likeability Guy", has a free 30-Day Likeability Course to help you improve your personality and better get along with others....both of which will bring happiness to everyone and success to you. There is also a Likeability Test on his website for you to use on your family, friends, and associates.

Bob says "When you focus on helping people like themselves, they will find a way to return the favor. They will hire you...."

Need I say more about being likeable?

Internship DO's....if You Want to be a Keeper!

2010-02-22T09:40:00.009-05:00

I love lists.....especially "to do" lists! They help organize my brain and my time, both of which helps me to get more accomplished without losing my mind. This list for interns is a "to do" list of sorts, giving advice on what you should be sure to do while working as an intern, but only if you want to be a "keeper"! (Hmmm.....that is the point of interning. Right?)

Here are some personal traits an employer wants and looks for in the interns they hire full-time:

Work well with others.
Willingness to wear any of the necessary hats.
Enthusiasm about the opportunity.
Organized, self-motivated, dependable.
Asks intelligent questions, looks for solutions to problems
Go above and beyond what is expected.
Eager to learn, focused.
Receptive to correction
On time, on time, on time.
Follows directions, great listening skills.
Good attitude!

Didn't you learn these in kindergarten?

Online Resources for Interior Design Career Search

2010-01-27T08:25:00.006-05:00

Great information is always appreciated and Fred Bern's posts always provide great information. Check out this link to his blog post where he lists career search resources for Interior Designers:

Interior Design Online Career Resources

If you are an interior design student, you need to know who Fred Berns is - the biggest name in the business of interior design. "He's the only sales and marketing coach, author and professional speaker who trains design trade professionals worldwide how to use self-promotion to dramatically increase sales and profits." Be sure to read his posts for great advice on running an interior design business.

Fred's website is Business By Design and his blog can be found at InteriorDesignBusiness.net.

Job Search Solutions in a Down Economy

2009-11-19T07:33:00.006-05:00

Job search can be hard on your self-esteem, especially when there are many rejections for a long period of time. It can get harder to keep a smile on your face when your budget is tightening and the light at the end of the tunnel is hard to see.

There is plenty of "bad" news being broadcast by the media, mostly by those in life who look at a glass half-empty with the remainder ready to spill (or their job is to make money spreading doom and gloom). However, there are those who still see it as half-full and ready to be refilled. Architect David W Patterson in one such who not only sees the glass half-full, he sees multiple ways to refill the glass

His article, Don't Let a Recession Sink Your Job Search posted on Design Intelligence is written without fluff, hype and flowery promises. This article has substance and solutions. Granted, it will still take effort to find a job in a down economy but with his one-stop-shop of ideas on what to do next, it will make the job search more palatable.

While written for job seeking architects and interior designers rather than students, the information can still apply to students seeking an internship. Plenty of places to look for those with a little innovation and perseverance.

Thanks for the great article Mr. Patterson!

Interior Design Intern to Employee: Be a Keeper eBook Available

2009-11-18T09:52:00.006-05:00

Technology is a great thing. In only a few minutes, the eBook version of the book manuscript was uploaded, published and available. A push of a few buttons and clicks on the mouse. Wow! I love computers!

If you are interested or know of a student who can use the guidebook, find print and ebook version here:

From Interior Design Intern to Employee: Be a Keeper

Can Social Networks Help You Find an Internship?

2009-11-17T14:14:00.004-05:00

You bet they can. When used correctly, social networks can expand a student's list of contacts who may just know of an internship before it is published. The more people you know in your industry and the more who can refer you, the better.

Here is a great article with more explanation on how Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and others can get your foot in the door.

Social Networks Can Boost Student Career Opportunities

Second Milers Move Ahead Rapidly

2009-10-29T19:15:00.005-04:00

Jack Canfield is one of my favorites and this is worth sharing.........try these tips as an intern and see if you get noticed!
==========================================================

Going the Extra Mile will Get You Even Farther
by Jack Canfield

Are you someone who consistently goes the extra mile and routinely over delivers on your promises?

It's rare these days, but it's the hallmark of high achievers who know that exceeding expectations helps you stand above the crowd. Almost by force of habit, successful people simply do more.

As a result, they experience not only greater financial rewards for their extra efforts but also a personal transformation, becoming more self-confident, more self-reliant, and more influential with those around them.

These high achievers stand out from the crowd because of their extra efforts. They are unwilling to give up, even in the face of difficult times.

They get the promotions, they get the loyal customers, they grow their businesses twice as fast, they get financial rewards, job security, and they go home feeling satisfied.

Do you exceed expectations?

Do you surprise people with more than they were expecting from you?

Do you have the opportunity - but also the personal initiative - to go the extra mile?

To be successful you must change your thinking. You can only win by making extra efforts. People who go the extra mile always get payback. You will discover yourself becoming more self-confident, more self-reliant and more influential with those around you.

People notice the special services and all the small touches that make dealing with you so pleasurable. And when they are talking to their friends they will mention you and recommend you because you are the one who stands out.

People will see that you pay attention to detail, that you consider all the small things that really make a business successful, that you care about your image, and that you belong with all the other people who work hard to achieve. You will attract new business and new opportunities.

Listen to any success story and you will hear of someone who worked exceptionally hard to get what they wanted.

You’ll hear how they put in the extra time, did what wasn’t part of their job description, and over-delivered on what was asked of them. You’ll hear how they stuck at it until they broke through, and usually you’ll hear how it only took them a couple of years to do it.

What have you been doing for the past couple of years? Think of what you could accomplish if you made it a habit to exceed everyone’s expectations. Image what doors could be open to you if you decided to be of better service and value.

How are you willing to go the extra mile? What kind of extra service are you willing to provide in order to stand out from the rest? What areas of your life could you be giving more of your effort and time, becoming more valuable, and improving your reputation?

Be willing to treat everyone like you’d treat your dearest friend. Don’t skimp on service. Don’t be mediocre or run of the mill. Show people what you are capable of. Show them that you care about your image and reputation.

When it comes to success, the people who are willing to go the extra mile get there that much faster!

Jack Canfield, America's #1 Success Coach, is founder of the billion-dollar book brand Chicken Soup for the Soul© and a leading authority on Peak Performance and Life Success. If you're ready to jump-start your life, make more money, and have more fun and joy in all that you do, get your FREE success tips from Jack Canfield now at: www.FreeSuccessStrategies.com

Can You Answer "Why should I Hire You?" in an Interview?

2009-10-19T14:01:00.005-04:00

Preparing for a job interview can be nerve-wracking.....

Decide what to wear - check
Groom the look to perfection - check
Print extra copies of your resume - check
Package the portfolio - check
Weather report...coat, umbrella or sunglasses? - check
Print a map or get the address into the GPS - check
Practice answering possible interview questions on the way - check
Smile and don't look nervous when you arrive - check
Arrive on time - check

The interview begins and the first question asked is "Why should I hire you?" If not prepared, this question can throw you off and leave you stammering for an answer.

Want to know how to handle this important question? Check out the article on CareerBuilder.com......they even quoted yours truly!

Why Should I Hire You?

Even in a Tough Economy - Do an Internship!

2009-10-06T20:34:00.004-04:00

During the last few months as I have spoken with college professors all over the USA, I have had many mention how tough it is for their students to find internships in this economy. There have been stories of large corporations who usually hire a multitude of interns who are not hiring any at all this year. Many instructors have also asked me, "what do the students do to graduate when the internship is required and they can't find one?"

While I don't have answers that will guarantee those who follow my advice will get an internship, I do want to encourage students to read this article from Quintessential Careers. Some of you may have read it before but it is worth reading again.

College Students: You Simply Must Do and Internship (Better Yet: Multiple Internships)!

Not trying to pour salt into a wound here. Just remind you how important an internship is to your career. If you think finding an internship is hard, try finding a job when many older, more experienced people are applying for the same position because they are now out of work. If you want to have a chance of finding a job after graduation, you will need experience to get your foot in the interview door.

Next post.......Internship Eluding You? What to do Next!

Never Too Early to Start Looking for an Internship

2009-09-09T13:53:00.006-04:00

Finding an internship takes time and effort. When you are overloaded with assignments, a semester can slip away quickly and the search for something you don't really need until later gets postponed.

If you are a freshman, an internship seems forever away so you likely aren't thinking about it too much just yet. As a sophomore, it may be starting to cross your mind as you plan your course schedule for the next three years. Juniors see it looming on the schedule (and are too busy to think about it) but think they still have time to look and seniors, if you haven't started looking yet, you may be in for a surprise!

So when is the best time to start looking for an internship? No later than two semesters before your need to intern is minimum. Even earlier is better! It is never to early to start looking.

Now notice I said "looking" for your internship, not contacting companies or applying for positions. What I mean is to start getting familiar with companies out there. Start searching the internet, phone books, and chamber of commerce for names of companies in your industry and make a list of those who interest you. Note their application deadlines for future reference.

An early search is especially important in a down economy when internships are few and applicants are many. The more time you put into your search, the more likely you are to find hidden gems others have missed. An early search also helps you avoid the last minute rush from procrastinators and may get your application to the top of the pile. You might even land the position before the others begin to search!

Enjoy what you are doing in school but always look ahead to the future. Keeping one step ahead will keep you from falling behind....and not getting the internship you want or possibly not getting one at all. Now you know why they say "the early bird gets the worm."

School's In.....Time to Study!

2009-09-01T15:16:00.003-04:00

You spend four years in high school preparing for college. Lab experiments, pop quizzes, homework and chapter tests....with a little fun thrown in....football games, pep rallies, prom. Graduation comes and you move to the next four years. College.

University life brings more freedom. If you are away from home, no one is there to tell you when to do anything. You can get up when you want, go to class if you aren't too tired, stay up all hours of the night and mom isn't there to readjust your attitude.

University life also brings more responsibility. Someone is paying for you to go to class......scholarship, parents, rich uncle, or even possibly you pay the tuition bill. So what is college all about? You may be thinking "now it is time to live it up!" But as a mentor, teacher and friend, I will tell you what I told my kids when they headed to college.

"The next four years [or whatever you need to complete your degree] is a time of intensive training. This is the time to prepare for your career. Work hard now and you can play later. Play now and you will work hard the rest of your life."

By this I mean, learn everything you can about your major and then some. Study, attend classes, and do your assignments with 100% effort. Learn all you can to make yourself the most marketable candidate for your internship and subsequently, an entry-level position. Graduate and start the climb toward financial independence.....then you can retire early, relax and let the fun begin.

Play while in college......skip class, only give 50% (or less) effort on assignments and party instead of studying. You will be looking for excuses when your grades slide and you have a hard time getting an internship.....or a job for that matter. If you think employers can't pick the slackers out of a line-up of applicants, think again. Employers want workers, not slackers.

So, school's in......time to study!

Proper Phone Etiquette in Meetings

2009-08-04T13:09:00.019-04:00

Everywhere you go you see cell phones glued to heads of people passing by, whether they are alone or in a group, walking, driving or even riding a bicycle. Ever notice those people standing alone talking to themselves? Conversations on the 'hands-free' model wrapped around their ear really just makes them look silly.

Cell phones have made life easier....when your car breaks down on the side of the road, a call for that "I forgot" item you need to pick up at the store, or finding your group when you get separated at the mall. But, cell phones have also become major annoyances.

People have forgotten, or perhaps they never learned, proper cell phone etiquette. In discussing this recently with my son, he mentioned seeing three people walking together, all totally engaged in a cell phone conversation. (I seriously doubt they were on a conference call with one another!) What is the point of being together with friends if you are too busy talking to other people? The message being sent is, "My phone conversation is more important than being fully present with you."

The same goes for phone calls and text messaging during business meetings. Taking a phone call during a meeting or sending messages is, well, there is no other way to put it...both arrogant and rude. Doing either during an interview? A sure way to get your resume tossed into the trash upon your exit from the interview! Why? Because you are essentially saying to the interviewer that your phone call/message is far more important than what they have to say.

You may think by keeping the phone in your lap, below the edge of the table that it goes unnoticed, but think again. Tell-tell signs are: eyes averted, lack of focus on the speaker, "the glow" from the phone (yes it does show!), click-click-click noise, head motion up and down to hands in your lap, and most annoying, the ring, alarm, or vibration when the call comes in. People do notice and vital first opinions are being formed about you.

So, what is proper phone etiquette in meetings? First rule: leave the phone in the car or turn it off and put it in your bag or pocket. Second, don't bring it out, for any reason...unless there is a fire or emergency and you need to call 911! If the phone is set to vibrate or the screen lights up showing "you got mail", you will be tempted to look and see who called. Don't. Fight the urge.

Let the calls go to voice mail. All calls can wait until you have a break during the meeting or the interview is over. A constant barrage of calls or messages does not make you cool or important. Leave high school/college behavior where it belongs. You may be too young to remember, but there really was a time before cell phones...and the world amazingly still moved forward.

Want to be Remembered After an Interview?

2009-07-28T08:44:00.006-04:00

Got the new outfit or suit, showered and shaved, arrived early, had your portfolio organized and felt like you answered all the questions with the greatest of ease. But was it enough to get you hired as the newest intern for the company? Did you do anything special to cause your resume to stay on top of the pile?

Check out this post from my colleague Shandra Blackwell's blog to see what a little ingenuity and originality can do to get you noticed.....and hired!

Read post here:
Advice for a New Grad in Interior Design

Top Tips for Interview Success

2009-07-23T10:40:00.006-04:00

Search the Internet for "interview tips" and you will get more than 58 million results. Finding the most important tips from such an extensive list would be like finding a needle in a haystack! So, to save you college students some time, I have compiled a list of top tips taken from a survey.....of those who hire!

Be prompt, on time; better yet, be 4 minutes early! Allow time for traffic, parking, finding the office, etc. Arrive unhurried allowing you to appear composed, relaxed, and self-assured (even if you are nervous!).
Research the company you are interviewing with by visiting their website or talking to current employees. Knowing what they do will give you something in common to talk to the interviewer about, not just the position for which you are applying.
Dress appropriately - don't wear revealing clothing or look like you just got up. Be well groomed - shower, shave and have clean hair. Wear professional attire and this does not mean school clothes! Get an outfit for interviews and be neat from the shoes up. Oh, and do not wear perfume. You want them to remember you, not the scent you left behind.
Be cheerful, optimistic, enthusiastic, and have good energy but be business-like and professional in your manner. Be polite, courteous, and attentive.
Be yourself and don't apologize for anything. Watch your language and drop the college lingo (cool, my bad, etc.).
Respect the interviewers time. Be prepared for short, spur of the moment interviews as well as those that are more in-depth. If they are interested in you from the beginning, you may be interviewed by more than one person.
Answer questions asked and ask good questions but don't monopolize all the time talking about you. Be prepared for unusual questions and be honest, forthright in you replies.
Do not oversell you abilities. Act positive but know that you are still learning. Show you are a "sponge" and willing to learn instead of coming across as a know-it-all.
When appropriate, bring examples of your work. Check the condition of your portfolio for signs of wear and show only your best work. Be prepared to show your portfolio in a short period of time so rehearse your presentation so it will be organized. Also, have several copies of your resume with you.
Remember to smile!! This will not only relax the muscles in your face and help relieve your nervousness, it will also start the interview on a positive note when the interviewer smiles back!

At the end of the interview, be sure to ask when the employer expects to make the hiring decision and find out about their follow-up procedure. Be sure to follow this and check back at the appropriate time.

How to Write a Great Resume'

2009-07-07T15:23:00.006-04:00

Search the web or the library and you will find so many resources on how to write a resume, it will make your head spin! Which resource is right? Where do you start? What should you include and how long should it be? What about graphics?

Having received numerous resumes, which I screened and filed for future reference or tossed, I noticed many common mistakes. Errors ranged from impossible-to-read formatting to over-use of graphics to poor grammar. Some really made me shake my head in amazement (and not because the were outstanding)!

Want your resume to result in a phone call instead of the "round" file? Follow a few basic tips from the Intern Toolkit found at Z University in their How to Write a Great Resume practice tips. This list of tips will help you re-evaluate your resume or format your first one so you will make the best first-impression possible.

Why an Employer Needs You to Intern

2009-07-06T23:31:00.014-04:00

You need professional experience and sure, you could use some extra money for college, but.....why does an employer need you to intern? What can you offer an employer?

As an intern, you can provide an employer the following:

An enthusiastic and motivated pre-professional.
New, innovative ideas and latest industry knowledge.
Special technical skills, especially computer skills older employees may not have.
An ideal interview tool and cost effective screening program for recruiting future employees.
Pipeline of talent or pool of potential employees for their future workforce.
Risk-free evaluation in determining if a candidate is a good fit for the organization.
Training and development of prospective employees, significantly decreasing cost-per-hire.
Conversion of an intern to a full-time employee who can immediately be productive.
Greater retention of newly hired employees (interns) when they experience satisfaction with their internships.
Allow flexibility in staffing and free up professional staff to pursue higher priority projects.
Company receives assistance with special projects or meets seasonal needs without a long-term commitment.
Provide an opportunity to develop staff supervisory skills.
Regular employees have increased motivation and productivity.
Opportunity to have an impact on molding students and giving back to the community.
Strengthening of relationships between the academic world and professional settings.

If a company you would like to work for does not have an internship program, use these points to sell them on the idea. Internships can be a win-win situation for both student and employer, especially when the student has a great attitude and the company has a well-run internship program.

Creating You - the Complete Intern "Package"

2009-06-30T16:35:00.004-04:00

It takes more than good grades to land a job after graduation. The "package" presented to a potential employer needs to be all-inclusive: good communication skills, proper etiquette and social skills along with the portfolio of talents developed in college. Becoming proficient in these areas prior to your internship will move you to the front of the line, setting you apart from all other applicants.

Want to be a "Keeper"? Check out this great article, The Missing Link: Why Good Students Lose Great Jobs written by Kerry Harding, President and Owner of The Talent Bank, Inc. to find out what firms look for in a potential employee.

Until next week! Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

Top 10 Benefits of an Internship

2009-06-16T08:23:00.004-04:00

College is an intensive 2-5 year period of education for your upcoming career. Completing an internship during college provides a great opportunity for short term hands-on experience in your chosen field. Many schools require internships for graduation, but if yours does not, do one anyway! The benefits far out-weigh any disadvantages.

Here are 10 of the top reasons to intern:

Provides chance to earn credit and money simultaneously - get paid while you go to school!
Experience firsthand things you will never learn in the classroom.
Compare what you now know to what you actually need to know.
Enables you to test and refine knowledge as you begin to develop confidence and competencies in professional skills.
Validates your career direction is correct - before you finish school and realize you do not really like the industry!
Helps you practice the art of finding and getting a job.
Network as you meet and connect with others in the field, which often provides leads on other workplaces that might be hiring.
Helps you make the transition from student to professional as you begin to think, act and dress like a professional instead of a student.
Offers the experience employers look for which gives you the competitive advantage over other applicants.
Increases your credibility and marketability after graduation.

Use your internship as a time to begin thinking about life after college. Prepare for your future job before you graduate.

Beginning with the End in Mind

2009-06-02T08:23:00.005-04:00

Welcome to my new blog, Intern to Employee! Having spent many years....ok, maybe not "so" many (I'm not that old!).....hiring, training and mentoring interns and recent graduates, I have learned much about the transition from college to career. I also remember what it felt like to wonder if I knew what I needed to know to handle my new job.

The owner of the company where I held my first interior design position was the example of best manager I have encountered. Paul Stegenga willingly taught his employees those things they had not yet learned and provided experiences for growth. My favorite attribute of Paul's management style was his ability to look at a mistake I had made and say, "next time let's do it this way." He taught me how to correct my mistakes and kept my confidence intact at the same time.

Having someone to answer my questions and teach me the design business, give pointers on what to do as well as correcting mistakes without destroying my confidence was greatly appreciated. Working in that kind of atmosphere can make all the difference in growth as a professional as did my time at Stegenga + Partners.

It is with my first boss in mind that I begin this blog in hopes of being a mentor to those who need a leg up, pat on the back or light in the darkness. May everyone be as fortunate as I was to start my career with such a great company. Thanks for the inspiration Paul!!