Hey Lykkers! So you landed the internship—congrats! Now you’re eyeing the big prize: turning this temporary gig into a permanent seat at the table. But between grabbing coffees and team meetings, how do you make yourself unforgettable? Let’s be real: an internship isn’t just work experience—it’s the world’s longest, most important job interview. Here’s how to ace it.

Don’t just do your assigned tasks. Look for small gaps you can fill—organize that shared drive, take notes in a meeting no one asked you to, or research a topic the team keeps discussing. As career strategist Austin Belcak advises, "Think like an owner, not a renter." (Belcak, Cultivated Culture) Show them you’re already invested in the company’s success, not just your own resume line.

2. Be Curious, Not Just Compliant

Asking thoughtful questions is a stealth superpower. Inquire about why processes exist, how projects connect to company goals, or what challenges the team is anticipating. This mirrors the approach recommended by Laszlo Bock, former head of People Operations: "Bring insights. Understand the ‘why’ behind your work." (Bock, Work Rules!) Curiosity shows engagement and strategic thinking.

3. Build Real Relationships

Connect with people outside your immediate team. Ask someone from another department for a brief coffee chat. When you form genuine connections, you’re no longer just "the intern in marketing"—you’re a future colleague people already know and like. Remember, hiring decisions are often influenced by who knows and vouches for you.

4. Document and Showcase Your Wins

Keep a simple "brag sheet" of your accomplishments, positive feedback, and contributions. Did you streamline a process? Help on a project that succeeded? Quantify it when possible ("cut research time by two hours per week"). As management expert Kim Scott notes in Radical Candor, "Create a culture of guidance by making your work visible." Share updates modestly in check-ins so your manager can see your impact.

5. Seek Feedback Like a Pro

Don’t wait for your formal review. Ask for quick, informal feedback regularly: "Do you have five minutes to chat about how I could improve the next draft?" This shows humility, drive, and a commitment to growth—exactly what managers want in a permanent hire.

6. Solve a Tiny Problem

Every team has a small, nagging issue—a disorganized spreadsheet, an outdated reference document, a messy supply closet. Find one and fix it quietly. This embodies the entrepreneurial mindset author Seth Godin praises: "The smallest viable audience… solve the smallest viable problem." (Godin, The Practice) It proves you’re proactive and attentive to details others overlook.

7. Have the Conversation

About a month before your internship ends, schedule a chat with your manager. Express gratitude, reiterate your interest in staying, and ask: "Based on my work so far, what would I need to demonstrate in the remaining weeks to be considered for a full-time role?" This isn’t pushy—it’s professional. It shows serious intent and gives you a clear goal to hit.

The bottom line, Lykkers? Landing a full-time offer isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up as someone they can’t imagine losing—a curious problem-solver who fits the culture and adds real value. Your internship is your runway. Now, go make every task count.