Internships: How Can An Intern Acquire A Pre-Placement Offer?

Internship opportunities are crucial for a fresher. It is favourable for an individual to get hands-on experience in an industry where they want to work. If the professionals like the roles and responsibilities of the profile they are interning for, there is a possibility of being awarded a pre-placement offer (PPO). We at Careers360 have built a roadmap on how interns can get a PPO from the company they are working for. But before that let’s understand what is a PPO?

What Is A PPO?

While pursuing graduation or post-graduation students often have to intern as a part of their curriculum. In a few cases, companies do offer full time job opportunities once the internship is over, but before the scheduled campus placement drive. This job offer is referred to as PPO as the student has secured a job role before the actual placement drive.

Getting a pre-placement offer (PPO) from a company has become a critical milestone for many aspiring professionals. A PPO validates an intern's competence and provides a direct path to full-time employment during their graduation or post-graduation years. Here are some strategic steps to take to increase your chances of converting an internship into a PPO:

Understand the Company's Culture and Expectations

If the students want to grab a PPO they must adapt to the company’s culture. Knowing the values, work culture and expected performance parameters can guide them to put the effort in the right direction. For example, if you are appointed as an intern in a law firm. You should research about the firm and the way it deals with clients. You should realise the firm's dedication to providing precise legal solutions to clients. When the employer sees that as an intern you are working as per the firm’s vision and work culture. The chances of grabbing a PPO is high.

Also check-Do’s And Don’ts To Follow During An Internship

Stay Active and Take Initiative

Every organisation appreciates employees who take initiative and are active at work. When student interns demonstrate enthusiasm for their daily tasks and consistently fulfil their responsibilities, they create a positive impression. Sharing ideas, seeking additional responsibilities, and proactive contributions adds brownie points to the possibility of you being offered a PPO.

Set Clear Goals and Expectations

When undertaking an internship, it's important for students to discuss with their supervisors or mentors what are their expectations from them. Clarity regarding the desired outcomes and your contributions showcases alignment between personal aspirations, dedication and ambition. For example, during your law internship, you can put across your interest in corporate law and your inclination to gain exposure to mergers and acquisitions. You can also enquire what the company expects from you as an intern. When the firm sees you have clear goals and objectives they are able to have a better understanding if you are a perfect fit for being a permanent employee.

Works Ethics And Soft Skills

Soft skills like accountability, responsibility, and reliability towards work cannot be undervalued. When students who are working as interns constantly deliver what is asked of them within deadlines they are considered highly valued. For instance during your management internship, you are working as a supply chain executive. Your role is to find how the company gets its products more efficiently and less costly. For this, you duly figure out how to improve how the company gets its products. You make sure to finish your tasks on time and regularly update your supervisor about how things are going. When the company finds a professional who performs their task on time with minimum direction, they have a chance of being offered a PPO. Employees who care about doing a good job, someone the company can count on, and who are accountable for their mistakes are as someone the company can count are appreciated everywhere.

Networking And Building Relationships

Networking is an essential aspect of growth in any workplace. Students while interning can create meaningful connections with coworkers, managers, and mentors. Building a positive rapport can be an incentive for PPO considerations.

Obtaining a PPO through an internship demands hard effort, initiative, adaptability, and excellent communication. The chances of converting an internship into a full-time opportunity require matching efforts with the company’s objective. Each interaction during your internship is an opportunity to demonstrate the value and leave a lasting impression. It can be a stepping stone towards a successful career.

Also check-Dos And Don’ts: How Can Fresh Recruits Make The Most Of Their First Job?