Graduate internships offer a fantastic opportunity to delve into and develop the concepts you’ve studied. As a graduate seeking an internship or entry level role, creative thinking can be the key to securing a sought-after position. Regardless of the industry, employers seek a core set of skills and traits when evaluating internship applicants.

Your prospective employer is interested in more than just your Grade Point Average (GPA). Highlighting your technical expertise alongside your soft and transferable skills will help you stand out when applying for internship roles.

Here are the essential skills and qualities companies and employers look for in an intern or graduate:

1 Effective communication skills

Communication skills are vital in any internship. Effective workplace communication fosters engagement, productivity, transparency, and collaboration, leading to better outcomes for individuals, teams, and companies.

Strategies for Effective Communication as a Graduate Intern:

Become a better listener: Listening attentively to others, rather than interrupting or prematurely forming a response, aids in personal and professional growth. Seeking clarification when something is unclear is essential to avoid misunderstandings and achieve the best results.

Take notes whenever possible: Relying solely on memory can be unreliable. Taking notes during or after meetings, conferences, or conversations helps ensure accuracy and clarity.

Opt for a call: For important communications, consider calling instead of emailing. Following up with an email to confirm the conversation is also a good practice.

Treat everyone with respect: Treat others as equals and maintain professionalism and positivity in all workplace interactions. Being mindful of your interactions and continually working on your interpersonal skills is crucial.

2 Business Acumen

Business acumen refers to your general knowledge of business, your experience, and specifically, your understanding of the industry you wish to enter. Demonstrating business acumen shows you’ve invested time in understanding how a company operates, profits, and fits within the broader industry. This awareness is cultivated through continuous work experience, internships, and research.

Stay informed by:

• Engaging with quality news sources
• Subscribing to key industry publications
• Networking
• Joining professional clubs
• Consistently asking questions

3 Analytical Thinking

Analytical thinking is the ability to critically analyse and evaluate a situation or issue to form a reasoned judgement. It involves connecting and organising ideas, asking probing questions, and approaching problems from various angles to find innovative solutions.

4 Team Work

As an intern within a broader team, collaborating effectively with company employees and stakeholders is essential. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses will help you determine how best to contribute. Working on your weaknesses will also aid in your professional development and help you bring out the best in others.

5 Be Proactive

To get the most out of your internship, you can:

• Ask insightful questions
• Network actively
• Show initiative
• Think creatively
• Volunteer for tasks
• Display your passion

6 Flexibility & Adaptability

In your role as an intern, you’ll support the team in various ways each day. While you may have a specific area of interest, being willing to explore and understand different aspects of a company’s operations will be seen as an asset and help broaden your knowledge and skills.

Key Takeaways 

To excel in your graduate internship, focus on enhancing your communication, business acumen, analytical thinking, teamwork, proactivity, and adaptability. These skills and qualities are essential for standing out to potential employers and succeeding in your role. At Gradability and Performance Education, we support your career launch in Australia by issuing Digital Credentials as part of our Professional Year Program, helping you showcase your soft skills and stand out from the crowd.