One of the best ways to get experience in your new field is through an externship. But how do you turn that externship into a job? Follow these 5 tips and you could be on your way:

Choose the right one: Instead of jumping at the first externship opportunity that comes your way, spend some time researching what you want to do and where you might like to work. For example, if you’re looking for a career as a medical assistant, ask yourself the kind of facility you’d like to work in someday and choose an externship in a similar setting. Do you want to work in a large hospital or a small clinic? Or maybe you’d be more comfortable working in a doctor’s office. Think about the specialties which most appeal to you. And remember, finding out where you don’t like to work can also be a valuable career lesson.

Make the most of your opportunity: While you’re on your externship, do your best to learn all you can! Ask a lot of questions. Find out who in the organization has which responsibilities. Volunteer for tasks that allow you to observe what everyone does and how they interact with one another. This is your opportunity to continue learning, so make the most of it!

Act professionally: Treat your externship like a real job. Display all the qualities that would make you a good employee like:

• Integrity
• Responsibility
• Punctuality
• Initiative
• Professionalism
• A good work ethic
• A positive attitude

Network: Your externship is your opportunity to connect with the people who already work in the career you want. Get to know your peers and your supervisors. The better you build your network, the more chance you’ll have to turn your externship into a job. Ask those performing the job you hope to attain just how they got to where they are and what suggestions they might have for you.Don’t forget to say thank you to those who help you while you’re on externship and send written notes or emails, asking if it’s okay if you keep in touch. Then, make sure you keep in touch!

Ask for a job:Don’t just assume people know you want a job. You’ve got to ask! If you’ve made a good impression during externship, don’t leave without letting everyone know that you want to come back onboard as a paid employee.

At Porter and Chester Institute, we want you to become a great employee. That’s why all our career programs offer hands-on training that also teach you the soft skills area employers want from their new hires. Check out our campuses in Connecticut and Massachusetts today!