Making the move from military to civilian life is a big step. A SkillBridge internship can help make this change easier.
Let's look at how you can actively help turn your internship into a Full Time offer.
For more tips on how to find the right SkillBridge for you, check out this video.
Before you start talking to a company, there's important work to do.
Start by learning everything you can about the company. Visit their website, read their news, and understand what they do. This homework will help you feel more confident and show the company you're serious about the opportunity.
Next, reach out to people at the company through LinkedIn. Send a nice note telling them you're applying to join their team as a SkillBridge intern. This helps you build connections before you even start interviewing. (Watch this LinkedIn video for more LinkedIn tips on connecting with SkillBridge decision makers)
When it comes to interviews, preparation is key. Think about how your military and other skills can help the company. Be ready to talk about what makes you great at what you do. Have questions ready to ask - this shows you're interested and thinking ahead.
Here are some key things to prepare for your interview:
At the end of the day, they're investing in you to help their company grow. The more you can help them see your value, the more possibilities that will open for you.
Starting your internship is exciting. Show up early, dress like other employees, and bring a notebook. Write down important information and ask questions when you need help. It's just like a military turnover. The more you lean in, the faster you'll be able to provide value to the company (and better your chances are at getting a Full Time offer at the end of your SkillBridge).
Your SkillBridge internship is a chance to learn new skills and show what you can do. Pay attention to how things work in the civilian world. Many things are different in civilian jobs and even vary industry to industry and company to company - from titles for different jobs to processes for projects.
Good teamwork is something you know well from the military. Use these skills in your internship. Help others when you can, join in on team activities, and share your ideas. Your military background gives you special skills in working with others - use them!
Meet as many people as you can within the company and learn about their roles. when your name comes up in future hiring meetings about a full time position, you'll have more people in your corner advocating for you to get hired.
Keep track of what you learn and achieve during your internship. In addition to being a great reminder to your manager that you crushed it and they should hire you, a side quest for your SkillBridge internship is to build resume bullets that will help you land future roles.
Your SkillBridge internship is more than just job training. It's your bridge to a new career.
You'll learn:
For more tips on how to turn your SkillBridge into a Full Time offer, watch this video.
Your military experience has taught you many valuable skills. Now it's time to learn how they apply in a new world. Your SkillBridge internship is your chance to show civilian employers just how valuable you are. But also a chance for you to learn the types of jobs you really want to do in your next jobs.
