STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Lilykind · Hermes

Turning internship into full-time job?

lsubatgirl · Gucci

How about approaching it like you are graduating and looking to start your career in this area and you want to know how they started and how they got to where they are today. Then you can reiterate how much you love your job there and the people you work with and the work that you do and how you would really like to stay if there is any possible way.

Dizzy · Marc Jacobs

Asking to have an agreement formalized isn't being mean. It's just asking. Don't let them feel like they're doing you a favor. You're giving them an opportunity to keep a valued, hardworking employee. I would approach it as "I really want to stay here. I love you guys..." blah blah blah "It's just that since I'm graduating I need to sort of out my future and start building a career." Just make it clear that they get the first draft pick for this proven, valuable player :o) and drive it home that you're giving them first choice because you really enjoy working here...

I wouldn't play hardball, because your position isn't too strong, so you may need to be prepared to accept something like a part-time gig, with an understanding that full-time employment will follow. And, of course, document every conversation about this and if possible get any promises in writing. Just say it's for your records. People respect someone who keeps records. (Although it doesn't hurt to downplay it a bit - you don't want the boss to feel like you're trying to catch her in a mistake or something).

Oh, and ignore the I'm-graduating-without-a-job voice in the back of your head. If they pick up on that your price will go down by a lot. And trust me. Lots of people graduate without a job and it's NO BIG DEAL. Don't even worry about it. If you could find an internship you can find a job...

poptart · Coach

Lilykind: some of the best advice I've every gotten is that "it never hurts to ask for what you want" and it has served me very well in terms of my career. As women, I think we are sometimes afraid that being assertive will make us seem pushy or rude, but in reality, that is rarely the case.

I would say something like this: I really appreciated the encouragement you gave me about the possibility of staying on with the company in a full-time capacity, and I want to express that staying here is still my first choice. Are you still considering having me stay? (And if they say yes, we're considering it, but we don't know blah blah) then I would let them know when you are planning to make your final decision, and ask if that date fits their timeline.

I think if you remain upbeat, calm, and very organized and professional, you can't go wrong with this conversation. If anything, it will show them how directed, motivated, and proactive you are. Hope this helps.

Lilykind · Hermes

I haven't talked to my bosses or taken any action on this yet, mostly because there's been some trouble brewing within my company and the bosses have been behind closed doors talking to THEIR bosses. And whatever is going to happen...well it doesn't seem good.