Internships give firms the opportunity to assess both your character and your suitability - to the firm and to the role - in much greater depth. Firms will likely evaluate the way you approach your work and the quality of the work you deliver. Firms will assess your interactions with employees and other interns and how well you are able to work in a team. And firms will look at which candidates remain enthusiastic and seem genuinely interested in both the firm and the career. 

Remember, you are selling yourself during an internship as much as a firm is selling itself to you, so your personality, character and performance will influence a firm's inclination (or not!) to hire you. In particular, your attitude, body language and general behaviour will affect whether a firm believes you have the ability to complete work in a very demanding, client-led environment and whether you can be trusted to work with high-profile clients and professional services firms that expect only the very best from their advisors and colleagues. 

Enthusiasm 

Many candidates are rejected following an internship on the basis that the firm felt their enthusiasm was lacking. It is easy to assume that if you are clever enough to do the work required of you, then surely this should be enough. However, if you do not seem enthusiastic when spending only a few weeks (or months) at the firm, this could give the impression that a year down the line, perhaps you will no longer care at all. After all, it's not difficult to smile for a few weeks! Moreover, a firm might be concerned that in the longer-term, a lack of enthusiasm could also affect the quality and consistency of your work, impact negatively upon the teams you work with and adversely affect the firm’s culture more generally. You can demonstrate enthusiasm simply by getting involved in as much as you can, asking insightful questions and remaining positive.

Culture

Firms will look to see how well you fit in with the firm's culture, including whether you are able to build a rapport with those around you. Be open and approachable and try to meet as many people as you can. Perhaps ask a variety of employees if they’ll meet you for coffee (this will also provide an opportunity to access further insights into the firm and career). You should also attend as many social and networking events as possible. Attendance at these events can demonstrate your interest in integrating into the firm, getting to know your potential future colleagues (including other interns and current employees) and contributing to the firm’s culture. It’s absolutely fine if there are any work-related (e.g. tight deadlines) or cultural circumstances that impinge upon your ability to attend certain events, but perhaps explain the situation to the graduate recruitment team in advance. Finally, although it goes without saying, don’t get too drunk and don’t cross any boundaries! Remember that you’re being continually assessed, even if it seems – on the face of it – as if those around you won’t mind. You just never know.

Attitude and motivation 

Firms will also look for a genuine commitment to your chosen career; they will want to see that you have shown a real interest in the work and the firm more broadly, as they would rather not invest in you if you’re likely to leave a short way into your career. Ask lots of carefully considered questions - to supervisors, graduate recruiters, people you meet during socials, and people that give you presentations - as this can really help to demonstrate your interest in the firm. Also, if you have not received work from your supervisor, then talk to them about it. In such circumstances, you could always (with your supervisor’s permission) offer other individuals - or even other departments - a helping hand.