In recent years, internships have become a major pipeline for college students to transition into full-time positions as they prepare to enter into the workplace and a way for companies to find new talent. ITW Performance Polymers is no exception to this, as interns such as Zach, have leveraged their skills and internship experience to secure, full-time positions within the company.
In an interview with Zach, Jr. Chemist, he spoke about his experience at ITW Performance Polymers and the advice he would give to current or future interns:
Transitioning from Intern to Full-Time Employee
When asked about how he transitioned his internship into a full-time role, Zach replied that he knew as he moved throughout his time with the organization that he wanted to continue working at ITW Performance Polymers not only after the end of the internship, but after he graduated. The biggest part of this transition was to put theory into practice and gain practical experience in the laboratory by working on various projects. This gave him exposure to a variety of technologies and a deep understanding of laboratory processes and procedures.
Relationships that Help
Next, Zach spoke about the relationships he formed in the division. “The importance of inter-departmental relationships is critical,” he stated, “as it makes it feel like you are already part of the team.” His relationships allowed him to develop core skills needed to succeed within his field, such as seeing first-hand how to work in a lab setting, how to interact with people in the industry, and take charge on projects that added value to his portfolio as a potential full-time employee. Learning how to work well with others and developing critical thinking skills allowed for better adaptation within the R&D team as well as other departments.
Setting Expectations
Expectations about internships and what they hold can be both exciting and intimidating for new, incoming employees. Zach juggled these two emotions in the beginning, as he didn’t know what to expect when entering ITW Performance Polymers. With defined expectations, Zach found that “There’s more excitement in the experience.”
According to Zach, his expectations were exceeded to say the least, as he knew base information about the product and company through online research beforehand. The background information he found acted as a baseline on where he would be dedicating much of his time. Zach noted, “That’s critical in having a jumpstart on any internship.”
Taking Initiative
Taking initiative is number one on almost all advice lists for incoming interns, and Zach wholeheartedly agreed. When asked about advice he would give to himself on the first day of his internship two years ago, he stated, “Take a deep breath and jump right in! Start asking questions right away and do not be afraid to go right in.” Zach emphasized the need for effort in getting the most out of any internship and how important it is to display relevant capabilities necessary to obtain a full-time position right off the bat.
Ultimately, ITW Performance Polymers was the perfect fit for Zach as both an intern and full-time employee. Although not every internship ends up with permanent employment, taking initiative, developing problem-solving skills, enhancing communication, and establishing diverse relationships are important skills to build for an intern.
Take the lead from Zach and consider your next career move. If you’re looking to match your education and work experience with an internship at ITW Performance Polymers, check out these job opportunities.
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ITW Performance Polymers is an international leader in structural adhesives, grouting and chocking compounds, and wear-resistant coatings and repair products. Contact us to learn more about these products and their applications.