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What can I do during an internship to increase my chances of getting a full-time job offer afterward?
I am an accounting major, interning at a tax/accounting firm and I'm hoping to secure a full time position after completing my internship period. What skill or actions or behaviors do employers look for in interns when deciding who to hire?
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34 answers
Updated
Marty’s Answer
I suggest being on time, on message, and learning everything you can about the job. Ask for feedback on your performance, and ask for more opportunity to take on new tasks. Managers love employees who show initiative and who volunteer to do more.
Creating business relationships can give you an advantage in employment potential - attending events, conferences and in-person events offers the opportunity to meet like minded associates and hiring managers. We tend to hire people we like - so, simply put, be likeable. Marty
Creating business relationships can give you an advantage in employment potential - attending events, conferences and in-person events offers the opportunity to meet like minded associates and hiring managers. We tend to hire people we like - so, simply put, be likeable. Marty
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Lorenzo’s Answer
Marvelis,
That's a great question, and there's no simple answer. If you're currently an intern, you already have some skills and experience to become a professional. What will really make you stand out are your soft skills: accountability, adaptability, emotional intelligence, negotiation, persuasion, problem-solving, strategic thinking, and team building. Showcasing these skills during your internship and in your studies will set you apart.
To apply these skills, get involved by joining or leading a club, participating in projects, building a team, planning events, or taking on new challenges at your internship, even if they're outside your usual duties. Make sure to document all these experiences in your transcript, resume, or cover letter. Use platforms like LinkedIn or organization websites to show the groups you're part of or lead.
This approach will take you far. I hope this helps.
That's a great question, and there's no simple answer. If you're currently an intern, you already have some skills and experience to become a professional. What will really make you stand out are your soft skills: accountability, adaptability, emotional intelligence, negotiation, persuasion, problem-solving, strategic thinking, and team building. Showcasing these skills during your internship and in your studies will set you apart.
To apply these skills, get involved by joining or leading a club, participating in projects, building a team, planning events, or taking on new challenges at your internship, even if they're outside your usual duties. Make sure to document all these experiences in your transcript, resume, or cover letter. Use platforms like LinkedIn or organization websites to show the groups you're part of or lead.
This approach will take you far. I hope this helps.
Updated
Jeronimo’s Answer
Hi Marvelis,
To land a job after your internship, it's important to show your value to the company. Being punctual and available is crucial. Companies often look at your determination and how you contribute, not just what you know right now. Focus on showing your potential and eagerness to be a key part of the team. When you make mistakes, come back with solutions and ideas that help the organization grow.
Wishing you the best in securing this position!
To land a job after your internship, it's important to show your value to the company. Being punctual and available is crucial. Companies often look at your determination and how you contribute, not just what you know right now. Focus on showing your potential and eagerness to be a key part of the team. When you make mistakes, come back with solutions and ideas that help the organization grow.
Wishing you the best in securing this position!
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Don’s Answer
That's a great question! Think of the internship as a paid interview. Use this time to pick up important skills that will make you a valuable employee later on. Also, get to know the company, its culture, and the location. Remember, they are checking you out, and you are checking them out too. Pay attention to what you enjoy and what you don't.
Companies with internship programs usually appreciate when you make an effort to learn both job skills and the company culture. This will help you make a clearer decision when the internship ends.
Companies with internship programs usually appreciate when you make an effort to learn both job skills and the company culture. This will help you make a clearer decision when the internship ends.
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Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Marvelis,
You are already thinking like someone who wants to be hired, and that matters. A good number of interns focus only on finishing tasks, but employers often watch for something bigger: who would be a strong long-term teammate. A full-time offer is usually based on trust, reliability, attitude, and growth potential as much as technical skill.
First, be dependable. Show up on time, meet deadlines, stay organised, and follow through on what you say you will do. In accounting and tax work, consistency is highly valued because accuracy and trust are everything. A manager should feel calmer when work is assigned to you.
Second, produce careful work and pay attention to detail. Check numbers twice, review files before submitting, and ask clarifying questions early. Employers know interns are still learning, but they notice who takes pride in getting things right.
Third, be coachable. Take feedback professionally, apply it quickly, and improve each week. Managers often hire interns who learn fast and respond well to guidance because that lowers future training risk.
Also, show initiative in smart ways. When your work is complete, ask where else you can help. Volunteer for projects, learn firm systems, and stay curious about how the business runs. You do not need to be loud; steady helpfulness stands out. Build relationships across the office, too. Be respectful to everyone, from partners to administrative staff. Strong teams often ask, “Would we enjoy working with this person every day?” Professionalism and likability matter more than many students realise.
Near the end of the internship, express a genuine interest in staying. Let your supervisor know you enjoy the work and would welcome future opportunities. Sometimes strong interns miss offers simply because they never communicate interest.
My practical advice: treat every week like a quiet interview. Be accurate, easy to work with, eager to learn, and dependable under pressure. Those qualities often convert internships into offers faster than trying to impress with big gestures. You are in a strong position. Keep stacking trust daily, and you will increase your chances significantly.
Best wishes!
You are already thinking like someone who wants to be hired, and that matters. A good number of interns focus only on finishing tasks, but employers often watch for something bigger: who would be a strong long-term teammate. A full-time offer is usually based on trust, reliability, attitude, and growth potential as much as technical skill.
First, be dependable. Show up on time, meet deadlines, stay organised, and follow through on what you say you will do. In accounting and tax work, consistency is highly valued because accuracy and trust are everything. A manager should feel calmer when work is assigned to you.
Second, produce careful work and pay attention to detail. Check numbers twice, review files before submitting, and ask clarifying questions early. Employers know interns are still learning, but they notice who takes pride in getting things right.
Third, be coachable. Take feedback professionally, apply it quickly, and improve each week. Managers often hire interns who learn fast and respond well to guidance because that lowers future training risk.
Also, show initiative in smart ways. When your work is complete, ask where else you can help. Volunteer for projects, learn firm systems, and stay curious about how the business runs. You do not need to be loud; steady helpfulness stands out. Build relationships across the office, too. Be respectful to everyone, from partners to administrative staff. Strong teams often ask, “Would we enjoy working with this person every day?” Professionalism and likability matter more than many students realise.
Near the end of the internship, express a genuine interest in staying. Let your supervisor know you enjoy the work and would welcome future opportunities. Sometimes strong interns miss offers simply because they never communicate interest.
My practical advice: treat every week like a quiet interview. Be accurate, easy to work with, eager to learn, and dependable under pressure. Those qualities often convert internships into offers faster than trying to impress with big gestures. You are in a strong position. Keep stacking trust daily, and you will increase your chances significantly.
Best wishes!
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Stephanie’s Answer
Be someone the team can trust and enjoy working with - that's really the heart of it!
Here are a few tips on how to make that happen:
1. Be proactive and resourceful. Before asking a question, try to find the answer first. When you do ask, show what you already checked. It signals initiative and respect for people's time.
2. Overcommunicate, not undercommunicate. A quick update early is always better than silence. If a deadline is at risk, say so sooner rather than later.
3. Stay curious and eager to learn. Ask thoughtful questions and show genuine interest in understanding the why, not just the what.
4. Seek feedback regularly. It shows maturity, self-awareness, and a real desire to grow. All things managers look for in future hires.
5. Show up prepared. Join meetings a few minutes early, have your tech ready, take notes, and stay engaged.
6. Build relationships across the team. The more people who know your name and your work, the stronger your internal reputation. More people may also advocate for you when hiring decisions are made.
7. Own your commitments. Follow through on every task, big or small. Reliability is everything when trust is being built.
8. Prioritize accuracy and attention to detail. In tax and accounting, one error can have real consequences. Double-check your work before submitting it.
Here are a few tips on how to make that happen:
1. Be proactive and resourceful. Before asking a question, try to find the answer first. When you do ask, show what you already checked. It signals initiative and respect for people's time.
2. Overcommunicate, not undercommunicate. A quick update early is always better than silence. If a deadline is at risk, say so sooner rather than later.
3. Stay curious and eager to learn. Ask thoughtful questions and show genuine interest in understanding the why, not just the what.
4. Seek feedback regularly. It shows maturity, self-awareness, and a real desire to grow. All things managers look for in future hires.
5. Show up prepared. Join meetings a few minutes early, have your tech ready, take notes, and stay engaged.
6. Build relationships across the team. The more people who know your name and your work, the stronger your internal reputation. More people may also advocate for you when hiring decisions are made.
7. Own your commitments. Follow through on every task, big or small. Reliability is everything when trust is being built.
8. Prioritize accuracy and attention to detail. In tax and accounting, one error can have real consequences. Double-check your work before submitting it.
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Tony’s Answer
Here are some tips to help you succeed:
1) Always be on time for meetings and calls. It might seem simple, but remember that your clients or team might be in different time zones, so plan accordingly.
2) Be ready to learn from every task you get. At this point, you're like a sponge, and every role will help you understand the business better.
3) Check your work before sending it to your supervisors. This shows that you care about delivering high-quality work.
4) Don't hesitate to ask for more tasks. Even if your supervisors don't have anything specific in mind, they appreciate when you're eager to learn and help out, which can make their work easier too.
I hope these suggestions are helpful!
1) Always be on time for meetings and calls. It might seem simple, but remember that your clients or team might be in different time zones, so plan accordingly.
2) Be ready to learn from every task you get. At this point, you're like a sponge, and every role will help you understand the business better.
3) Check your work before sending it to your supervisors. This shows that you care about delivering high-quality work.
4) Don't hesitate to ask for more tasks. Even if your supervisors don't have anything specific in mind, they appreciate when you're eager to learn and help out, which can make their work easier too.
I hope these suggestions are helpful!
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Abigail’s Answer
Good communication is really important. Keep learning and put in your best effort. If you take initiative and show you're trying, others will notice your potential! They don't expect you to know everything right away, but asking questions and communicating well shows you can learn and grow.
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ROCIO SARAI’s Answer
Hi Marvelis,
I’d like to share something that worked well for me. It’s important to be curious about learning new things and activities from your full-time teammates. Additionally, ask a lot about their tasks, how you can improve processes, and how you can support them.
In summary, be proactive and strive to build a good rapport with your team. This will make working together easier and will help them consider you for future opportunities.
Best wishes and much success!
I’d like to share something that worked well for me. It’s important to be curious about learning new things and activities from your full-time teammates. Additionally, ask a lot about their tasks, how you can improve processes, and how you can support them.
In summary, be proactive and strive to build a good rapport with your team. This will make working together easier and will help them consider you for future opportunities.
Best wishes and much success!
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Jennifer’s Answer
This is a great question! Among the more obvious things like doing good work and showing up on time, employers are looking for you to engage with your teams and be present. In a time now where everyone is not in the office 5 days a week, it is important when you are in the office that you are working with teams in person and interacting with others even as an intern. It shows you want to be there and learn from those around you, and that's how you really become better at your job in the long run. Being present in the office will show you are ready to be there full time too.
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Alex’s Answer
Many people have shared great advice here about relationships, asking questions, and listening. I would add one more tip: make yourself memorable. While many candidates can do the job well, try to add something unique that sets you apart. Often, this isn't just about your skills but about a personal touch or cultural fit that makes you stand out - it can be even something small like remembering names or your tone of voice. This can make you unforgettable when it's time to choose from a group of interns.
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Curtis’s Answer
Hello! The most important thing you can do during your internship is to stay curious. Don't worry about being an expert right away; everyone knows you're just starting in your accounting career, and learning takes time. If you come in each day with a positive attitude, show interest in your tasks, ask questions, and express your enthusiasm, you're doing great! People love working with those who are passionate and eager to learn. My best experiences and opportunities came from asking questions, and people are usually happy to help. Good luck with your internship!
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Hongjin’s Answer
Hi Marvelis
For a accounting firm, the biggest things to show are:
1. Strong work ethic
Be on time, responsive, and consistent. If you say you’ll do something, do it. Reliability matters a lot in professional services.
2. Coachability
Ask questions, but first try to think through the problem yourself. When you get feedback, apply it quickly. Managers notice interns who improve fast.
3. Attention to detail
In tax and accounting, small mistakes can become big problems. Take your time, check your work, and build good habits around accuracy.
For a accounting firm, the biggest things to show are:
1. Strong work ethic
Be on time, responsive, and consistent. If you say you’ll do something, do it. Reliability matters a lot in professional services.
2. Coachability
Ask questions, but first try to think through the problem yourself. When you get feedback, apply it quickly. Managers notice interns who improve fast.
3. Attention to detail
In tax and accounting, small mistakes can become big problems. Take your time, check your work, and build good habits around accuracy.
Updated
Nisheedha’s Answer
If you want a full-time offer, the big thing is to make life easier for the people you work with. Don’t just do the task. Do it well, on time, and with as few extra questions as possible. If something is confusing, ask early instead of waiting until the last minute. Employers often hire the intern who feels easiest to trust. Not the loudest one. Not the smartest-looking one. The one who is steady, careful, and helpful.
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Rene’s Answer
You're already proving that you're serious about building a career. Show the company that you're dedicated to growing even more. Put in your best effort every day to reach your dream. People will notice your progress and will want someone as strong, reliable, and focused as you on their team.
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Rohan’s Answer
Employers usually hire interns who are punctual, reliable, proactive and willing to learn. Show initiative, ask thoughtful questions, communicate well and build good/strong relationships with the team. At the end of the day, both attitude and technical skill matter.
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Armando’s Answer
Hi Marvelis,
Great question! During your internship, your managers and seniors will be watching to see if you are enthusiastic, on time, proactive, and have a positive attitude. It's also key to connect with your team. Building good relationships will make them want you back.
Great question! During your internship, your managers and seniors will be watching to see if you are enthusiastic, on time, proactive, and have a positive attitude. It's also key to connect with your team. Building good relationships will make them want you back.
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Kristine’s Answer
Be proactive, positive, genuinely curious, ask for feedback, be a team player, show interest
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Roger’s Answer
Hi Marvelis,
Communication is so important! Don't wait for others to ask about your work—share what you're doing and seek their advice on handling tasks. By asking questions and showing interest, you'll avoid quick judgments. Keep a checklist of your tasks to stay organized and ready to update on your progress. You've got this!
Best,
Roger
Communication is so important! Don't wait for others to ask about your work—share what you're doing and seek their advice on handling tasks. By asking questions and showing interest, you'll avoid quick judgments. Keep a checklist of your tasks to stay organized and ready to update on your progress. You've got this!
Best,
Roger
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Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you fie your question. This is a good question.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Well communicate with your line manager on each assignment and the expectations. Make sure you cam deliver what us expected
2. Have regular review with your line manager on your performance
3. Always try to do one step more
4. Be open minded and keen to learn
5. Collaborate with other colleagues to establish people network
6. Keep an eye on permanent working opportunities
Hope this hepps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Well communicate with your line manager on each assignment and the expectations. Make sure you cam deliver what us expected
2. Have regular review with your line manager on your performance
3. Always try to do one step more
4. Be open minded and keen to learn
5. Collaborate with other colleagues to establish people network
6. Keep an eye on permanent working opportunities
Hope this hepps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
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Michelle’s Answer
Build relationships! Meet people - in person. Connect with them on a personal level. Ask about the team’s priorities and ensure your work is aligned to a bigger, important project for the department or company. That way, you didn’t just complete a research project, for example. You completed research that helped the company determine its path forward on somthing critical… your contribution is more impactful. See the difference? Good luck to you!
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Stephanie’s Answer
Hi Marvelis! I really enjoy working with our interns because they're so involved. They join in with the team, ask questions, and are curious about why we do things. I encourage you to speak up and ask for new experiences. Invite project leaders for coffee to hear about their career journeys. See if you can join meetings with clients to listen in. Show your passion, share your unique ideas, and most importantly, have fun!
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Jennifer’s Answer
To increase your chances of getting a full-time job after your internship, take the lead by offering to help with new tasks. Build good relationships with your team and ask for feedback to improve. Always do your best work and meet deadlines, staying positive and flexible, even when things get tough. Show real interest in the company and its culture. By doing these things, you can stand out and show that you're a great fit for a long-term role.
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Nicholas’s Answer
Hey Marvelis,
Great question, I think a lot of the time interns have the impression that flexing technical skills is what will get them the job rather than being personable and exemplifying a will to do the hard work. I think your head is in the right spot putting emphasis on converting your internship into a full time role. Also, the fact that you are here seeking answers is also reflective of the fact you must be a hard worker.
Wishing you the best!
Great question, I think a lot of the time interns have the impression that flexing technical skills is what will get them the job rather than being personable and exemplifying a will to do the hard work. I think your head is in the right spot putting emphasis on converting your internship into a full time role. Also, the fact that you are here seeking answers is also reflective of the fact you must be a hard worker.
Wishing you the best!
Updated
Ndidika’s Answer
To increase your chances of getting a full-time offer after an internship, focus on being reliable, coachable, and easy to work with. Do your assignments carefully, clarify expectations early, communicate progress regularly, and raise issues before they become problems. Take feedback well and apply it quickly, show genuine interest in the business, and build relationships with your manager and teammates so people can vouch for you. Most important, make your manager’s job easier by being consistent, proactive, and professional every day, not just occasionally impressive.
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Jonathan’s Answer
Hi Marvelis! From my experience there are two things I would focus on during an internship.
1. Relationships: Meet as many people as you can during your internship and develop relationships with them. The people you meet during your internship will potentially be the same people that you work with in the future. Meeting more people during your internship gives you a better picture of the company and if it is ultimately a place that you would enjoy working at.
2. Work Quality: Do the best job that you can and show an interest to learn and willingness to help. The best interns and staff I have worked with are those that show initiative and are curious.
Best of Luck!
1. Relationships: Meet as many people as you can during your internship and develop relationships with them. The people you meet during your internship will potentially be the same people that you work with in the future. Meeting more people during your internship gives you a better picture of the company and if it is ultimately a place that you would enjoy working at.
2. Work Quality: Do the best job that you can and show an interest to learn and willingness to help. The best interns and staff I have worked with are those that show initiative and are curious.
Best of Luck!
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Lisa’s Answer
You will likely get an offer. Advice I prescribe to in a situation like this is always try to do something more than what you’ve been asked to do. That will help differentiate you from others who may just be checking boxes. Good luck!
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Needhi’s Answer
Hi Marvelis!
I also interned at an accounting firm a few years ago, and these strategies helped me secure a full-time role after graduation:
Go into the office. If you can, be in person, face-to-face interactions are valuable. Connect with colleagues, be punctual, dress to impress, and be vocal. For example, when you have downtime, offer to help. If you’re unsure about something, ask questions instead of struggling in silence.
Network with everyone. Schedule coffee chats, look for mentors, and learn about their daily work to find what interests you.
Make mistakes. Show the team that you are able to learn and grow from your mistakes. Be open to feedback, new tasks, and different fields, you might find something you enjoy.
Say YES! If you are able, say yes to everything, joining a meeting, going out to coffee, shadowing a task. Show your team that you are open to it all and are willing to learn.
I hope this was helpful!
I also interned at an accounting firm a few years ago, and these strategies helped me secure a full-time role after graduation:
Go into the office. If you can, be in person, face-to-face interactions are valuable. Connect with colleagues, be punctual, dress to impress, and be vocal. For example, when you have downtime, offer to help. If you’re unsure about something, ask questions instead of struggling in silence.
Network with everyone. Schedule coffee chats, look for mentors, and learn about their daily work to find what interests you.
Make mistakes. Show the team that you are able to learn and grow from your mistakes. Be open to feedback, new tasks, and different fields, you might find something you enjoy.
Say YES! If you are able, say yes to everything, joining a meeting, going out to coffee, shadowing a task. Show your team that you are open to it all and are willing to learn.
I hope this was helpful!
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Khalid’s Answer
I think the fact that you're thinking about this question is already a good sign! From my experience both as an intern and as a staff, the interns that have most success are the interns that bring a positive attitude to the team. As long as you're curious about learning, are friendly, and help the team to the best of your ability it is more likely than not that you will receive an offer back. I wouldn't stress about it too much, just be yourself and be curious and kind and it will all work out fine!
Best of Luck!
Best of Luck!
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Meghna’s Answer
To boost your chances of getting a full-time offer, start your internship as if it's a real job. Be on time, reliable, and take initiative. Stay curious and eager to learn new things. Communicate well, meet your deadlines, and show you can work well with your team and add value.
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Aditya’s Answer
My advice would be to continue to dive into experiences that allow you to explore the fundamentals of accounting, but also find experiences that let you problem solve for large groups of individuals and demonstrate leadership capabilities. In today's day and age, a lot of companies seek out people that take initiative in whatever field they are in.
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Trevor’s Answer
Hi Marvelis!
Employers like interns who stay involved with the team. You can do this by taking initiative, asking for more tasks, or chatting with your team. They don't expect too much, but they appreciate it when you show up on time and have a positive attitude.
Hope this helps!
Trevor Jenesen
Employers like interns who stay involved with the team. You can do this by taking initiative, asking for more tasks, or chatting with your team. They don't expect too much, but they appreciate it when you show up on time and have a positive attitude.
Hope this helps!
Trevor Jenesen
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SARAH’s Answer
That's a great question! Show your strengths during the internship by taking charge and being responsible. When you start a new job, having good skills like teamwork, honesty, and taking initiative can lead to success. It's important to contribute to real work, not just learn, though both are important. Always remember ask as many questions as you can it shows your willingness to truly understand and learn (not your lack of knowledge). Try to get to know your team and chat with others around the office, like at the coffee station. Networking is really important for your success!
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Stephanie’s Answer
Hi, It very important to be on time if not earlier, so you are settled in and ready to work each day. In order to secure a full time job you must show during internship that you are motivated and driven to succeed and learn whatever is given to you. Show ability to think critically and communicate well. Be sure to ask a lot of questions and listen to explanations. Apply what you were told to your work and always be skeptical when doing your work. Always be very communicative. Communication with leaders and colleagues is the most valuable trait you can posses. Make yourself visible to your project leads as well and always above all work hard!