February 16, 2023

Turn Your Internship into a Job: PGT’s Top Five Tips for Success

Internships are a great way for college students to gain experience and learn critical skills for future employment. For young professionals without much work history, an internship can boost their resume and help them stand out from the competition. Approximately 60% of employers prefer to hire individuals with internship experience, making these programs a vital part of a student’s education. A successful internship may even result in a job – 70.4% of interns receive an offer of employment after their completed program. Follow these five tips to help turn your internship into a job offer and learn more about a career with PGT Trucking.

The transportation industry is an essential component of America’s supply chain, ensuring that consumers have access to the products and materials they use every day. While our valued truck drivers are out on the road, safely delivering customer cargo, there are dedicated support staff in the office, helping to coordinate shipments, process payments and keep our operations running smoothly. Trucking is a growing industry, constantly evolving to provide safer, cleaner transportation services for the future, and we are looking for the next generation of innovators to continue supporting our Proud Professionals on the road. PGT proudly provides educational opportunities for students through the PGT Internship Pathway Program, and there are numerous career opportunities available across all fields of study.

#1 – Do Your Research

There are an estimated 300,000 people who intern each year in the U.S. It’s important to select the internship program that will provide the best opportunity for you and your career goals. Do you want to explore a new city? Are you looking to be challenged? Do you need to work around your class schedule? Would you like to see how your degree can be applied to different careers and industries? Determine what you want to gain out of your internship, and then find the program that will help you achieve your goals. Any internship will provide you with some working experience, but if you do your research, you can find an internship with purpose that will help build your career.

Remember to research the company as well. Find out their core values, mission statement, product and service offerings and top executives. This will ensure that your objectives are aligned with their business statements and help you prepare for your first day.

#2 – Use Proper Business Etiquette

Internships provide students with an opportunity to study in an actual working environment, and you should use this time to learn proper business etiquette for your chosen profession. It may seem simple, but if you can politely answer the phone, respond to emails in a timely manner and respect shared workspaces, you’ll make a positive impression with your prospective employer. Dress appropriately, be on time and follow through on your commitments. This shows that you are professional, responsible, and most importantly, hireable!

You can learn about a business’ expected practices by reviewing the employee handbook, asking the Human Resources representative or observing the general office behavior, particularly with executive management. Employers want to hire workers who fit within their corporate culture to build a more positive work environment, and by displaying the appropriate mannerisms, you’ll prove that you’re a perfect match.

#3 – Be Flexible

During your internship, you may be asked to take on additional projects, transfer to a new department or adjust your work schedule. Even if it doesn’t fit within the initial parameters of your internship, you should consider these extra opportunities. By being flexible, you show your willingness to contribute to the company’s success, and you might even learn new things that you never expected. An internship is an opportunity to grow outside of your comfort zone, so let it happen!

Employers will look more positively on interns who show their adaptability and step outside of their specific role to support the business, but it’s still important to know your limits. Don’t just say yes to everything. You also need to focus on your job performance, and if you know that you won’t be able to do the job well, you should let your supervisor know your concerns.

#4 – Learn Everything You Can

Internships are learning experiences, designed to help young professionals develop the skills they need to perform in the workplace. Take advantage of the opportunities presented to you to build a more comprehensive portfolio and network with industry professionals. Ask questions, pay attention and form strong working relationships. Even if it’s outside of your immediate focus, learn about other aspects of the business, showing potential employers that you’re invested in their entire operation.

Companies value new insight into their standard processes, and you may even uncover a problem or consider a solution that no one else has. By taking the initiative to learn more, you will stand out among other interns who only perform their basic job duties.

#5 – Treat it Like a Job

If you want a job, treat it like a job. Show up on time, work hard, and act like it matters. Companies want to see your commitment and resolve. If you act professionally, you’ll show your potential employer that you’re ready to handle the job full time.

Don’t assume that you’ll be directly approached with an offer. Let the company know that you’re interested in additional employment options upon completion of your internship and ask how you should apply.

PGT Internship Pathway Program

PGT Trucking is a proud supporter of employee development and career opportunities, including our internship program for college students and young professionals. With PGT’s Internship Pathways, prospective hires will build a wide range of skills to succeed in any position. Our paid internships are designed to give you purpose, help you grow and challenge you to reach your untapped potential. Through our internship program, you will make an immediate impact in the transportation industry and become an essential part of America’s supply chain.

Explore our Internship Pathways to learn how you can make a difference with PGT!

Applied Technology

Support PGT’s Applied Technology Department, utilizing innovative technologies to improve our business efficiency. Your core pathway includes: 

  • Data Analytics
  • Software Development
  • Software Integration
  • Business Process Optimization

Finance and Business

Support PGT’s Finance and Business Departments, ensuring the consistent and accurate management of PGT’s financial accounts. Your core pathway includes: 

  • Accounting
  • Billing
  • Collections
  • Payroll

Information Technology

Support PGT’s Information Technology Department, connecting PGT staff and drivers through advanced technology and network systems. Your core pathway includes: 

  • Networking
  • User support
  • Device management
  • Cybersecurity

Marketing

Support PGT’s Communication and Media Department, producing creative marketing materials to actively promote PGT. Your core pathway includes: 

  • Corporate communication
  • Branding strategy
  • Multimedia usage
  • Digital content management

Operations

Support PGT’s Operations and Business Development Departments, coordinating the safe transport of our customers’ freight. Your core pathway includes: 

  • Load planning
  • Driver management
  • Customer service
  • Freight movement
  • Cargo securement

Safety

Support PGT’s Safety, Compliance and Risk Departments, overseeing safe practices for our drivers, assets and cargo. Your core pathway includes: 

  • Cargo securement
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Driver training
  • Risk assessment
  • Safe operations

Interested? Join Our Team Today!

PGT is committed to developing the next generation of Proud Professionals. With the PGT Internship Pathway Program, you will learn about the supply chain, the transportation industry and the Future of Flatbed®. Through the use of innovative technology and zero-emission equipment, PGT will move freight in an efficient and environmentally clean manner. As a PGT Intern, you will play an active role in shaping the future of transportation, and there are multiple career opportunities following your completed Pathway Program.

You will have PURPOSE. You will GROW. You will be CHALLENGED.

Apply today!