If you are a student and you are trying to get an internship, it doesn't have to be a painstaking or gut - wrenching experience. Below is a list of tips to help university students make the most of graduate internship opportunities

Commit to your mission

Most students don't know what they want from an internship. Sure they know they need experience and a point of entry into their chosen fields, but not enough students address the question of what they really want before applying for one. The question to ask yourself before applying for an internship or accepting one is this: will the experience, knowledge, or relationships gained from this position aid me in the completion of my mission? By having a mission - and not just a desire - you will have a better perspective on real the pros and cons of taking an internship.

Know the company's mission

Aligning your mission with the mission of a company you would like to intern at is a great step in the right direction. Since the company is in the hiring position, your conversation should revolve around their mission. What business are they in? Who is their target market? How do they make their money? The candidate who best expresses his/her desire, interest, abilities, and qualifications to help support the company's mission will be the one who lands the internship.

Emphasize relevant strengths

During your interview you should emphasize your strengths as they relate to the tasks that will be performed in the overall scope of solving problems, fulfilling needs, or your assistance in catering to the desires of the company's target market. If you know what the specific duties involved in the internship that you are applying for, you have an advantage. If you don't know, you will have to obtain that information during the interview and stress how your strengths could result in a good fit which may lead to a long term match.

Know your availability

Nothing irks a company more than having an intern candidate that they like, and that candidate is not flexible with their schedule. Or, even worse, has not given any consideration to their availability and then fails to honor their time commitment to the company. Know what hours and what days work for you prior to your interview. The more flexibility you have in your schedule, the more the company is willing to be flexible in scheduling once you've proven yourself.

Contribute value

Employees are hired to help companies be productive, or manage its operations with efficiency for maximum output and greater returns. Your goal should be to add or increase value to the company in whatever capacity (no matter how limited) you are hired, by making a qualitative and noticeable contribution from the position for which you were hired. Remember, quality is always characterized by attention to details.

Verbalize your desires

If you are interning at a company that you want to work for, verbally express your desires to be a regular employee. Often times a company favors those who are most enthusiastic about working there. Be a pleasure to work with and around and you will develop support from within the company.

Treat it like a real job

This might be the biggest key for many of those trying to convert their internships into paying jobs. If you approach your internship as though it's not a real (i.e., paying) job, it may never become one. Employers complain about interns who come in and display lack of respect for their operations while displaying a flippant attitude about professionalism. The minute you are lucky enough to get a coveted internship position is the minute you should start conducting yourself like an employee - whether you are receiving monetary compensation or not. Even if the internship does not result in a job, or is not the right fit for you, the opportunity to build your professional reputation is still exists and must be capitalized upon.

Good luck with your intern search!

Gian Fiero is an educator, speaker and consultant. He is affiliated with San Francisco State University as an adjunct professor, and the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) as a business advisor where he conducts monthly workshops on topics such as business development, career planning, public relations, and personal growth.