Top Tips To Gain References From Your Internship

1. Ask about references right at the beginning – it is perfectly acceptable to ask at your initial interview if having completed a successful internship the line manager would be willing to provide you a reference.
2. Consider what you want on your reference – what do you want the reference to say? Which qualities do you want the line manager to identify in you? Set yourself personal learning objectives at the beginning of the internship and focus on these so that they can be included in your reference
3. Consider who can give you a reference – your reference could come from various people in your organisation, line managers, HR contacts and colleagues you have supported on projects can all be asked to provide you a reference
4. Think outside the box when it comes to references – we have moved on from the traditional formal written reference, consider different types of reference – verbal, written, LinkedIn, referral to beneficial associates
5. The power of a LinkedIn reference – with over 4m Australians utilising LinkedIn it has never been more important to collect references on your profile. This is an easy, visual and modern reference. Personalise your request to potential referees and explain the benefits of their recommendation and remember to say thank you!
6. Don’t underestimate a verbal reference – references don’t always need to be written down. A verbal reference can be just as powerful. A recent student of mine, Annie, is a great example of this. She recently completed a successful twelve week internship and asked her line manager the CFO for a reference. He said to Annie that he would recommend her to his recruitment agent, because he was such a good client to the recruiter Annie was able to be seen by the agency who then matched her up with an entry level role – all because of a verbal reference.
7. Give direction for your reference – Your line manager is busy, they may be in charge of other employees, budgets etc. Make it easy for them by highlighting your key achievements of your internship and sending this to them before you finish. Once they have this list they will be able to write your reference more easily.
8. Embrace the Australian culture – I recently spoke with an international student who asked ‘Will it not seem rude for me to ask for a reference?’ – No! Embrace the culture here in Australia. References are the norm and it is absolutely polite and professional to ask for one.
9. Work hard to gain a good reference – give your ‘all’ at your internship at all stages so that the only reference you can receive is an amazing one. Avoid the awkward moment of asking for a reference and they have nothing positive to say about you!  
10. Say thank you! – It takes time for a line manager to do this. Always write a personal email at least to say thank you although a handwritten letter or card can be very welcome.

And finally…

Return the favour! You won’t be a fresh grad for ever…. Make sure you can always be relied upon to give references in the future.