From Intern to Leader: How to Build Leadership Skills Early in Your Career

You might think leadership is something for people way up the ladder, but the truth is, you can start showing leadership skills *now*, even as an intern or in the early stages of your career. Want to fast-track your career and get noticed? Here’s how you can start flexing those leadership muscles—without waiting for a fancy job title!

1. Be the Problem-Solver Everyone Needs

Ever noticed something at work that could run smoother? Or found a small issue that’s driving everyone nuts? Step up and be the problem-solver! According to a Harvard Business Review study, 85% of organizations say leadership skills—like problem-solving—are crucial. Taking initiative shows you’re ready to take charge.

Try this: Next time you spot something off, whether it’s a messy workflow or a project that’s behind, think of a quick fix and suggest it. You don’t have to be the boss to pitch ideas – just show that you’re thinking ahead!

2. Ask for Feedback (and Actually Use It!)

No one’s perfect, and that’s why feedback is gold. The best leaders are always learning and improving. In fact, 92% of employees say feedback improves performance, so why not take advantage of that? Ask your manager and team for advice on how to improve and actually do something with their suggestions.

Pro move: Instead of waiting for formal reviews, ask your boss or teammates for feedback on specific tasks or projects. It shows you’re serious about improving—and that’s a major leadership vibe.

3. Flex Your Emotional Intelligence (aka EQ)

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is a buzzword for a reason: it’s a key trait of great leaders! According to TalentSmart, EQ drives 58% of performance for top leaders. It’s all about being self-aware, handling stress like a champ, and reading the room. People want to follow leaders who get them – and that’s where EQ comes in.

Give it a go: When things get stressful, or you’re working with different personalities, practice taking a step back and thinking through your reactions. How you handle tricky situations says a lot about your leadership potential.

4. Volunteer to Take Charge

Leadership is as much about stepping up as it is about stepping in. You don’t need a manager title to lead – offer to coordinate a project, mentor a new intern, or take on a bit more responsibility. In fact, a LinkedIn Workforce Learning Report shows that the fastest-growing employees are the ones who go beyond their job descriptions. 

Quick tip: Keep an ear out for tasks that need someone in charge. Jump in and say, “I can handle that!” Even small things – like organizing a team meeting or leading a part of a project – can help you build leadership cred.

5. Communicate Like a Leader

One thing all good leaders do? Communicate clearly. And it’s a skill employers love – a report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) found that communication is one of the top attributes employers look for. Whether it’s in meetings, emails, or presentations, clear communication is key to leading.

Try this: Practice getting to the point without over-explaining. Don’t be afraid to speak up in meetings with your ideas and make sure your messages are clear and actionable. Good communication = great leadership!

6. Start Making Decisions (Even the Small Ones!)

Good leaders make good decisions – simple as that. McKinsey research says that effective decision-making can boost organizational performance by 25%! So even if you’re not making major calls just yet, get in the habit of thinking critically about your decisions at work.

Do this: For your next project, take a moment to think through how you’re going to tackle it. Weigh the options, think about the best approach, and make a decision with confidence. Start small now, and those big decisions will seem a lot easier later on.

Leadership isn’t some far-off goal – it’s something you can start building today, no matter your role. Taking initiative, asking for feedback, and stepping up when needed are all ways to show you’re ready for more. So go ahead, flex those leadership skills now – you’ll be surprised how far it takes you!