Your last day in an internship can be as impactful as your first day if you make the most of the opportunity. Approach the end of your internship program with the perspective of a young professional moving into a new role, and consider the following ways to end on a high note:
- Build a portfolio: A week or so prior to your end date, talk to your supervisor about building a portfolio. Ask which documents or projects you can include (yes, you may have worked on all of them, but they still belong to the company— and in some cases, might be confidential), as well as any advice they have on pulling together the best samples of your work. This shows your commitment to your career advancement, but also reminds everyone just how much awesome work you’ve done.
- Ask for a review: Ask for the opportunity to sit down and discuss your time with the company. Get specific feedback on the areas in which you’ve excelled, as well as where those where you can grow and improve. This is also an opportunity for you to ask about next steps. Express your interest in future opportunities, and ask about how to strengthen your application.
- Tie things up: Make sure your projects are completed or passed on to someone else, and plan to meet with your supervisor before you leave to tie up any loose ends. Making the transition easier on the team will only increase your chances of leaving a great impression and getting awesome references afterward.
- Say goodbye: Send a brief email to the entire team, thanking them for their time and guidance. Give everyone your contact information and connect with them on LinkedIn. For anyone you worked closely with, send a separate email or more personalized thank you note. You can also politely ask if they would be comfortable being listed as a reference, or if they could provide you with a LinkedIn recommendation. Both can be your ticket to a future full-time gig. Say a friendly, face-to-face goodbye to everyone before leaving.
Stay in touch
Even once your experience is officially over, don’t be afraid to follow up with the people you worked closely with. Send an article you think your former manager would like. Tell them when you put something you learned at the office to use for a big project. Congratulate them on the launch/end of a project. Reach out to wish people a happy birthday. Nurture relationships with mentors; if you connected with someone at the company particularly well, reach out and ask for her advice from time to time.
Pay it forward
Make your hard work, talent, and accomplishments known by sharing your summer experience with your fellow students. Share how you found your internship opportunity, what you learned, and advice you want to share with other WashU students. Join WashU CNX to connect with WashU students and alumni for mentoring or networking discussions.
