by Megan Chester, Assistant Director, Center for Career Development
Summer is not quite over but September is only a few short weeks away. As you prepare to wrap up your internship, keep in mind that leaving on a good note is just as important as the first impression you made back in June. You may want to return to this internship next summer or pursue a job with this employer. I know next summer and graduation are probably not on your mind right now, but a thoughtful thank you note will really pay off in the long run when you are ready to start searching for your next summer internship or full-time job.
Handwritten Thank You Notes
The conclusion of an internship is an instance where a handwritten note to your immediate supervisor and anyone else you worked closely with will really stand out. Be specific and personal in your note. Thank each person for something particular such as providing supervision and advice, helping you with a project, or taking the time to grab lunch together. Mentioning the little things reflects your maturity and sincerity. A thank you note will show your supervisor and co-workers that you took the internship seriously and really got something out of it. An actual handwritten card is also a tangible memory of you; it’s something to tack on a bulletin board and keep you top-of-mind in the months to come.
Thank You Email
Interactions with neighboring departments, clients, and other interns ebb and flow throughout the summer. A personalized thank you email to these peripheral contacts will help you stand out as a professional and create an avenue for future networking. An email is a perfect way to express gratitude for working with them, even if it was distant relationship or a onetime interaction, and reflect your greater understanding of their role and your industry knowledge. A thank you email will also help you build more of your own contacts in the industry and will result in warmer outreach when you are networking for your next internship or full-time role.
