If you are a college student who spent your summer working at an office internship – there are definite ways to properly wrap things up before returning back to school.
Here are a few ideas on how to end things on a positive note –
1~ Organize Things. Before leaving make sure that you fully clean up your desk area, removing your loose papers and personal belongings in desk drawers and shelves. Check to make sure that all of your work has also been removed off the hard drive on the computer.
2~ Meet with Your Supervisors. Set up a meeting with your boss or managers at least two weeks before your scheduled departure to talk about the status of your current projects. Work hard to finish up all work in progress – leaving no loose ends behind.
3~ Keep Track of Connections. If you have gained connections during your internship, save all of their information and business cards. Send them each an email, thanking them for their time and be sure to provide them with your information, including email and future plans, to keep the connection lines open.
4~ Request a Recommendation Letter. It is perfectly acceptable to ask your boss for a letter of recommendation, for all of the hard work hours that you dedicated to their office during your internship. A good review tells a lot about your work ethic and can be used down the road when you are looking for business opportunities.
5~ Remain Visible. If you are interested in participating in a future internship or accepting a full time job with the same company after graduation, be sure to give that information to your boss before leaving. Send a hand-written thank-you note for the opportunity and be sure to stay in contact throughout the year.
6~ Don’t Burn Bridges. Even if this internship was not something that you plan on pursuing in the future, it is still important to stay positive and leave on a good note.
Returning to college may be your number one concern but ending your internship properly is very important for continued success in the future.
