As summer is coming to a close, so are summer internships. As your internship nears its end, you may feel tempted to slack off - it has been 10 weeks and you've been producing pretty great work the entire time, right? And, you're tired and ready to say sayonara to your commute. But, your last 1-2 weeks of your internship are the most important. Just as first impressions are crucial, so are last impressions. How you act/work during your last week of an internship will leave a lasting impression on your employer and colleagues. So, here's how to nail your last week as an intern.
(The following information comes from things that I was taught and then used and experienced first-hand)
1. Tie up loose ends.
Make sure to try your absolute hardest to finish any outstanding projects or assignments, even if that means working late. You don't want to leave your internship right in the middle of a project that your employer now has to complete on his or her own. Obviously, sometimes it will be impossible to finish an assignment and your employer will recognize that, but try your hardest.
2. Send an email on the Monday of your last week.
Not many people will have your last day of work marked in their calender, so remind every person that you have worked with (even if it was just for one assignment) that it is your last week. On the Monday of your last week send an email sort of like this: Dear All, As you may or may not know, today marks the start of my last week in the office. I've truly enjoyed working with you all this summer and have learned a tremendous amount.If you have any projects that I can complete before my last day on Friday, please let me know! I'd be happy to be as of much use as possible during my last week. After college, I plan to hopefully find work in this same field so I would love to keep in touch. My email is ____________ and my cell is _________. Again, I thank you all so much for this opportunity. Best regards, (your name)
3. Send a written thank you on the Thursday of your last week.
A hand written note goes a long way. On the last Thursday in the office send handwritten notes to those you worked with during your time at the internship, this way they will get in the mail and probably arrive for your former-colleagues to open up on Monday. You can also always leave the notes on your colleagues desks before you leave on your last day. In this note, thank them and let them know a specific thing that you really appreciated learning.
4. Ask for recommendations.
While your quality work and work ethic is (hopefully) still fresh in their minds, ask for a recommendation. When your next job opportunity pops up you will already have a recommendation (or 2 or 3) handy, and an accurate one at that.
5. Go out to lunch/coffee.
Try to strengthen bonds with your employer(s) and colleagues. You never know when you'll need a recommendation or contact and getting out of the office to talk one on one in a more personal setting is the best way to create more personal and lasting ties.
6. Bring the energy.
You may have found that some days, or even weeks, on the job you were especially tired...happens to all of us! However, even if you are tired on your last week...do not show it! Bring the same energy during your last week that you did during your first week.
7. Work faster, better, and stronger *cue Kanye* than you ever have before (in the past 10 weeks).
If your usual project took you 2 hours, work your butt off to try to finish it in 1 and a half. Show your improved efficiency and WOW your boss. Obviously, never cut back on quality in order to improve on time but try your best to do your best work by the end of the week.
8. Ask for feedback.
Whether that is over lunch/coffee or a formal meeting, make sure to ask your boss's and colleagues for some feedback. It is important to know what you were doing well...and not so well, so that you can improve.
9. Network.
Remember that brief moment when your boss mentioned that her sister works for your dream firm? Follow up! Express your interest and ask if you could get a contact for the person so that you can reach out personally...and maybe even solidify your next internship! Also, make sure to connect with everyone in your office on LinkedIn!
10. Clean your desk space.
Leave your desk as clean, if not cleaner, than you found it when you arrived on your first day. This may sound nominal but the gist of the matter is, you want to leave your office with memories of only help, not hindrances. Even if it is just leaving behind a few unimportant papers that were destined for the garbage anyway, throw them in the garbage yourself! Don't leave them to your employer to guess their importance.
With these tips you will be leaving your internship with nothing but positive vibes...and the great potential for your next.
