Just like your favorite scoop of ice cream on a hot summer day, internships tend to go fast—blink, and they’re gone! But before the last swirl of your summer melts away, there are a few key steps you should take to leave a lasting impression and get the most out of your experience.
Don’t Stop Scooping Yet
Wrapping Up: As your internship ends, follow any instructions for wrapping up projects and leave behind organized notes, files or follow-up steps for whoever takes over your work. This attention to detail makes a lasting impression.
Top Tip #1: Scoop responsibly—label files clearly so others don’t get brain freeze trying to find them later.
Last Supervisor Meeting: Use your final meeting to ask for feedback and express gratitude. What did you do well? What could you improve? Share what you enjoyed about the experience and if you’re interested in returning, now’s the time to say so. Thank them sincerely, whether through conversation, a handwritten note or even a small token of appreciation.
Top Tip #2: A handwritten thank you is like the cherry on top—small but memorable.
Share the Scoop
Stay Connected: It’s easier to connect with the people you’ve been working with while you’re still there. Connect on LinkedIn or ensure you have alternate ways to stay in touch. I’d highly recommend using this time to endorse skills of those you have worked with – supervisors, peers or other people you have partnered with on a project. If you endorse their skills, they might be influenced to endorse you too.
Top Tip #3: Relationships are like soft serve—best kept fresh. Follow up before it melts away (set a reminder for yourself).
Lessons Learned: Take time to reflect on your projects and how you contributed. Jotting down these details now will make it easier when you’re prepping for interviews later.
Top Tip #4: Your notes are the sprinkles of your experience—small details that sweeten your story later.
Share: Consider what you have learned throughout the summer and whether you want to create a post on your LinkedIn profile about the experience. You can easily transition that information into updating your resume and LinkedIn profile with new bullet points, skills and more.
Top Tip #5: Tag your flavor crew—those who helped make your summer swirl-worthy.
Internships, like a good sundae, are made up of many layers—learning, connections and a little bit of fun. Take the time to reflect, wrap things up with care and savor what you’ve accomplished. And remember: just because the summer’s ending doesn’t mean the scoops stop coming. Keep building your career one scoop at a time.
