With only two weeks left in my internship, it is exciting to think about heading back to Bloomington, starting classes and living with my best friends instead of my parents. However, just as finals week brings the most stress to students, the final weeks of an internship can be packed with projects to finish. Donāt let these essentials fall through the cracks during the last weeks of summer.
Tie up loose ends: Whenever possible, finish the projects delegated to you. This equates to more experience as well as portfolio and resume-builders. If there is a project or task you will not have time to complete, make sure to leave good notes for the next intern or employee who will take over for you. If possible, speak to them in-person about the ideas and plans you have for the project moving forward.
Ask the right questions: If your internship has a performance review or exit interview, use that time to ask your supervisor and mentor where you can improve. This is also a great time to ask for general career advice. If your internship was in your chosen field, it is likely your mentor and supervisor took a similar track, so picking their brains can be useful.
Donāt forget the rec: Ask for a general letter of recommendation, making sure that your supervisor or mentor is ok with you using it for multiple applications. Even if you do not want to go into the field you are currently working in, a recommendation or reference can speak to your work ethic and other soft skills.
Remember your manners: School brings classes and homework, so send a thank you note to those who helped you with your internship this summer right away before you forget.
Summer is a great time to recharge for the school year while gaining real-world experience from an internship. Regardless of the type of work you spent your summer doing, remembering these tips will guarantee you continue impressing your coworkers until the very end.
For more tips on how to end your summer internship the right way, check out Her Campusā tips at http://bit.ly/1tStUUw.
