Friday, August 10, 2012

So Long Sweet Summer... Internship

It’s hard to believe how fast this summer has gone. With most summer internships coming to an end, it is time to prepare for going back to school. It is the prime time for stocking up on school essentials and to start regretting that morning class you registered for.
Although it may seem like you summer is over, you most likely still have a week or two left of your internship. Before you get too caught up in making plans for the fall you need to think about how you want to positively end your summer internship. To make the most out of all the hard work you put in to your job over these past few months, here are some things Her Campus suggests you do before you walk out of those office doors for good.
Here is how to make a positive lasting impression on your boss and coworkers:
Ask for Feedback – This is single handedly the most important part of any internship. How can you grow into a professional without learning about yourself from others? Ask your boss to assess your performance and in which aspects you could have done better. Take advantage of the learning experience that internships provide!
Ask About Continued Work – If your fall schedule allows for it, speak up and express your desire to keep working with the company. It is always good to show that you enjoy working for the company and asking to stay shows your motivation.
Ask for a Recommendation – Now is the perfect time to ask. This encourages your boss to reflect on the impact you had on the company and all of your stellar intern qualities. You could even go so far as to ask for a LinkedIn recommendation which will also show initiative!
Gather Contact Information – although you may have your boss’ work phone number and email, ask if you could have his or her personal information just in case they are to move to a different company. This can be very beneficial for networking in your future. It never hurts to ask!
Handwrite Thank You Notes To Everyone You Worked With – I have learned by now that handwritten notes are a very personal way to leave a final, lasting impression on your employer. Instead of only writing one to your boss, make yourself stand out among the other interns by giving each of your co-workers their own personal thank you.
I know I will definitely be doing everything on this list before I leave my internship next Friday! Do you have any other tips you would like to share? Let us know!

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