How you end an internship matters as much as how you started. Leave lasting positive impressions for future opportunities.
Professional exits matter because:
Create a handover document with:
Before you leave, ask your manager:
Even though internships have end dates, professional courtesy requires confirming your departure plans. Here's how to handle various scenarios:
Life happens. If you need to end your internship early:
Leaving early can damage relationships, but how you handle it makes all the difference. Be honest, grateful, and helpful. Most managers will understand if you communicate professionally.
A comprehensive handover document is your legacy. It shows professionalism and makes you memorable for the right reasons.
List all projects you worked on with:
Document all tools and systems you had access to:
If you created or managed any processes:
Create a reference guide with:
List what's not finished:
INTERNSHIP HANDOVER DOCUMENT Intern: [Your Name] Department: [Department] Period: [Start Date] - [End Date] Manager: [Manager Name] === PROJECTS COMPLETED === Project: [Project Name] Status: Completed Description: [Brief description] Deliverables: [What you delivered] Location: [Where files are stored] === ONGOING PROJECTS === Project: [Project Name] Status: 75% complete Next Steps: 1. [Next action item] 2. [Second action item] Owner: [Who should take over] Deadline: [Important date] === ACCESS & TOOLS === - Platform Name: [Login/Access details] - Shared Drive: [Path/Link] - Important Files: [Links to key documents] === KEY CONTACTS === - [Name] - [Role] - [What they help with] - [Name] - [Role] - [What they help with] === RECOMMENDATIONS === [Any suggestions for improvements or things to watch out for] === QUESTIONS? === Feel free to reach out: [Your personal email]
Gratitude goes a long way. Send personalized thank you messages to key people who helped you during your internship.
Subject: Thank You - [Your Name] Internship
Dear [Manager Name], As my internship comes to an end, I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to work with [Team Name] at [Company]. Over the past [X months], I've learned invaluable skills including [specific skill 1], [specific skill 2], and [specific skill 3]. Your mentorship on [specific project or situation] was particularly impactful and has significantly shaped my career direction. I'm especially grateful for [specific opportunity or experience they provided—e.g., "the chance to present to senior leadership" or "your patient guidance on the XYZ project"]. I've left comprehensive documentation for all my projects and would be happy to answer any questions during the transition. Please feel free to reach out anytime at [your personal email]. Thank you again for everything. I look forward to staying in touch! Best regards, [Your Name]
As my internship at [Company] comes to an end, I'm incredibly grateful for the experience and the amazing people I've worked with. Key learnings: 📊 [Skill or experience 1] 💡 [Skill or experience 2] 🚀 [Skill or experience 3] Special thanks to [Manager Name], [Mentor Name], and the entire [Team Name] for your guidance and support. Looking forward to applying these skills in my next role! #Internship #[Industry] #CareerGrowth #[Company]
LinkedIn recommendations are powerful social proof. Request them before you leave when the experience is fresh.
Sample Request Message:
Hi [Manager/Colleague Name], I hope you're doing well! As my internship is wrapping up, I've been reflecting on everything I've learned while working with you on [Team/Project]. Would you be willing to write me a brief LinkedIn recommendation? Your perspective on [specific skill or project] would mean a lot to me as I continue my career. I'd be happy to write one for you as well, or if you'd prefer, I can draft something for your review to make it easier. Thank you for everything! Best, [Your Name]
Some companies conduct exit interviews with interns. This is your chance to provide constructive feedback that helps future interns.
"The first week orientation was helpful, but access to tools took too long. Suggest preparing accounts before Day 1."
"Weekly lunch-and-learns were excellent. More shadowing opportunities would enhance learning."
"My manager was supportive. Regular 1:1s helped track progress. Peer mentorship could be formalized."
"Projects were meaningful and challenging. Clearer success metrics would help interns understand expectations."
Learn from others' mistakes. Here are the most common ways interns damage their reputation during exits:
Some interns just... disappear. No goodbye, no handover, nothing.
Impact: You'll never get a reference from this company.
Posting negative reviews or venting on social media about your experience.
Impact: This can follow you. Industries are smaller than you think.
Mentally checking out and doing minimal work during your last days.
Impact: Your last impression erases months of good work.
"Borrowing" company swag, equipment, or anything else permanently.
Impact: This is theft. Legal consequences possible.
Ignoring questions about your work or handover after your last day.
Impact: Burning bridges. They remember this.
Saying "let's grab coffee!" to everyone then never following through.
Impact: Better to say less and follow through than promise everything.
Your internship colleagues are now part of your professional network. Here's how to maintain those relationships long-term:
Don't only reach out when you need something. Share interesting articles, make introductions, or offer help before asking for favors. Networking is about building genuine relationships, not transactional exchanges.
Many internships lead to full-time positions. Here's how to maximize your chances during your exit:
In your final 1:1 with your manager:
"I've absolutely loved my time here and learned so much from you and the team. I'm graduating in [Month/Year], and [Company Name] would be my top choice for a full-time role. If there's a possibility of that, I'd love to discuss what that might look like."
Many companies have intern alumni networks or groups. These can be valuable for your career.
A small, thoughtful gift is nice but not required. A handwritten thank you note often means more than a gift. If you do give something, keep it under $25 and company-appropriate (no alcohol unless you know the culture well).
Still exit professionally. You can maintain boundaries without burning bridges. Be polite, complete your handover, and move on. You don't have to pretend it was perfect, but don't trash-talk the company publicly.
LinkedIn recommendations are more common than formal letters now. If you need a letter, ask 3-5 days before your last day, explain what it's for, and offer to draft something they can edit. Give them 1-2 weeks to complete it.
Connect with people you actually worked with or built relationships with. Quality over quantity. Add a personalized note reminding them how you know each other.
Yes! Use "Present" as the end date and update it after you finish. Just make sure the description accurately reflects the work you've completed so far.
Still ask! Schedule a dedicated exit meeting specifically for feedback. Frame it as: "I'd love to hear your perspective on my performance and what I should focus on developing for my next role."
For thank you messages, within the first week after leaving. For other outreach, wait 2-4 weeks so they don't feel immediately bombarded. After that, periodic check-ins every 2-3 months are appropriate.
Do NOT take confidential company files with you. If you created work samples you want for your portfolio, ask permission first and remove any confidential information. Many companies prohibit taking work products.
Yes, a gracious LinkedIn post is actually recommended! Keep it positive, grateful, and professional. Thank the company and people by name, share what you learned, and tag the company's official page.
A great exit is your last chance to make a lasting impression. Be professional, grateful, and thorough. These relationships will serve you throughout your career.
The end of one chapter is the beginning of another. End well. 🤝
Written by Sproutern Career Team
Based on feedback from HR managers and successful interns.
Regularly updated
