Published: Aug. 17, 2023

InternshipInternships are an excellent way to develop new skills, gain hands-on experience and make valuable professional connections. As your summer internship wraps up, it is an excellent time to reflect on your experience and maintain the relationships you established. Here are a few things you can do after completing your internship to set yourself up for future success. 

Say thank you and stay connected 

A great way to wrap up an internship is to write a thank-you note to your supervisor and anyone who positively influenced your experience. Sending a handwritten letter instead of a text or email can show added appreciation. Gestures like this can make a lasting impression.  

Once the letter is in the mail, you can connect with colleagues on LinkedIn. The relationships from an internship can turn into a future opportunity. 

Take inventory of your skills 

Internships are a wonderful opportunity to learn about an industry and gain or enhance skills. As your internship wraps up, you can assess the skills you used in your role, including non-technical skills like communication and time management and the technical skills specific to the industry. 

You can better relate your skills and expertise to future employers in cover letters and interviews by defining what you’re good at. Recognizing areas for improvement can help challenge you to develop and accomplish new goals. 

Career Services’ self-directed skills program can help you identify the skills gained and how to highlight them effectively at every stage of the job search. 

Update your resume 

Update your resume while the internship is still fresh in your mind. Start by reading the job description and highlighting things you enjoyed. You can also reflect on the projects you worked on and add key accomplishments relevant to your future career goals. On a resume, it’s best to quantify achievements. For example, “increased social media following by 23%.” 

Prepare for the next internship or job search 

With a fresh perspective on your accomplishments and vision for your future goals, you might feel motivated to gain more real-world experience. There will be opportunities for students to connect with potential employers throughout the fall semester at career fairs. 

Career Services helps students gain clarity about their future through accessible and inclusive guidance. You can connect with Career Services by attending workshops or scheduling time with a career advisor.