What to say on the last day of an internship?

Saying Goodbye and Thank You: Nailing Your Last Day of an Internship

Your internship is coming to a close. You’ve learned a ton, built connections, and hopefully, made a positive impression. Now, it’s time to leave on a high note. While a simple “thank you” is appreciated, taking a moment to express your gratitude thoughtfully will leave a lasting impact. This article will guide you on how to craft the perfect goodbye and solidify the relationships you’ve built during your internship.

The example provided – “My internship concludes today, and I’m incredibly grateful. The experience, guidance, and support I received were invaluable, fostering significant growth and learning. I especially appreciate the advice on [specific area], which will undoubtedly shape my future career. Thank you for this opportunity.” – is a good starting point, but we can refine it further.

Here’s a breakdown of what works well and how to elevate your final message:

What works:

• Expressing genuine gratitude: Sincerity shines through. Phrases like “incredibly grateful” and “invaluable” demonstrate genuine appreciation.
• Highlighting specific benefits: Mentioning the “growth and learning” you experienced shows you valued the opportunity.
• Personalizing the message: Referencing a “specific area” of advice makes the thank you more impactful. This demonstrates you paid attention and absorbed the information shared.
• Keeping it concise: A brief, heartfelt message is more effective than a rambling monologue.

How to enhance your farewell:

• Individualized thank yous: If possible, thank key individuals personally. A handwritten note or a brief email to your direct supervisor, mentors, and colleagues you worked closely with shows extra effort.
• Connect your experience to your future: Briefly mention how the internship has prepared you for your next steps, whether it’s continuing your education or entering the job market. This demonstrates the impact of their investment in you.
• Offer to stay connected: Express your desire to maintain contact. Connect on LinkedIn or exchange email addresses, showing your interest in maintaining the professional relationship.
• Reinforce your value: Subtly remind them of a key contribution you made. For instance, “I particularly enjoyed working on the [project name] project and appreciate the trust you placed in me to handle [specific task].”
• Express enthusiasm for future opportunities: If appropriate, express your interest in future opportunities with the company. This leaves the door open for potential collaborations down the line.

Example enhanced goodbye:

“My internship concludes today, and I’m incredibly grateful for this invaluable experience. The guidance and support I received, especially from you, have fostered significant growth, particularly in [specific area]. I especially appreciate your advice on [specific topic], which will be invaluable as I [mention next steps – e.g., begin my final year of studies/start my job search]. I particularly enjoyed contributing to the [project name] project and learning how to [specific skill gained]. I would love to stay connected with you on LinkedIn and learn more about [company’s area of expertise] in the future. Thank you again for this incredible opportunity.”

Leaving a positive final impression is crucial. By following these tips, you can express your gratitude effectively and solidify the valuable connections you made during your internship, setting the stage for future opportunities.