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Wrapping Up Your Intern’s Internship Experience



The time has come to say goodbye to your intern and wish them well. Before your intern goes, there are a few things that you must do as their manager or supervisor to get them started on the right note.



Have a Final Performance Evaluation



Unlike other performance evaluations, this final one will slightly differ.


It will not only look at your intern’s overall performance, but you will advise them on how they can apply their strengths in their future career and how they can improve in specific areas.


This will also be a good opportunity for you to get feedback on your management style.


Performance Evaluations can look at:

  • Quality of Work

  • Communication and Teamwork

  • Dependability and Initiative

  • Learning and Growth



Have An Exit Interview



An exit interview is a meeting between you and your intern and should consist of you asking about their internship experience.


It is also an opportunity for your intern to leave any suggestions on how to improve the company.


Here are some questions that you can ask:

  • How would you describe management at our company?

  • Were you given the support to be successful here? If not, what could have been improved to make it better?

  • What was your favorite part of working here?

  • What do you think our company could improve on?

  • Would you recommend this company to others seeking employment? Why or why not?



Write a Recommendation



Your intern is about to re-enter the job pool and is going to use their past experiences to assist in their future employment. As their manager, you can make this transition easier by offering to recommend them to potential employers.


Recommendations can come in the form of reference letters, LinkedIn endorsements, or conversations with employers.


Recommendations should be positive and should mention:

  • How you know your intern

  • Your intern’s positive qualities

  • Your intern’s contributions and accomplishments

  • Your explicit recommendation


Show Your Gratitude



Your intern has been with you and your team for quite some time now. Before the end of their internship, be sure to thank them for their time and support.


You can show your gratitude by:

  • Writing a thank-you note or letter of appreciation.

  • Hosting a farewell party with the team where you acknowledge your intern’s contributions.

  • Giving them a gift such as a gift card, company merchandise, or a book.

  • Connecting them with professionals in your network who can offer guidance or job opportunities.

  • Following up with them after their internship has ended.

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