Internship Exit: How to Leave on Good Terms

1. Why Exits Matter

Professional exits matter because:

• Former colleagues become future references
• Industries are smaller than you think—reputation travels
• Burning bridges closes doors forever
• You might return as a full-time employee later

2. Exit Timeline

• 2 weeks before: Confirm end date with manager
• 1 week before: Start documentation and handover
• 3 days before: Request feedback and recommendations
• Last day: Final handover, thank you notes, farewell

3. Knowledge Transfer

Create a handover document with:

• Projects you worked on and their status
• Access and credentials (to be shared securely)
• Pending tasks and next steps
• Key contacts and resources
• Documentation of any processes you created

4. Asking for Feedback

Before you leave, ask your manager:

• "What did I do well?"
• "What could I have done better?"
• "What skills should I develop for my next role?"
• "Would you be willing to write me a LinkedIn recommendation?"

5. Last Day Checklist

• Submit final handover document
• Return any company property (laptop, ID, etc.)
• Send thank you email to manager and team
• Connect on LinkedIn with key people
• Exchange personal contact info with close colleagues
• Collect experience certificate if applicable

6. Staying Connected

• Send a personal thank you message to key mentors
• Share updates on LinkedIn occasionally
• Reach out on work anniversaries or achievements
• Offer to help if they reach out later

Giving Proper Notice

Even though internships have end dates, professional courtesy requires confirming your departure plans. Here's how to handle various scenarios:

When Your Internship Has a Set End Date

• Two weeks before: Confirm with your manager that you'll be completing as scheduled
• Discuss transition: Ask how they'd like you to wrap up and what documentation they need
• Don't just disappear: Some interns assume "the date is known" and don't communicate—this is a mistake

When You Need to Leave Early

Life happens. If you need to end your internship early:

• Give as much notice as possible (minimum 2 weeks if unpaid, more for paid positions)
• Have a conversation (don't email or text)—explain your situation honestly
• Offer solutions: Can you work part-time? Complete critical tasks remotely?
• Be apologetic but professional: "I've had an unexpected opportunity that I need to pursue. I want to make this transition as smooth as possible."

Creating Your Handover Documentation

A comprehensive handover document is your legacy. It shows professionalism and makes you memorable for the right reasons.

Essential Components of a Handover Document

Sample Handover Document Template

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]

Writing Thank You Messages

Gratitude goes a long way. Send personalized thank you messages to key people who helped you during your internship.

Thank You Email Template for Your Manager

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]

LinkedIn Thank You Post Template

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]

Requesting LinkedIn Recommendations

LinkedIn recommendations are powerful social proof. Request them before you leave when the experience is fresh.

When to Ask

• 3-5 days before your last day (not on the last day)
• After completing a major project successfully
• When you've received positive feedback

How to Ask

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]

Pro Tips for Recommendations

• Make it easy: Offer to draft a recommendation for them to review/edit
• Be specific: Mention particular projects or skills you'd like them to highlight
• Reciprocate: Offer to write one for them too
• Follow up gently: If they agree but forget, send a kind reminder after a week

Exit Interview Best Practices

Some companies conduct exit interviews with interns. This is your chance to provide constructive feedback that helps future interns.

What to Share

• Be honest but diplomatic: Share genuine feedback without being harsh
• Focus on systemic issues: Not individual personalities
• Offer solutions: Don't just complain; suggest improvements
• Highlight positives: Balance any criticisms with what worked well

Sample Feedback Areas

What NOT to Say

• Personal attacks on individuals
• Complaints without context or solutions
• Confidential information about other interns
• Anything you wouldn't want your manager to hear

Common Exit Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others' mistakes. Here are the most common ways interns damage their reputation during exits:

Building Long-Term Professional Relationships

Your internship colleagues are now part of your professional network. Here's how to maintain those relationships long-term:

Immediate Post-Internship (First Month)

• Send personalized thank you messages to 5-10 key people (not generic)
• Connect on LinkedIn with thoughtful connection notes
• Share your next steps (new job, school, etc.) in a brief update
• Respond promptly if anyone reaches out

Short-Term (2-6 Months)

• Engage with their LinkedIn posts occasionally (genuine comments, not just likes)
• Share relevant articles or opportunities that might interest them
• If you attended an event or conference, send a quick "thought of you when I heard about X"
• Congratulate them on work anniversaries or promotions

Long-Term (6+ Months)

• Check in 2-3 times per year with updates on your progress
• Attend company events if invited (alumni mixers, networking events)
• Offer help when you can ("I saw your company is hiring for X - I know someone perfect")
• Meet for coffee if you're in the same city (but don't take up too much time)

Converting Your Internship to a Full-Time Offer

Many internships lead to full-time positions. Here's how to maximize your chances during your exit:

Indicators You Might Get an Offer

• Your manager asks about your post-graduation plans
• You're invited to "extended stay" conversations
• They ask you to train other interns or new hires
• You're included in long-term project planning
• HR reaches out to discuss your experience

How to Express Interest (If No Offer Yet)

In your final 1:1 with your manager:

If They Can't Offer Now

• Ask about staying in touch for future openings
• Request to be notified when positions open
• Ask what you should work on to be a stronger candidate later
• Maintain the relationship—timing matters in hiring

If You Get an Offer

• Express gratitude: Even if negotiating, start with appreciation
• Ask for time: Request 1-2 weeks to consider (this is normal)
• Negotiate professionally: Research market rates and make data-driven requests
• Get it in writing: Verbal offers aren't official

Leveraging Alumni Networks

Many companies have intern alumni networks or groups. These can be valuable for your career.

Benefits of Intern Alumni Networks

• Job opportunities: Many companies recruit from former interns first
• Industry connections: Your cohort disperses across the industry
• Mentorship: Senior alumni can guide your career
• Social proof: "Former X Intern" on LinkedIn carries weight

How to Stay Active

• Join official intern alumni Slack/Discord channels if they exist
• Attend alumni events (virtual or in-person)
• Contribute to alumni mentorship programs
• Share job opportunities with the network when you find good roles

Frequently Asked Questions