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Internships are an excellent way to develop new skills, gain hands-on experience and make valuable professional connections. As your summer internship wraps up, it’s important to reflect on the new skills you learned and maintain the relationships you established. Here are a few steps you can take after completing your internship to set yourself up for future success. 

Connect and say thank you  

A great way to cement the relationships you built is by writing a thank-you note. Expressing gratitude to your supervisor and anyone who influenced your experience can make a positive, lasting impression. A handwritten letter, instead of a text or email, can show added appreciation. 

Once the letter is in the mail, you can connect with colleagues on . Relationships from an internship can lead to future opportunities. 

Note new skills and accomplishments 

Internships are a wonderful opportunity to learn about an industry and develop or enhance skills. As your internship comes to an end, you can assess the foundational skills you used in your role, like communication and time management, as well as industry-specific technical skills.  

By defining what you’re good at, you are preparing yourself to better relate your skills and expertise to future employers in cover letters and interviews. Reflecting on areas for improvement as well can motivate you to develop and achieve new goals. 

MySkills, Career Services' self-directed skills program, can help you identify and highlight the abilities you’ve gained at every stage of the job search. 

Update career documents and online profiles 

It's important to update your resume and online profiles while the details of your internship are still fresh in your mind. Waiting until you're applying for another job or internship may cause you to forget important points that could help you stand out as a candidate. 

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 future searches 

With new insights into your accomplishments and a clearer vision for your future goals, you might feel motivated to gain more real-world experience. Keep the momentum going throughout the fall semester by connecting with potential employers 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.