Your Summer Internship - Closing the Deal (Part II)
Many interns try hard and excel doing the work required by employers but
unfortunately give little thought to the entry into or exit from those
internships -- which are vitally important and can actually overshadow the work
that was accomplished in between. Thus, even if you had an overwhelmingly
positive internship for the first two months, it is very important to end
strong and exit gracefully by saying the right things and taking the right
actions. Here are some ideas:
Exit Gracefully:
During the final weeks focus on taking actions to strengthen friendships and
build your network. Visit people around the office, look everyone in the eyes,
shake hands and tell them you appreciated the opportunity to learn from them.
Follow up with a handwritten thank you note to the people you worked for.
Send short emails to those who might be out of the office and you did not get
a chance to say goodbye to. You shouldn't limit yourself to managers and team
leaders. Don't forget to thank the administrative assistant, statistician,
graphic designer, etc., or anyone that supported you: these people are often
vitally important to an office and might somehow have an influence on hiring.
For people who were particularly helpful, you might consider taking them to
lunch or giving an inexpensive gift like chocolates. You could very likely
see some of these people one day in the future and how you exit will shape a
lasting impression.
Exit With Integrity:
In the exit interview, accurately represent your accomplishments, strengths,
and intentions. Even if it is a competitive situation, trying to 'close the
sale' by criticizing the work of other interns is not advised because you might
seem immature or calculating. Alternatively, praise other interns and make
the manager feel that you cannot wait to return and work with such a talented
group of peers.
Be Direct:
It is important to ask for what you want and make your intentions clear. Make
it crystal clear that you intend to return to the company to work. If you want
a permanent job, say so and say why. When trying to 'close the sale', be
straightforward by explaining why there is a good fit between you and the
company. You might briefly highlight any contributions you have made during
the internship, and then point out the ways you might continue to make a
contribution to the organization in the future. Say these words with conviction
and sincerity. If you leave without expressing your interest to continue
working at the company, the manager may assume that you are indifferent.
--
創陞教育（Transcend Admissions Consultants）
David Johnston
Georgetown University Law Center
[email protected]
http://transcendadmissions.com/ Plan. Execute. Succeed!
--
Many interns try hard and excel doing the work required by employers but
unfortunately give little thought to the entry into or exit from those
internships -- which are vitally important and can actually overshadow the work
that was accomplished in between. Thus, even if you had an overwhelmingly
positive internship for the first two months, it is very important to end
strong and exit gracefully by saying the right things and taking the right
actions. Here are some ideas:
Exit Gracefully:
During the final weeks focus on taking actions to strengthen friendships and
build your network. Visit people around the office, look everyone in the eyes,
shake hands and tell them you appreciated the opportunity to learn from them.
Follow up with a handwritten thank you note to the people you worked for.
Send short emails to those who might be out of the office and you did not get
a chance to say goodbye to. You shouldn't limit yourself to managers and team
leaders. Don't forget to thank the administrative assistant, statistician,
graphic designer, etc., or anyone that supported you: these people are often
vitally important to an office and might somehow have an influence on hiring.
For people who were particularly helpful, you might consider taking them to
lunch or giving an inexpensive gift like chocolates. You could very likely
see some of these people one day in the future and how you exit will shape a
lasting impression.
Exit With Integrity:
In the exit interview, accurately represent your accomplishments, strengths,
and intentions. Even if it is a competitive situation, trying to 'close the
sale' by criticizing the work of other interns is not advised because you might
seem immature or calculating. Alternatively, praise other interns and make
the manager feel that you cannot wait to return and work with such a talented
group of peers.
Be Direct:
It is important to ask for what you want and make your intentions clear. Make
it crystal clear that you intend to return to the company to work. If you want
a permanent job, say so and say why. When trying to 'close the sale', be
straightforward by explaining why there is a good fit between you and the
company. You might briefly highlight any contributions you have made during
the internship, and then point out the ways you might continue to make a
contribution to the organization in the future. Say these words with conviction
and sincerity. If you leave without expressing your interest to continue
working at the company, the manager may assume that you are indifferent.
--
創陞教育（Transcend Admissions Consultants）
David Johnston
Georgetown University Law Center
[email protected]
http://transcendadmissions.com/ Plan. Execute. Succeed!
--
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