How To Exit An Internship With Grace And Professionalism

Forbes

5 days ago

Trying to figure out how to leave your internship? Here are some tips.
After numerous emails, applications, and cover letters, you finally got the chance to show off your skills and intern for your dream company. But then, something occurs that you never expected. Yep. You hate the internship. And now you feel stuck.
Look, I get it. And I've been in your shoes. There's nothing worse than stepping into the doors of your dream job, eyeing the corner office, and the next day, wanting to pack your bags and escape. So, what do you do when the neon exit sign calls your name?
Well, I've gathered numerous experts to give you their ideas on how to leave your internship with grace and professionalism. But before I give you their key tips, let's look at the looming question before us.
Can You Leave An Internship Early?
Absolutely! An internship is not a 3-year contract. You don't sign your name in blood or take an oath to the company on the first day. An internship is simply an experience. It's a journey that allows you to understand who you are, what you love to do, and what skillset you have above the competition. So, yes. It is possible to leave an internship early. But before you decide to hand in your pink slip, take a moment to ask yourself these three key questions:
Now, if you've gone through all these questions and still want to leave, that's perfectly fine. Sometimes, the puzzle pieces don't fit. And that's okay.
But, if you find yourself not fitting in for any job, you should step back, ask a trusted friend for their opinion, and see if you need to change anything on your end before sending in more applications on LinkedIn. Remember, self-awareness is your biggest superpower when finding the right internship and, ultimately, the right company fit.
Okay. So, you've decided to venture out of your internship, and you want to leave without burning bridges. Well, here are three tips to help you do just that!
If you want to leave on a good note, you must finish what you started. This means giving enough notice, keeping your commitments, and bowing out when it's best for the company.
Many times, businesses need time to find a replacement. This is why it's essential to sit down with your boss and let them decide your timeline. They're not against you leaving; they want to ensure your timing matches their project goals.
Mike Manalac, CPA and account manager at Google, builds on this idea by emphasizing, 'Make sure to see a project through to completion and present the outcome to your leadership. Your ability to communicate the impacts of your contributions and demonstrate your executive presence will leave them wanting more.'
Again, think of your intern experience as a relationship. There's nothing wrong with breaking up, but don't do it over text. Break up with the company amicably and professionally.
Your reputation travels with you wherever you go next. This is why executive recruiter and career coach Meghan Houle suggests, 'How you leave an internship is just as important as how you start it. Internships are extended interviews. Even if a full-time role isn't guaranteed, the relationships you build and the impression you leave behind can open doors you don't even see yet.'
You never know if your supervisor at Meta is best friends with a manager over at Google. That's why consideration is key for every step of your exit strategy. Everyone knows someone. And if you exit poorly, that's the quickest way to ruin your reputation in the business.
Remember that old saying that your grandfather used to utter, 'Loose lips sink ships.' Well, it's true. The quickest way to sink your reputation is by sharing too much in the break room. So, once you've made up your mind and decided that the internship isn't the right fit, don't say anything to anyone except the right people.
Then, after you've booked an in-person meeting with your manager or supervisor, take some time to write out your resignation letter. And once you see them face-to-face, thank them for taking the time to train you and allow you to learn new skills.
Because even if it's the worst job ever, there's always something positive you can mention during this time. Remember, the business world is small.
Perhaps this is why Cristy Stewart-Harfmann, a marketing professor at Florida Atlantic University, encourages her students to understand, 'The way you end an internship is just as important as how you begin. A strong exit can convert short-term work into long-term opportunity—like a glowing reference, LinkedIn recommendation, or even a job offer.'
Lastly, take this moment to grow and learn from the experience. This is where feedback can truly help shape you into a better intern and future employee. Putting yourself in the hot seat is essential if you want to improve.
Now, you don't need to take everyone's advice. After all, you're going to have a lot of critics on your way to the top of the corporate ladder. But, if you can listen and learn from trusted advisors, take advantage of the opportunity. After all, internships aren't just about upping your skills. They're also about increasing your character.
'Asking for feedback throughout the internship is the single most important tip; it shows the managers that you care about improving and growth and it enables you to know what you're doing wrong. So many interns do not ask for feedback enough,' says Amrita Bhasin, Co-Founder & CEO at Sotira.
So, you've followed all these tips and did everything you could to leave gracefully and professionally. But you're still left with these three burning questions:
Well, if you've done everything in your power to be kind, honest, and sincere, then ultimately, that's all you can do. Then, you've honored the experience with grace and professionalism.
So, invite your former teammates, mail the card, and showcase your updated CV on Indeed.com. Because in the words of Kathryn Stratz, public relations account executive at The Abbi Agency, 'Leaving an internship on a strong note is all about being thoughtful, communicative, and professional.' And if you've followed these tips, you've done just that!