Whether your internship ends this week or wrapped up a few weeks ago, now is the perfect time to take advantage of everything you gained this summer.
It’s easy to move on to classes, another job, or the start of a new semester without taking a few simple steps that can make your internship much more valuable in the long run.
If you haven’t done these yet, start today.
1. Write Down Everything You Accomplished
This is probably the most important item on this list.
Open a document and write down every project, event, meeting, and responsibility you had during your internship. Then go back and add numbers wherever you can.
Instead of writing:
Assisted with game day operations.
Write:
Supported game day operations for 12 home matches with average attendance of more than 5,000 fans.
Instead of:
Helped with social media.
Write:
Created 18 Instagram posts that generated more than 45,000 impressions.
The more specific you are today, the easier it will be to update your resume and answer interview questions later.
2. Update Your Resume
While your internship is still fresh in your mind, update your resume.
Don’t just copy your job description. Focus on accomplishments, projects, and measurable results. Your future self will thank you when internship application (or job!) season rolls around again.
3. Ask What You Should Work On Next
If you still have access to your supervisor or another professional you admire, ask one simple question:
“If you were me, what’s one thing you’d focus on over the next year?”
You could also ask:
“What’s one skill I should develop before my next internship/job?”
The answer may point you toward a class, certification, software program, or experience that makes you a much stronger candidate next time around.
4. Ask for Honest Feedback
While you’re at it, ask for feedback you can actually use.
You can try generalized questions, such as:
- What was one thing I did really well?
- What’s one area I should continue improving?
- What would make me a stronger candidate for my next internship?
Use these as starting points, and make your questions specific to where you want to go next. For example, instead of asking what would make you a stronger candidate for any internship, ask what would make you a stronger candidate for an internship in social media, event operations, ticket sales, or whatever area you’re targeting.
The goal isn’t to hear compliments. It’s to leave with a clear idea of how to grow.
5. Save Work You’re Allowed to Keep
If you still have access to your files, save copies of anything that’s appropriate to keep.
That might include presentations, writing samples, graphics, reports, templates, checklists, or training materials.
Never save confidential or proprietary information. When in doubt, ask.
6. Stay Connected
Take a few minutes to connect with the people you worked with this summer. That includes your supervisor, teammates, and fellow interns.
Yes, some of these connections may lead to future opportunities. But networking isn’t only about finding people who can help you land your next job. A strong network also gives you people to exchange ideas with, learn from, ask for advice, and lean on as you navigate your career.
The other interns you’re working alongside today will eventually spread out across the sports industry. In five or ten years, they may be working for teams, leagues, agencies, brands, or universities all over the country.
A simple LinkedIn connection request is an easy way to stay in touch after the internship ends.
7. Ask About Future Opportunities
If you enjoyed your internship, let people know.
Ask whether the organization hires former interns for future internships, seasonal positions, part-time roles, or full-time jobs after graduation.
Even if the answer is “not right now,” they’ll know you’re interested when an opportunity comes up.
8. Thank the People Who Helped You
Take a few minutes to send thank-you emails to your supervisor and anyone else who invested time in helping you this summer. Even better – send a hand-written thank you in the mail.
It’s a small gesture that leaves a lasting impression.
9. Reflect on What You Learned
Before you jump into your next semester, spend a few minutes thinking about the experience.
Ask yourself:
- What projects did I enjoy most?
- What surprised me?
- What skills did I improve?
- What kind of work do I want to do more of?
Every internship teaches you something about your career. Take the time to figure out what this one taught you.
10. Make a Plan for What’s Next
Don’t let the momentum disappear.
Think about what you want to accomplish over the next year.
Which skills do you want to build?
When will you start applying for your next internship?
Who do you want to stay in touch with?
The best interns don’t treat the end of an internship as the finish line. They treat it as the starting point for whatever comes next.
What’s Next?
Your internship may be over, but the experience doesn’t end when your last day does.
Take an hour this week to document your accomplishments, strengthen the relationships you’ve built, and create a plan for what’s next.
You’ll make far more out of your internship than students who simply move on to the next thing.
