End of Internship Letter from Employer to Intern: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Internships play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and professional experience. They provide interns with invaluable opportunities to apply their skills, gain practical insights, and network within their industries. As the internship concludes, it is customary for employers to draft an end of internship letter to acknowledge the intern’s contributions and provide constructive feedback. This letter serves as a valuable document for interns seeking future employment or pursuing further education.

Format and Content

An end of internship letter typically includes the following elements:

• Header: Company letterhead, date, and contact information
• Salutation: Formal address to the intern
• Opening Paragraph: Expression of gratitude for the intern’s contributions and a brief summary of their role and responsibilities
• Body Paragraphs: Specific accomplishments and achievements during the internship, including quantifiable metrics and examples
• Skills and Competencies: Evaluation of the intern’s skills and competencies developed during the internship
• Areas for Improvement: Constructive feedback on areas where the intern can enhance their skills or knowledge
• Recommendations: Employer’s recommendation for the intern’s future endeavors
• Closing Paragraph: Expression of appreciation, well wishes, and a call to action for the intern to stay connected
• Signature: Employer’s signature and printed name

Best Practices for Writing an End of Internship Letter

• Be Specific and Quantifiable: Provide concrete examples and quantifiable data to support your evaluation of the intern’s performance.
• Focus on Positive Aspects: While constructive feedback is important, focus on highlighting the intern’s strengths and accomplishments.
• Provide Actionable Feedback: Offer specific suggestions on how the intern can improve their skills or knowledge.
• Proofread Carefully: Ensure that the letter is free of grammatical and spelling errors, as it reflects not only on the intern but also on your organization.
• Be Timely: Draft the letter promptly after the internship concludes to ensure that the intern has a fresh memory of their experiences.

Sample End of Internship Letter

**[Company Letterhead]**

[Date]

[Intern's Name]
[Intern's Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]

Dear [Intern's Name],

We are writing to express our sincere gratitude for your valuable contributions as an intern with our company over the past [number] months. Your dedication and enthusiasm have greatly exceeded our expectations.

During your internship, you assumed a key role in our [department]. You were responsible for managing projects such as [list of projects]. Throughout this experience, you demonstrated exceptional [skills list], which played a pivotal role in our team's success.

Specifically, you [provide specific accomplishment with quantifiable metric]. Your [skill] and [skill] enabled us to [outcome achieved]. In addition, your [skill] contributed to [positive impact on team or organization].

We believe that you have a bright future ahead of you and we are confident that you will continue to excel in your career. We highly recommend you for positions that align with your interests and skills.

We appreciate your hard work and dedication, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Please stay connected with us on LinkedIn or our company website.

Sincerely,
[Employer's Name]
[Employer's Title]

FAQs

1. What is the purpose of an end of internship letter?
   – To acknowledge the intern’s contributions, provide constructive feedback, and express appreciation for their work.

2. Who should write the end of internship letter?
   – The intern’s direct supervisor or manager, or a higher-level manager within the organization.

3. When should the end of internship letter be sent?
   – Promptly after the internship concludes, typically within 1-2 weeks.

4. What should the intern do with the end of internship letter?
   – The intern can use the letter as a reference for future job applications or graduate school admissions, and it can also serve as a valuable keepsake to commemorate their internship experience.

5. What if the intern received negative feedback?
   – If the intern received negative feedback, it is important to approach it with a growth mindset. Request specific examples of areas that need improvement and seek guidance on how to address them.

6. Can the intern request a letter of recommendation separately?
   – Yes, interns can request a separate letter of recommendation from their supervisor or manager, which can be used for specific job applications or graduate school admissions.