A simple thank-you letter after an internship goes a long way in building your professional network. However, some interns rush to find a job right after their internship and look down on this small gesture. In fact, we’ve witnessed many secure a job at the host company thanks to their professional attitude. Let’s discuss this further in the next parts!
Why Should You Send A Thank-You Letter For An Internship?
Don’t ask yourself why you should write a thank-you letter! It’s a norm of social courtesy that we humans always say thank you to those who helped us. Sending a letter of appreciation shows your respect and gratitude to your internship supervisor, mentor, and employer during your internship. It also demonstrates that you take this opportunity seriously.
In the bigger picture, a thank-you note leaves a positive impression on the company. It’s a bridge that helps you build rapport with experts in the field, which will benefit your future career path. We’ve worked with many interns who are employed at the internship company thanks to their professionalism.
What if all the other interns send thank-you notes, and you’re the only one who doesn’t? In that case, you still leave a lasting impression, but in a bad way.
Dos & Don’ts When Writing An Intern Thank-You Letter
Dos
- Choose a format: Most of our UndocuScholar team have a soft spot for handwritten letters or cards. They simply pack more emotions and respect from the sender. However, if you find writing a traditional letter inconvenient at your company, sending a thank-you email is fine.
- Address the letter: Many interns ask us who they should send the thank-you note. Here’s the catch: give it to anyone who has supported you. Whether it’s your mentor, supervisor, employer, or even your fellow interns, they deserve your gratitude for their assistance. Remember to include the company name and the recipient’s contact information, such as your personal email address or LinkedIn profile, at the top of the letter.
- Say a genuine ‘thank-you’: Start your letter or email by saying ‘thank-you’ to the recipient for giving you this internship opportunity, teaching you new skills, and supporting you during your internship. For example, ‘I want to say thank you for the opportunity to work at your company during the past 2 months’ or ‘I appreciate your support and guidance during my internship at ABC Company.’
- Be specific about what you’re thankful for: Go the extra mile by mentioning what makes you feel grateful the most. If you’re sending the letter to various people, don’t repeat the same ‘thank-you’ sentence. Tailor your expression to each recipient and add personal touches to make them feel more respected and valued. For instance, ‘Thank you for always giving me a listening ear and helping me get on well with the new team.’
- Mention what you’ve learned: Spare one sentence or two to talk about the learning experiences and lessons you gained. This shows that you really take the internship seriously and appreciate the chance to grow.
- Leave your contact information: It’s a wise move to leave your contact information at the end of the letter, just like leaving an open door for new opportunities. If luck is on your side, you might be shortlisted for a full-time position. Or the company might reach out to you when they need it. Building a professional connection will benefit you in the long run.
- Proofread and edit the letter: After writing the letter, don’t rush to send it immediately. Spend time reviewing it and editing any grammatical errors. Then, wrap it up with an appropriate closing, such as ‘Best regards,’ ‘Warmly,’ or ‘All the best.’
Don’ts
- Exaggerate your compliments or mention unreal details: It’s important to keep your message genuine. While you may want to make a strong impression, going overboard with excessive praise can come across as insincere. Avoid using overly flattering language like, ‘You are the greatest mentor to ever exist,’ or making up experiences that didn’t actually happen. Stick to honest and meaningful compliments that reflect your true appreciation. Authenticity leaves a lasting impact, whereas exaggeration can make your note feel phony.
- Keep rambling and ranting: A thank-you letter should be concise and to the point. Instead of writing long-winded paragraphs filled with unnecessary details, keep your message focused on expressing gratitude and highlighting key takeaways from your internship experience. Avoid turning it into a personal diary entry or a detailed account of every single task you worked on. A well-structured, thoughtful letter will have more impact than an overly long and meandering one.
- Express negative thoughts: Even if your internship had its challenges, a thank-you letter is not the place to mention them. Complaining about office dynamics, difficult tasks, or areas where you felt unsupported can overshadow your gratitude. If your experience wasn’t perfect, focus on the positive aspects and the valuable lessons you gained. Ending on a high note ensures your letter is received in the best possible way and leaves a positive impression.
Samples For Internship Thank-You Letter
For Your Boss
Dear [Boss’s Name],
I want to take a moment to sincerely thank you for the opportunity to intern at ABC Company. It has been an amazing experience, and I truly appreciate all the guidance, support, and knowledge you’ve shared with me.
One of the things I appreciated the most was how you always took the time to give me thoughtful feedback and the way you trusted me with real responsibilities. It made a huge difference in my growth, and I feel much more confident in my skills now.
I’ve learned so much, from how to manage projects efficiently and how to communicate ideas clearly in a professional setting. I know these lessons will stick with me as I move forward in my career.
I’d love to keep in touch, and I hope to cross paths again in the future! You can always reach me at [Your Email]. Thanks again for everything—I’m truly grateful.
Best,
[Your Name]
See more: 50 Thank You Boss Messages To Show Your Appreciation
For Your Mentor/Supervisor
Dear [Mentor/Supervisor’s Name],
I want to sincerely thank you for everything you’ve done for me during my internship at ABC Company. Your guidance and support made a huge impact on my experience, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to learn from you.
One of the things I appreciated most was how you always took the time to explain not just the “how” but also the “why” behind the work we did. Whether it was walking me through the new product’s marketing project or sharing insights on customer data, you made sure I understood the bigger picture. Your patience and encouragement helped me gain confidence, and I genuinely felt like a valued member of the team.
Throughout this internship, I’ve learned so much—from improving my data analysis and presentation skills to understanding how to communicate effectively in a professional environment. I know these lessons will be incredibly valuable as I move forward in my career.
I’d love to stay in touch, and I truly appreciate all the time and effort you put into mentoring me. You can always reach me at [Your Email]. Wishing you continued success, and I hope to work with you again in the future.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
For Your Fellow Interns
Hey [Fellow Interns’ Names / Team],
As our internship at ABC Company comes to an end, I just wanted to take a moment to express how grateful I am for getting to know and work alongside all of you. This experience wouldn’t have been the same without the support and camaraderie we shared.
I really appreciated how we could bounce ideas off each other, tackle challenges as a team, and even share some laughs along the way—whether it was during our brainstorming sessions or those much-needed coffee breaks. Collaborating on the Christmas promotion campaign taught me so much about teamwork and communication, and it was a privilege to learn from each of your unique perspectives.
Beyond the professional growth, I’ll miss the friendships we built. It’s rare to find such a supportive and fun group, and I’m so glad we got to share this chapter together. I’d love to stay in touch and see where our paths take us—feel free to reach out anytime at [Your Email] or [LinkedIn Profile].
Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors. Let’s keep cheering each other on!
Take care,
[Your Name]
For Someone You Met And Want To Keep In Touch
Hi [Person’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well! As my internship at ABC Company comes to an end, I wanted to say thank-you for the time and valuable insights you shared with me. Getting to know you and learning from your experiences has been one of the highlights of my time here.
Our conversation about your journey from an intern to a full-time role and how you developed leadership skills in this industry really stuck with me. I especially appreciated the advice you gave me about how to approach networking with confidence and the importance of always asking the right questions. It’s something I know I’ll carry forward as I continue building my career.
I also truly enjoyed working with you on the new game development project. Seeing how you approached problem-solving and collaboration was inspiring, and I learned so much from your expertise. It made me realize how important attention to detail in client presentations and being proactive when taking on new responsibilities is in this field.
I’d love to stay in touch and keep learning from you. Please feel free to reach out anytime—I’d love to hear about what you’re working on next! You can reach me at [Your Email] or connect with me on [LinkedIn]. Thanks again for everything, and I hope we get to cross paths again soon!
Warmly,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
A well-written thank-you for the internship letter is a small yet powerful gesture that can leave a lasting impression on your supervisor, mentor, and colleagues. It not only expresses your gratitude for the opportunities and guidance you received but also helps strengthen your professional relationships and keep the door open for future opportunities. So, remember to leave some nice words before leaving!
