The internship is over. You left the workplace with new experiences and maybe a few new contacts. But did you say thank you properly? Most students don't – and it's a missed opportunity. A simple thank you can be the difference between a contact that fades and one that opens doors.
Thanking your supervisor after the internship means actively closing the relationship with appreciation. It's not just polite – it shows professionalism and builds the kind of goodwill that can lead to job opportunities, references and industry contacts down the road.
Why it matters#
The supervisor invested time in you#
Supervising an intern costs time and energy. The supervisor planned tasks, gave feedback, answered questions and adjusted their day around you. That's not a given – and it deserves a thank you.
The relationship lives on#
A supervisor who feels appreciated remembers you positively. That can lead to:
- a strong reference when job searching
- a spontaneous recommendation to a colleague
- an offer of summer work or employment
- a contact who reaches out when a position opens
You stand out#
Most interns say "goodbye" on the last day and disappear. The one who takes time to thank properly stands out – in a good way.
Five ways to say thank you#
1. Personal conversation on the last day#
The simplest and most important. Sit down with the supervisor for five minutes on the last day and say directly:
- what you learned
- what you appreciated most
- that you'd like to stay in touch
It doesn't need to be a speech. Three honest sentences are enough.
2. Handwritten card#
In a digital world, a handwritten thank you stands out. Short, simple, personal:
"Thank you for taking the time to supervise me these weeks. I learned an incredible amount about [specific thing]. It meant a lot. /Your name"
Leave it on the supervisor's desk on the last day or send by mail.
3. Email the next day#
If you didn't manage to thank properly on the last day, send an email within 24 hours:
- Short and concrete
- Mention something specific you learned
- Ask if you can connect on LinkedIn
- Thank them for the opportunity
4. LinkedIn message#
Connect on LinkedIn and write a personal message:
"Hi [Name], thank you for the incredible supervision during my internship. I'd love to stay in touch going forward."
It keeps the relationship alive and makes it easy to reach out later.
5. Follow-up after one month#
The most underrated step. Send a short message one month after the internship:
- share how your education is going
- mention if you've used something you learned
- ask how things are going at the workplace
It shows you care – and keeps you fresh in the supervisor's memory.
What to avoid#
Generic thank you. "Thanks for the internship, it was good" says nothing. Be specific.
Just texting. Text messages are too informal for a professional relationship. Email, card or LinkedIn is better.
Never following up. A thank you on the last day that's followed by nothing fades quickly.
Asking for a job in the same message. Thanks is thanks. Questions about employment belong in a separate conversation, preferably a bit later.
Forgetting other colleagues. The supervisor is most important, but also thank the team, reception and the colleague who showed you around.
Frequently asked questions#
Is it weird to thank the supervisor?#
No. It's always perceived positively. Most supervisors appreciate it and remember it.
Should I give a gift?#
It's not necessary and can sometimes be perceived wrong. A card or email is plenty. If you still want to, keep it simple: a fika treat or flowers.
What if I didn't enjoy the internship?#
Thank them anyway for the time and the supervisor's effort. You can be honest without being negative: "Thank you for taking the time to supervise me. I learned a lot about the industry."
How soon after the internship should I say thank you?#
Preferably the last day or within 24 hours. The sooner the better – but late is better than never.
Can I thank the supervisor even if they were bad?#
Find something positive to mention. Every supervisor gave you something – if nothing else, the experience of knowing what good supervision isn't. Be diplomatic.
Conclusion#
Thanking your supervisor after the internship takes five minutes. It costs nothing. And it can give you something that takes years to build on your own: a genuine professional relationship. Make it personal, make it specific, and do it soon. Your future career can thank you.
