Five things to do after completing a job or internship

You gained new skills, expanded your network and experienced real-world work. Now what? The steps you take afterward can help you strengthen your resume, grow your professional network and prepare for future internships and full-time jobs.  

Before you move on, complete these five tasks to make the most of your experience.

1. Record all that you accomplished

Document what you achieved while it’s still fresh in your mind. This will make updating your resume and Handshake profiles, as well as prepping for future interviews, much easier.

Consider noting:  

• Tasks and duties you performed
• Challenges you faced and overcame
• Any projects you contributed to or led.
• Numbers that show your impact — metrics like “increased social media engagement by 30%” or “processed 50+ client requests weekly”  
• Tools, platforms and skills you used or learned.

Pro tip: Extend the impact of your experience by sharing it on LinkedIn. Include photos, highlight what you learned and tag the people or organizations you worked with to showcase your professional growth and expand your network.

2. Send a thank you note

A genuine thank-you message can leave a strong final impression and reinforce professional relationships.

Try to:

• Thank your supervisor, mentor or team
• Mention something specific you appreciated
• Keep your message warm, brief and professional.

Pro tip: Consider handwriting the note to make it more personable.

3. Request a reference

If you had a positive experience and built strong relationships, ask for a reference while your contributions are still fresh in their mind.

You can request:

• An endorsement of a skill on LinkedIn  
• Permission to use them as a reference contact

Pro tip: Let them know when you’re applying for roles so they can be prepared for a reference call later.

4. Build your professional network on LinkedIn

Your role may be over, but your professional relationships don’t have to be.

Stay connected by:

• Adding coworkers, supervisors and peers on LinkedIn
• Personalizing your connection request
• Engaging with their posts and updates

These connections may open doors later on.

5. Reflect on what you learned during your internship

This is your chance to evaluate your experience and plan your next steps.

Ask yourself:

• What work energized me?
• What didn’t I enjoy?
• Do the organization’s mission or culture align with my values?
• Would I pursue this field again? Why or why not?

Write your answers down. Reviewing these reflections before your next internship or job interview can help you clearly explain what you learned and what you're looking for in your next opportunity.

Turn your experience into your next opportunity

Completing an internship or job is a major milestone — and a big step toward your career. By documenting your growth, staying connected and reflecting on what you learned, you’re building a strong foundation for what comes next.

If you'd like support translating your experience into future opportunities, U of I Career Services is here to help. Connect with a career consultant to update your resume, explore what’s next and continue building momentum toward your goals.