You may think that getting an internship was challenging, but have you ever thought about the last impression you want to make before you leave? More Iona juniors and seniors are beginning to intern and even get job offers after their residency. However, it’s important that they say a proper farewell to their employer to be remembered.

As you plan to wrap up your internship experience, remember to always notify your supervisor well in advance, especially if the duration of your internship wasn’t discussed. This should be a sit-down conversation that lasts more than five minutes. Talk about your positive experience, what you learned, if you are looking for other opportunities and ask for advice. Your employer will appreciate the conversation and will more than likely give you great feedback.

According to Teen Vogue, the last few days of your internship are just as important as the first, perhaps even more so. This holds so much truth because you may get anxious during your final days. Other things may be on your mind or maybe your experience wasn’t as positive as it could have been. Whichever it may be, do not let that get in the way of your work. Your work ethic should not be based on your not-so-positive internship; you should instead work harder towards the end and establish positive connections, regardless of your experience.

Senior Frank Jaeger, a former intern for NBC Universal’s Maury and Trisha shows, approached his supervisors and warmly thanked them for the opportunity.

“I told them I would certainly stay in touch and how much of a learning experience it was for me,” said Jaeger.

It may be awkward to say good-bye to your boss, as Teen Vogue mentions. However, as you sit down with your boss to discuss your departure, it’s a good idea to ask for a critique of your work. This in itself is uncomfortable, but it’s better that you know your weaknesses so they can be improved before your future endeavors.

In order to stand out, it’s best send a handwritten thank-you note since employers can get hundreds of emails in a day. Include a few sentences thanking them for the opportunity and referencing the things you learned. Prepare them before you end your internship so you can send them out once you have completed your last day.

However, you could also give your supervisor a typed letter on your last day. The letter should be personal, neat and professional. You can add any good times you’ve had with your supervisor, your overall experience and most significantly inquire whether they would be willing to write you a recommendation. Your employer will most likely agree to write one for you and the recommendation can be kept for up to two years for when pursuing future job opportunities.

You may have had positive relationships with the whole department you interned with and seek to do something special for them. Teen Vogue suggests using food as a parting gift. You can never go wrong with a catered breakfast or something homemade for everyone to enjoy. You may also want to consider writing them personal emails if certain co-workers worked with you more than others. If you generally had an equal relationship with them all, consider a group email thanking them for welcoming you and for brining you into the team.

Jaeger recommends interns make personal connections with employers and co-workers.

“Always smile and be professional–it goes a long way, even if you didn’t like it,” said Jaeger. “It’s a small world and whatever bridge you burn, might burn for good.”