How to End Your Internship Like a Boss

"Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it." - Maya Angelou

So your internship is officially coming to a close. Whether you are eager to get out of there, or never want to leave, it is a crucial time to reflect on your experience. Knowing you have the ability to dictate what note you end on is a necessary realization. There are so many noteworthy elements to leaving a positive legacy for yourself, so here are my main suggestions:

Maintain a consistent level of enthusiasm and hard work throughout your internship. We all know how easy it is to start out strong, and dwindle down when the finish line is near. However, I urge you, just like I constantly urge myself, to push yourself to carry a steady level of your passion, commitment, energy and work ethic throughout your time with the company. Additionally, showing your boss signs of personal progression from start to finish is a hallmark for success and something you will be extremely proud of. Aim to be able to pinpoint a noteworthy contribution, especially at the tail-end of the internship.
Network with as many people as possible. Whether its inside or outside of the office, connecting with others is crucial. I personally use, and suggest starting a "networking notebook". This is where you can keep an accurate record of who you have met, interviewed and collaborated with. Keeping track of this will prove very helpful later in the game, when you need to reference a certain department or individual you connected with. Keep in touch with these people and never burn a bridge; you never know who can end up helping you down the road.
Seek out constructive criticism. This is a great way to show your supervisors that you want to hold yourself accountable. Open communication is crucial in doing your very best as an employee at any company. Address your strengths and weaknesses by setting up a meeting with your boss. Understanding the value of your performance will allow you to: practice accepting beneficial critiques from others, be aware of how you are perceived by your coworkers (sometimes we cannot see these things ourselves!), and learn your impact. If your boss offered an area you could work on, take their advice! It will only help you help your personal growth, in turn, helping the company. Which will also help you! This is the best way to be your best self, as well as mark your progress. Additionally, gather quantifiable information: how many customers does the company work with? what are the primary departments you worked with? value of the company? number of collaborative events you were involved with? increase in company's Instagram following? Show, rather than tell, future employers what a significant impact you had, utilizing the numbers to prove it.
Keep a journal. Similar to the networking notebook, it is exponentially helpful to write down anything and everything pertaining to your experience. It makes your life much easier when being interviewed on your past experience, reflecting on what you did or did not enjoy about your position. This is also a way to act as a mentor, whether you offer helpful advice for a future intern, or have a friend wanting to benefit by understanding your experience. This will help you in future jobs you accept, reflecting on what you would like to do differently when offered a clean slate with another company. Include any constructive criticism, daily tasks & skills, as well as your goals & achievements throughout your internship.
Wrap it up. Now that your internship is coming to a close, its time to leave on the best possible note you can. Say your goodbyes to your mentors individually, especially those crucial to your experience. Keep in touch! If appropriate (and true), express future interest in a full-time position. Contact the entire team... some would suggest an e-mail, but I always think handwritten notes are best. Lastly, respect the company: no trash-talk after your internship, no matter how you feel about the company.

I hope you leave on the last day, knowing your did your best & left a lasting impact on the company. Now walk out that door like a boss!