Last Week Ahead? Five Things You Must Do

Oh, it's the moment you've been dreading. Weeks of fumbling and learning the ropes, days spent getting to know and be inspired by all those around you, and just as you feel completely adjusted, your calendar says time's up. You're about done. It's heartbreaking, it's something you've been trying not to think too much about — it's just too sad — but you can't avoid it much longer. Once 6 p.m. comes around and you go, it'll be for the last time.

The end of an internship is always tricky emotionally, but it doesn't have to be good-bye forever. As you prepare for your last weeks, a couple of ideas to help tie those ends neatly — and keep the door open for the future.

1) Be sure to get coffee with your editors. Get feedback on your performance. Let them know if there's anything you'd still like to do your last week. Ask about opportunities post-internship — can you freelance write for them? Is there any way you can stay involved with the publication? This conversation with your editor is your chance to learn what's beyond your last day and make your last week the best it can be. Don't forget too to let your editor know too your impressions of your experience: it'll help him or her continue to build out the program for your successors!

2) Have thank you notes ready. Buy nice stationary and be prepared to write: handwritten thank you notes are a must that last day. Be sincere and genuine in what you write. Type out a draft of what you want to say before you write it on the card — having the words planned minimizes mistakes.

3) Connect with your fellow interns on Facebook if you haven't already. Try to build out those relationships if you have a chance because you never know where in the industry your colleagues will end up. Networking is more than just adding editors on LinkedIn: it's realizing everyone you meet is interconnected. Stay in touch with your gang and bond if you have a chance. Plan an intern dinner or happy hour to say good-bye in style. It's more than just contacts you're after; internships are about making and maintaining friendships, too!

4) Get the HR contact if you're at a bigger company. Ask your editor for an HR contact and email them, attaching your resume and expressing your interest in the company. You may not be looking for jobs now, but there's no harm in asking for a meeting or information about future internship and employment opportunities at your organization.

5) Give it your best until the very end. Don't use your last week to coast — rather, step up your game. Leave your editors with a great impression of you by adding a little extra effort to everything you do. Wear a smile, have fun and don't forget to say thanks at the end. Take a moment and pat yourself on the back once you finish: you've aced this internship, and you have every right to be proud.

Keep up your great work, Cafme, and best of luck as the summer winds down. Be on the lookout for information about our fall events on Twitter, Facebook and our regular blog. We can't wait to meet with you all and hear about your summers in person!

Continue shining, everyone!