Deciding to leave an internship can be a stressful situation, accompanied by feelings of uncertainty about professional repercussions. This guide provides practical steps to navigate this process gracefully, preserving the professional relationships you have built.
Deciding if Quitting is the Right Move
Before taking action, reflect to confirm that leaving is the right choice. An internship is a learning experience, and sometimes the lesson is discovering what you do not want in a career. Valid reasons for an early departure include:
- A toxic work environment.
- A significant mismatch between your duties and the initial job description.
- The emergence of a more promising opportunity.
- Personal and health-related issues that require your attention.
Give the role a fair chance, as initial impressions can be misleading. If the negative aspects of the experience persist and outweigh the benefits, leaving may be the correct choice. First, consider addressing the issues with your supervisor. A respectful conversation about your concerns could lead to improvements, but if such efforts fail, you can be more confident in your decision.
Weigh the pros and cons to ensure your decision is well-considered, not reactive. Consider the skills you have gained, the connections you have made, and whether the experience offers long-term career value. This ensures you are making a strategic choice for your professional future.
Preparing to Resign Professionally
Once you decide to leave, prepare for a professional resignation. First, review your internship agreement or contract. Look for clauses about notice periods or specific resignation procedures to ensure you comply with any formal requirements.
Begin documenting your accomplishments and ongoing projects. Create a clear record of your responsibilities, task statuses, and any information needed for a smooth handover. This documentation helps your team manage the workload after you leave and demonstrates your commitment to a seamless transition.
Formulate a clear and concise reason for your departure. You do not need to share every detail, especially if the reasons are complex or negative. A simple, professional explanation will help you remain composed during the resignation conversation with your supervisor.
How to Have the Resignation Conversation
The resignation conversation should be handled with care and professionalism. Schedule a private meeting with your direct supervisor for this discussion. Whenever possible, this conversation should happen in person or over a video call to convey respect, avoiding email or text messages which can be perceived as unprofessional.
Begin the conversation by stating your intention to resign clearly and directly. Provide your specific end date, offering a two-week notice period if possible, though this may vary depending on your agreement. This notice period is a standard professional courtesy that allows the company time to plan for your absence and helps maintain a positive relationship.
Throughout the conversation, maintain a positive and grateful tone, regardless of your reasons for leaving. Express your appreciation for the opportunity, mentioning specific skills you learned or experiences you valued. Offer to do what you can to ensure a smooth transition, reinforcing your commitment to finishing your responsibilities diligently.
Even if the experience was negative, avoid making accusatory or overly critical statements to leave on good terms and preserve your professional reputation. Your supervisor may ask for your reasons for leaving, so be prepared with the concise explanation you formulated earlier. Honesty is appreciated, but tact is paramount in this situation.
Writing a Formal Resignation Notice
Following your verbal resignation, it is standard practice to provide a formal written notice. This document, either an email or a printed letter, serves as an official record of your departure for HR. It should be sent to your supervisor promptly after your conversation, maintaining the same professional and positive tone.
The structure of the notice is straightforward. Start with a clear subject line, such as “Resignation – [Your Name].” In the body, state your intention to resign from your position and clearly mention your last day of employment. This confirms the date you discussed with your supervisor.
Next, include a brief paragraph expressing your gratitude for the opportunity. You can mention a positive aspect of the internship or a skill you developed; a simple, sincere statement is sufficient. Conclude by reiterating your offer to assist with the transition during your final weeks to ensure a smooth handover.
Here is a simple template you can adapt:
Subject: Resignation – [Your Name]
Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
Please accept this letter as formal notification that I am resigning from my position as [Your Internship Title] at [Company Name]. My last day will be [Your Last Day].
Thank you so much for the opportunity to have been an intern here. I have genuinely enjoyed my time at [Company Name] and am grateful for the skills and experience I have gained.
I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition during my final two weeks. Please let me know how I can help hand over my responsibilities.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Managing Your Final Days
The period between giving notice and your last day is your final opportunity to leave a positive impression. Continue to fulfill your duties with diligence and professionalism. This commitment demonstrates a strong work ethic and respect for your colleagues and the company.
Focus on creating a comprehensive handover document to ensure a seamless transition. This document should detail ongoing projects, list key contacts, provide instructions for recurring tasks, and note the location of important files. Proactively assisting with training the person who takes over your responsibilities is another way to show your dedication.
Take time to say professional goodbyes to colleagues and mentors who impacted your experience. Thank them for their guidance and support. Exchanging contact information, like a LinkedIn profile, helps maintain these connections for the future and solidifies the relationships you have built.
Updating Your Professional Materials
After leaving your internship, consider how to represent this experience on your resume and LinkedIn profile. Even if you left early, the internship can be a valuable addition. Frame the experience positively by focusing on the skills you acquired and contributions you made, without specifying that you did not complete the full term unless asked directly.
On your resume, state the months you worked (e.g., “June 2024 – July 2024”). Focus the bullet points on your accomplishments and learned skills rather than the duration. This approach is honest and highlights the value you gained.
Whether you ask for a letter of recommendation depends on your departure circumstances. If you left on good terms with a positive supervisory relationship, it may be appropriate to ask. If the departure was due to a poor fit or negative issues, seek references from other, more successful experiences.