Most collegiettes™ feel one of three ways as their job nears its end: their co-op was phenomenal and they never want to leave, their position sucked and they can’t wait to get out, OR their job was enjoyable but they’re ready to go back to classes and back to being a college student.
Personally, I feel option number three is most common—unless you’re on your third co-op, like I am, and dreading the fact that your next job won’t have a expiration date of six months and will have a much larger pool of applicants.
No matter how you’re feeling about your co-op coming to a close, make sure you follow these steps to ensure you’ll get the most out of your experience before leaving.
Connect with Your Employers and Co-Workers on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is the Facebook of the professional world. Luckily, there’s only one photo option available, so the chances of you holding a beer or looking like a hot mess are pretty slim. Once your profile is totally filled out and includes all past work experience, connect with your employers and co-workers a few days before you leave. By connecting with them, you will be able to keep up with what the company is doing—and be able to see if it ever has any full-time openings—as well as what your co-workers are up to. Perhaps they will one day move to a company you really want to work for, or maybe they’re connected to someone you want to be introduced to in the future. Building your online resume will only help you in the long run.
Ask for a Recommendation
Even if you ask for a recommendation on LinkedIn, it’s also important to ask for a physical letter of recommendation. Doing this before your last day will allow you to stay fresh in your boss’ mind and give you the most accurate recommendation possible. Plus, if it is in your hands before you leave, there will never be an opportunity for it to get lost in translation or left half-finished.
Write Thank You Cards
Some people think thank you cards are a little bit outdated. While most realize it’s important to give your boss and co-workers some token of appreciation, you may ask, ‘Why not a thank you e-mail?’ Yes, this is the digital age and an e-mail may seem like an easier, more efficient way to send a message. However, a hand-written card is a more personal way to say ‘thanks,’ and it gives your boss and co-workers something tangible to remember you by. An email can be deleted with a click of a mouse, but a card requires a little extra effort to get rid of—plus, it’s such a thoughtful gesture your boss may choose to keep it on their desk for a few weeks, or file it away in their desk. Later on, a card can remind your boss to think of you in the future in case any opportunities arise.
Get Personal Email Addresses/Business Cards
Although you may be connected on LinkedIn, asking for a personal email address will help you down the road. If your employers or co-workers ever leave the company they are at and you need to contact them, having their personal email address and contact information will still allow you to get in touch with them.
Ask for Feedback
You may not want to hear constructive criticism—or any criticism at all— but asking your boss for feedback might be one of the best things you can do. Not only will he or she be able to compliment you on your strong attributes, but they will be able to give you advice that can help you better serve your next boss. Plus, your boss will be honored that you value their opinion enough to ask for it, making you even more memorable.
End on a Good Note
Even if your boss treats you like the lowly intern you are, try to be on your best behavior during the final weeks of your co-op. Smile, act pleasant, be professional and do the best job you can—because even if things got a little rocky a few months ago—maybe you were late on an important deadline or turned in a less-than-perfect assignment—you can always repair your image and leave a better lasting impression.
The great thing about co-op is that Northeastern students have the opportunity to try more than one. So even if the co-op you’re leaving in just a few short weeks wasn’t the experience you hoped for, the majority of us will be able to try again for that perfect co-op in just six more months. Also, an important part of co-op is figuring out what you want to do, and don’t want to do, so if you’ve found something you don’t like, just remember it’s part of the learning experience and to rule it out next time!