You Did the Internship – Now What?

Wrapping up an internship is a big deal. You’ve gained real-world experience, built some valuable skills, and hopefully made connections that will stick with you. So what’s next?

Let’s keep the momentum going.

Stay Connected With Your Internship Site

Your internship isn’t over over. There are still great ways to build on the relationships you started:

• Send a thank-you note (bonus points for handwritten!) to your supervisor or team.
• Grab coffee or lunch once a quarter with someone you worked closely with.
• Connect on LinkedIn — and include a short “thank you” or note about what you learned from them.
• Ask for an informational interview with someone in a role you admire.
• Show up at events where the company will be — career fairs, info sessions, panels, etc.
• Thinking long term? Apply for another internship there, or a full-time role if you’re graduating soon!

Explore Other Employers

Don’t stop with just one experience — there’s a whole world of cool companies and organizations out there. Here’s how to learn more about them:

• Set up an informational interview with someone at an employer you’re curious about.
• Show up where employers are: career fairs, info sessions, site visits, panel discussions, etc.
• Use your network! Ask around (or check LinkedIn) to see who you already know — or are one connection away from.
  • Try the LinkedIn alumni tool to see where Huskies like you are working.
  • Husky Landing is a professional networking tool just for the UW community.
• Browse the “Career Exploration“ page for events and employers that match your interests.

Keep Growing

Not everything has to be a formal internship. There are tons of ways to keep building your skills and self-awareness:

• Use the “Reflecting on Your Internship” questions to unpack your experience and figure out your next move.
• Take a strengths, competency, or interests assessment to better understand yourself.
• Meet with a career coach to process your internship, refine your goals, or explore new directions.
• Sign up for classes or activities that help you grow: clubs, leadership roles, volunteering, projects — it all counts.

Gain Global Experience

Build skills while expanding your worldview.

• Look into virtual or in-person global internships (Interstride or the Office of Global Affairs can help!)
• Get involved with international or multicultural student orgs, like FIUTS.
• Apply for study abroad or service-learning programs that focus on global issues or industries.
• Join a cross-cultural mentorship program to build global communication and leadership skills.

Explore Funding

Only finding unpaid internships in your field? Lack of funds doesn’t have to limit your options.

• Apply for grants, fellowships, or scholarships that support unpaid internships, research, or global experiences.
• Ask about funding through your academic department or career center.
• Explore programs like the Gilman International Scholarship Program, Bonderman Fellowship, or other funding initiatives.
• Crowdfund or pitch your idea if you’re launching a project or social venture.

Prep for What Comes Next

Future you will be glad you took the time to package your experience well. Here’s how:

• Attend a workshop on resumes, cover letters, job search, or interviews.
• Add your internship to your resume with bullet points that highlight your accomplishments.
• Update your LinkedIn profile with your new experience (and maybe a fresh headshot too!).
• Ask for a LinkedIn recommendation from someone you worked with.
• Write down 2–3 “STAR story moments” — examples you might use in interviews or cover letters.
• Meet with a coach to sharpen your materials or practice interview questions.
• Start applying! Check Handshake for your next internship or job opportunity.

The end of an internship isn’t the end of the road — it’s a launchpad. Take a beat, reflect, and then take your next best step forward.