Internships are a pivotal first step for students and recent graduates looking to gain real-world experience in their chosen field. As an intern supervisor, writing a thoughtful thank you note is one of the best ways to show your gratitude for their contributions and leave them with a great impression of their time with your organization.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover why thank you notes matter, provide 45 sample thank you messages to interns, tips for writing effective notes, FAQs to help you make your interns feel valued and appreciated.
Why Thank You Notes for Interns Are So Important
Taking a few minutes to write a thank you note may seem like a small gesture, but it can make a big difference in how interns view their experience with your company. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Shows You Value Them: Interns work hard and a thank you note demonstrates you noticed and appreciate their efforts. This can improve their self-esteem, morale, and motivation.
- Encourages Future Success: Your note can provide closure on their internship experience and inspire them to keep pursuing their goals.
- Strengthens Your Reputation: Thoughtful notes reflect well on you and your organization’s culture. Interns often share their positive experiences, which can help attract future talent.
- Leaves a Lasting Impression: A note serves as a memento of their time with you. This fosters fond memories that interns associate with your company.
- Opens Doors: Notes can strengthen your professional relationship and open doors for future opportunities to work together.
In short, taking a few minutes to write a thank you note is an easy way to boost interns’ confidence while benefiting your organization’s employer brand.
45 Sample Thank You Notes to Interns
Here are 45 messages you can use, modify, or draw inspiration from to craft meaningful thank you notes for your interns:
1. Standard Appreciation
Thank you, [intern name], for your hard work and dedication throughout this summer internship. Your contributions have been invaluable to our team and organization.
2. Skill Recognition
The skill and expertise you demonstrated during your internship surpassed all our expectations. Thank you for showcasing your abilities and raising the bar for future interns.
3. For a Job Well Done
Your hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed here. Thank you for making such a positive impression and completing every task exceptionally during your internship.
4. For Their Enthusiasm
Your enthusiasm and willingness to take on any task were truly commendable. Thank you for bringing such amazing energy to our workplace every day!
5. Post Internship Thank You
Now that your internship has come to an end, I want to express my sincere gratitude for all that you’ve done. Your work experience here will surely benefit your future career endeavors.
6. For Academic Credit Interns
Your dedication towards earning academic credit through this internship was evident in your performance. Thank you for choosing our company to gain this valuable professional experience.
7. To International Students
Thank you for bringing your unique, international perspective to our team. Your global insights and contributions as an intern have been incredibly valuable.
8. For Their Positive Attitude
Your positive attitude and enthusiasm made a world of difference during your internship. Thank you for lighting up our workplace and inspiring the team every single day!
9. Career Advice Gratitude
Thank you for proactively seeking career advice and making the most of this internship opportunity. Your drive to keep learning and evolving will certainly take you far.
10. For Their Willingness
Your willingness to tackle new challenges, learn on the fly, and adapt was remarkable. Thank you for being such a dedicated and malleable intern.
11. From the Hiring Manager
From the moment of your stellar internship interview, I knew you would be a great fit for our team. Thank you for proving me absolutely right!
12. For a Future Job Interview
After seeing your dedication and growth during your internship here, we would be delighted to discuss a full-time job interview for a permanent position. Thank you for showcasing your talents.
13. For Making a Lasting Impression
The incredible work you did here has left a lasting, positive impression on our entire team. We are so grateful for the time you spent with us and the difference you made.
14. Informational Interview Thanks
Thank you for seeking an informational interview to learn more about our human resources department. Your quest for knowledge and willingness to go the extra mile are truly admirable.
15. From Career Center
On behalf of the career center, thank you for fully embracing this internship experience and representing us so well. We are incredibly proud of all your achievements.
16. From Internship Supervisor
It has been an absolute pleasure to watch you grow and evolve during your internship here. Thank you for all of your hard work and contributions along the way.
17. For Building Relationships
Thank you for focusing not just on your daily tasks, but also on building meaningful professional relationships across our team. Those connections will serve you well.
18. Sample Internship Thank You Letter
Dear [Intern Name], your dedication and commitment during your time with us has truly made a difference. This is just a small thank you letter to express how much we appreciate you!
19. Gratitude for Dedication
Your dedication to producing excellent work was evident in every single project and task you undertook. We’re incredibly grateful for your time with us and all your efforts.
20. Future Opportunity Hopes
We sincerely hope to see you back here for another internship or full-time opportunity in the future. You set the bar high – thank you for being exemplary!
21. For Accepting Offer
Thank you for accepting our internship offer. Your performance exceeded all our expectations, and we’re grateful to have had you on board.
22. Contact Information Exchange
Let’s exchange contact information to remain connected as you move forward in your career. Your future is incredibly bright, and I look forward to hearing about your continued success!
23. For Utilizing Career Services
Your collaboration with the career services department to maximize this internship opportunity is commendable. Thank you for being so proactive!
24. For Valuable Contributions
The value of your numerous contributions during this program simply cannot be overstated. Thank you for everything you’ve done for our team!
25. For Sharing Insights
Having read your recent insightful posts on our internal portal, I’m even more convinced of your huge potential. Thank you for generously sharing your perspective.
26. For Seeking Feedback
Thank you for consistently seeking out constructive feedback and using it to grow. Your dedication to improvement is fantastic.
27. From Human Resources
Our entire human resources team wants to acknowledge and express gratitude for your stellar efforts during your internship here. You have represented us so well!
28. For Sharing Articles
Thank you for regularly sharing related articles and resources that helped streamline key projects. Your initiative is admirable.
29. To All Interns
As part of our outstanding internship program, you raised the bar for future interns. Thank you for enhancing our entire initiative!
30. For Their Gratitude
At the end of your internship, you expressed such heartfelt gratitude. But it is us who are so thankful for you and your phenomenal work here!
31. Perfect Thank You
You deserve the perfect thank you for everything you accomplished here. Your contributions will benefit our organization for years to come!
32. For Sharing Interview Tips
Thank you for generously providing internship interview tips to help prepare future applicants. Your guidance will surely help many.
33. For Uplifting Enthusiasm
Your enthusiasm was contagious, uplifting our entire team daily. Thank you for filling our office with such infectious energy and spirit!
34. Future Endeavors Well Wishes
As you embark on the next phase of your career, please know that you made a tremendous impact here. Our best wishes for your future endeavors!
35. For a Quality Internship Experience
The internship experience you helped shape here has added tremendous strategic value to our organization. Thank you for everything!
36. From Colleagues
On behalf of all your colleagues, thank you for being such an amazing team player, contributor, and joy to work with.
37. Sincere Gratitude
The experience of collaborating with you has been enriching for our entire team. Please accept our sincere gratitude for all your time and efforts here.
38. End of Summer Internship
As this summer internship chapter comes to a close, we want to wholeheartedly thank you for your invaluable contributions. You will be missed!
39. For Seeking Career Advice
Your thirst for knowledge and proactively seeking career advice from everyone was truly inspiring. Thank you for your quest to keep growing!
40. For Stellar Dedication
Days seemed brighter and tasks lighter, thanks to your stellar dedication and work ethic. Thank you for making such a positive impact.
41. From Career Services
Your commitment to maximizing this internship makes all of us so proud at the career center. Thank you for representing us wonderfully!
42. For Being Proactive
We appreciated how you actively sought out additional responsibilities and challenges. Thank you for being so proactive and self-driven!
43. To an Outstanding Intern
You were not just a regular intern – you were an absolutely outstanding contributor. Thank you for your phenomenal work!
44. For a Lasting Impression
The incredible mark you’ve left on our team, culture, and projects will be lasting. We’re eternally grateful for your time with us!
45. Parting Words
As we bid you a fond farewell, please remember your time here was incredibly cherished. Thank you for everything, and best of luck always!
Tips for Writing Effective Thank You Notes to Interns
Beyond using sample messages, keep these tips in mind to craft meaningful thank you notes:
Personalize the Note
Always address your intern by name and include specific details, examples, or memories of working together. This personal touch makes a big difference!
Be Timely
Send your note soon after the internship ends when the experience is fresh. This reinforces the positive impressions.
Highlight Specific Contributions
Mention major projects, achievements, or skills that stood out during their time with you. This shows you truly noticed their work.
Share Positive Feedback
Mention specific qualities, growth areas, or milestones you observed. Feedback helps them reflect.
Express Gratitude
Use words like “thank you,” “grateful,” and “appreciate” to convey gratitude clearly.
Keep it Professional
Maintain a professional tone even as you aim for a personal, warm note. This reflects well on you.
Close on a Positive Note
End by wishing them well in their future career and education. This provides uplifting closure.
Offer to Connect
Invite them to connect on LinkedIn so you can stay updated. This opens the door for an ongoing professional relationship.
Check for Errors
Proofread your note before sending! You want to avoid typos and errors.
Handwritten Can Be Meaningful
For a special touch, consider a handwritten card or note. This extra effort often makes a lasting impression.
Send Digitally for Convenience
Emails, Docs, Slack, or DM notes also work great, especially to maintain contact after in-person time ends.
With some personalization and sincerity, a simple thank you note can become a treasured memento leaving a lasting mark as interns embark on their next chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I send a thank you note to my intern?
Aim to send your thank you note on the intern’s final day or in their last week of the program. This provides timely closure. If you will not see them again in person, sending a digital note shortly after is recommended.
Should thank you notes to interns be handwritten or digital?
Either method works, so choose what makes the most sense based on your relationship and logistics. Handwritten notes often feel more special, while digital notes are convenient, especially if you won’t see them again after the internship.
What details should I include in an intern thank you note?
Include specifics like projects they worked on, skills they demonstrated, accomplishments, and any positive feedback or areas of growth you observed. Personalize each note with memories of working together and appreciation for their contributions.
What makes a bad thank you note to an intern?
Impersonal notes that seem like an afterthought come across poorly. Avoid just signatures without a message, templates without personal details, or overly casual, unprofessional tones. Typos and sending notes late also detract from meaningfulness.
Should I connect with interns on LinkedIn before or after the internship?
Connecting during the internship fosters an ongoing mentoring relationship. But if you didn’t get a chance to connect, it’s fine to connect afterwards – simply explain you wanted to stay in touch in your invite note.
What is the best way to deliver a digital thank you note to interns?
Emails work universally well, providing a record you can reference later if needed. Digital collaboration tools like Slack, Google Drive comments, or Microsoft Teams are also great choices depending on what platforms you use.
Is a thank you note necessary if we are offering my intern a return offer?
Yes, definitely send a note in addition to discussing any return offers. The note provides meaningful closure on the current internship and shows gratitude, whereas a job offer focuses on their future opportunities.
Should I give an intern a gift or just send a note?
Thank you notes have the most lasting impact. Small token gifts are optional if within company policy but not a must. The personalized words are what interns will remember most fondly.
Recognizing interns’ hard work through thoughtfully crafted thank you notes takes just minutes but provides lasting positivity. By following these tips and sample messages, you can master the art of impactful notes that uplift your interns and make their day.
