How to quit an internship early?
Acing an internship might be on your to-do list but sometimes you got to make some tough decisions and let go of that internship. Quitting for your betterment only, not because you gave up or anything but because there were many better reasons than giving up. But how exactly does a person quit an internship early? Let us know how to quit an internship early, steps to quit your Internship early and things to remember while quitting in this article.
Quitting an internship early, before the end date is not as hard as it may seem. Being honest and straightforward as to why you are quitting is the key to unlocking this metaphorical door.
What is an internship?
An internship is a program where people can gain professional experience in a particular industry. These are often school and college students, entry-level candidates, or someone who is looking to change careers.
Explore the reasons before quitting. Could they be avoided?
There can be a variety of reasons for quitting your internship early before the due date and it is important to figure out are these reasons worth quitting before the end date.
1. Exams
Yes, exams can be one of the major factors forcing a person to leave his/her internship before the end date.
A solution to consider
Talk with the company and they can arrange for you offs, even paid offs during your exam days, or just decrease the workload from your head.
2. Too much work
Sometimes the amount of work companies put on interns is far more than what they pay them. And sometimes they are even made to work for more than 8 hours in the name of gaining experience.
A solution to consider
In a situation like this, send a formal letter to the manager of the company or the HR and complain about the things and against your employer. HR must make sure no bad image of the company is formed in people’s minds outside of the company and that all issues are resolved. So you can expect HR to help you with your issue and get it resolved at the earliest.
3. Unsafe work environment
A nightmare of a cause can be harassment at the workplace. And when someone is being harassed it becomes very tough to open up and share your problems such that the only left to them is to run away from the place and hope for a fresh start.
A solution to consider
No, you don’t have to open up to your boss or anyone but to someone you trust. Maybe your friend, your family, anyone. Share with them, get some professional help and file a complaint against the wrongdoer and make sure he/she does not ever step foot at that workplace anymore.
4. Better work opportunity
Then there is the instance where you might have gotten a better opportunity than the one you are currently working at with better pay, a better work environment, and whatnot.
A solution to consider
No, nothing can be considered here. Just state your obvious reason and be done with it. No need to sugarcoat.
One must discuss the reasons for quitting or just in general with someone. This is one of those decisions you make in life that once made can’t be undone and which will thus affect your whole life if not taken wisely and in your full senses.
Steps to quit your Internship early
1. Talk with your Employer
The first thing you would like to do is have a talk with your employer and tell him about the decision of quitting the internship.
2. Commute the same via formal mail
It is important to state your decision to the company along with the reason for your quitting. This can be done via email which is written professionally.
3. Get in terms with the manager
A mail is a good option but a meeting with the manager is a better option. Discuss with him all the terms and conditions. Serve a notice period to show your respect, if there is not any, and even discuss your responsibilities during that time. You can even talk about the re-joining policy after some time if the reason for quitting is no more applicable to you or will hamper your future work at the company.
4. Submit a Notice
Some companies require you to submit a notice and serve the notice period before you can quit the internship. Make sure you plan on these things accordingly as per your engagements. Submit the notice at least a month before the date you were planning to quit completely so that by that time you can be free of any notice period that needs to be served.
5. Get the Approval
If all your things are sorted with the company, your resignation would be approved pretty quickly, and you would be good to go. Get your affairs in order and bid your goodbyes to the staff and manager.
Things to remember while quitting
1. Honesty is the Key
It is important for you to be honest. Working at a company, at a professional level you develop work ethics over time and it demands honesty, with your employer, your colleagues, and with yourself. So, if you will be honest while stating your reason for a need to quit the internship, mutual respect would be increased and might even help improve the work environment at the office or even help you in the future.
2. Gratitude is meant to be expressed
No matter the reason for your quitting, it is important to thank the employer, the manager, and even your co-workers for what they have done for you and what they have taught you over the period you have worked there. Bid your farewell to everyone and promise to be in touch throughout.
3. Get the necessary things sorted beforehand
Securing your internship certificate, letter of recommendation, and the promised stipend should be managed and kept as a top most priority. Securing a letter of recommendation can help you in securing other good internships and even help you secure good jobs.
4. Work quality should not be compromised
In your last days, do not think “Now, I am quitting in a few days let me slack off at work.” No, work ethics should always be maintained. As an intern you must give your best even while you are on the notice period, these things will help you in the future and even help in securing an LoR.
As said earlier, quitting an internship is not as tough as it may seem. You just need to be honest and keep in mind a few things.
Also, have some plans ready for after quitting depending upon the reason for quitting. For instance, if education was the reason for your quitting, you might want to take in mind what income gap you can expect and how to handle it. Evaluate and plan so that you are prepared financially. Or if you got a better opportunity at a different company with better facilities make sure all your documents are in place and secure the letter of recommendation if you are applying to a new company at the time of quitting that will help and increase your chances of getting hired. The basic crux is that one needs to plan before, while, and after quitting an internship.
