SOC 2 TYPE II Certified · HIPAA · PCI DSS · WCAG 2.2 AA · Trust.TruCentive.com
Unclaimed rewards returned to you
Support | 415-386-8600
SOC 2 TYPE II Certified · HIPAA · PCI DSS · WCAG 2.2 AA · Trust.TruCentive.com
Unclaimed rewards returned to you
Support | 415-386-8600
This guide covers summer intern gifts.
As an internship concludes, thoughtful and specific recognition can acknowledge each intern’s contributions and close the experience on a positive, professional note.
Gift cards · Prepaid cards · Direct payments · Merchandise · Charity · Swag
Use this guide to plan equitable thank-you messages, optional celebrations, professional references, future contact, and gifts that fit the intern and the organization’s policies.
As internship season ends, express gratitude for the intern’s work and describe the contributions being recognized.
Optional gifts or incentives should follow the organization’s compensation, tax, ethics, and gift policies; use consistent eligibility and value guidelines across similarly situated interns. A gift is recognition, not a substitute for wages, promised compensation, academic credit, or required reimbursement.
Consider these steps to express appreciation for each intern’s work and specific contributions while following consistent program criteria.
Provide interns with gift cards to popular online marketplaces, retail stores, or restaurants, allowing them to choose items or experiences they personally enjoy.
Offer an intern a choice among useful professional or technology items that may support future academic or workplace activities. Options might include a desk lamp, desk pad, charger, keyboard, notebook, or another accessible alternative.
Confirm compatibility and accessibility needs before purchasing equipment.
Give the intern bragging rights with company-branded merchandise, such as t-shirts, water bottles, notebooks, or other items, as a memento of their time with the organization.
Ask reporting managers to write individual thank-you notes that recognize clear examples of the intern’s responsibilities, contributions, and demonstrated skills.
Present interns with certificates of successful completion that recognize their achievements and serve as a displayable memento of their internship experience.
When supported by documented performance and organization policy, offer an accurate letter of recommendation for future academic or employment use. Apply consistent criteria and do not promise a positive reference before review.
Team recognition: With each intern’s consent, acknowledge their contributions in front of teammates and offer a certificate or another optional memento.
Team gathering: Organize an optional farewell lunch or gathering with an accessible venue or remote way to participate. Provide clearly labeled dietary choices and an equivalent non-food alternative.
Ask whether the intern wants future professional contact. If they opt in, use appropriate professional channels and offer occasional advice and counsel within organization policy.
If the intern opts in, offer introductions to relevant professionals or potential mentors. Use consistent criteria so comparable interns receive equitable access to networking opportunities.
When an appropriate role is available and an intern’s documented qualifications align, invite them to participate in the organization’s standard equitable hiring process. Do not imply a future position or give informal access that bypasses established criteria.
Thoughtful gifts, incentives, and personal recognition leave a positive impression and help build lasting relationships with interns.
Be genuine and specific about each person’s contributions. Meaningful appreciation reinforces an intern’s value, supports a positive workplace culture, and can open the door to future collaboration, referrals, or employment.
Let interns choose a reward category that fits their interests and needs:
Brands, reward methods, countries, currencies, fees, and recipient eligibility vary by current catalog, program settings, and recipient location. Confirm availability before promising a specific option.
Eligible unclaimed reward value may be returned or credited according to reward type, project expiration, issuer restrictions, applicable fees, and current program terms. Build a complete project in the campaign builder with your logo, recipients, and incentive selections, then send. Related reading: onboarding engagement and retention, guide to employee appreciation.
Review current project setup and billing options →
Confirm current security, privacy, payment, and accessibility documentation for your program requirements.
As the summer internship season comes to an end, it’s essential to express your gratitude for a job well done. Expressing gratitude to summer interns for their hard work and contributions is not only a sign of appreciation but is crucial to leave a positive and lasting impression.
Tangible gestures, incentives and tokens of appreciation are always welcomed and appropriate as the internship season winds down.
Consider these steps to express your appreciation to interns for their exceptional work, contributions and for a job well done.
Gift cards
Provide interns with gift cards to popular online marketplaces, retail stores, or restaurants, allowing them to choose items or experiences they personally enjoy.
Professional merchandise
Provide “intern-choice” gifts of business-related items or technology that can help the intern advance their academic or professional roles. Items might be desk items like lamps or desk pads or computer related gear including chargers, keyboards, and the like.
Company swag
Give the intern bragging rights with company-branded merchandise, such as t-shirts, water bottles, notebooks, or other items, as a memento of their time with the organization.
Personalized thank you letters
Arrange for reporting managers to write individual thank-you notes expressing gratitude with specific information about specific duties and contributions.
Certificates
Present interns with certificates of successful completion that recognize their achievements and serve as a displayable memento of their internship experience.
Recommendations
If appropriate, offer to provide letters of recommendation that may be used to support their future academic or employment pursuits.
Team celebration
Publicly acknowledge the intern in front of teammates and thank interns for their efforts and success. Provide a certificate or other memento to memorialize their internship.
Team lunch
Organize a team lunch or farewell gathering to thank interns collectively and give them a chance to bond and say goodbye. Invite colleagues if appropriate.
Professional communication
Offer to stay in touch with interns on an occasional basis and offer advice and council if appropriate.
Networking Opportunities
Again, if appropriate, offer to connect successful interns with professionals in their field or connect them with potential mentors, helping them expand their professional network.
Future employment
As always, make a special effort to stay in close contact with interns who are candidates to become long-term hires if their performance and potential fit are worthy.
By taking the time to thank your summer interns and providing them with thoughtful incentives and rewards, you leave a positive impression and build a strong relationship with them.
Remember to be genuine and specific in your appreciation. Thoughtful gestures will strengthen relationships and foster a positive internship experience. Being genuine and specific in your appreciation reinforces the interns’ value and contributions. By thanking them for their hard work, you create a positive workplace culture and potential for future collaborations or referrals.
Spend 20 minutes getting to know TruCentive
We’re changing the way incentives are delivered!
