Your last week is approaching which means no more paper pushing, awkwardly polite emails, or laughing with Linda from Marketing over dumb little office jokes that became the highlight of your day.
It’s bittersweet. Whether your co-op was the best thing ever or just a job, one thing’s for sure: you’re about to trade in Outlook meetings for Canvas notifications. That thought alone is both terrifying and exciting.
But before you fully transition back into “academic weapon/victim” mode, there are a few things you should do to leave your co-op the right way.
1. Say Thank You (Seriously)
I know, I know — this sounds basic. But the art of a thank-you email (or card, if you’re feeling extra) is lost on our generation. Don’t just ghost your team on your last day. Take the time to say thank you.
That’s it. Simple, kind, professional. Trust me, people remember who says thank you — and who quietly disappears into the Slack void.
2. Reflect (Before It All Becomes a Blur)
Don’t just sprint out of there. Pause and ask yourself:
- What did I learn?
- What surprised me?
- What do I want more (or less) of in my next role?
- Would I recommend co-op to other students?
You don’t have to journal your soul out, but take five minutes to actually process what this experience meant for you. It’s easy to miss how much you’ve grown when you’re already thinking about your next deadline or whether you remembered to register for classes.
3. Celebrate Your Corporate Era
You did it. You woke up for a nine-to-five every day. You wore business casual (at least from the waist up), took meetings like a pro, and survived office politics without accidentally replying all.
You were a corporate baddie. Own that.
And now? Now you get to relax a little. Binge a show. Eat a meal that isn’t leftovers from a catered lunch. Be a student again (with slightly better time management skills and maybe a new addiction to Excel).
So here’s your exit plan:
Say thank you. Reflect. Celebrate. Rest.
And when you’re ready, log back in to Canvas, grab your coffee, and get ready to be an academic weapon again.
Linda from Marketing would be proud.
