National Intern Day is the last Thursday of July. Created by WayUp nearly a decade ago, it recognizes the energy, ideas, and effort interns bring to the workplace. Your interns are part of your future talent pipeline. Instead of sending another generic thank-you email, make the day count.
Here are 11 thoughtful ways to give back to your interns, no pizza party required.
1. Schedule One-on-One Career Mentorship
Interns spend weeks learning about your business. Now’s your chance to invest in theirs. A personal mentorship session helps them connect the dots between what they’re doing now and where they want to go next. Don’t treat this like a performance review. Instead, focus on guidance, support, and perspective.
People are also reading…
“Even 30 minutes with someone experienced can shape an intern’s confidence and direction,” said Titania Jordan, CMO of Bark Technologies, a company known for its safe phone for kids, the Bark Phone. “When a leader makes time to talk honestly, it leaves a lasting impression.”
Make it casual and intentional. Ask what they’re curious about, share your own career path, and offer practical advice for their next steps. A little insight goes a long way.
2. Write a Personalized LinkedIn Recommendation
A great internship is a solid start, but having someone vouch for it is game-changing. Writing a LinkedIn recommendation shows future employers that this intern truly contributed. It’s one of the most meaningful ways to acknowledge their work.
“Referrals and recommendations are social proof,” said Brittany Blass, GM of Medicine Mama, a company that specializes in lubricant for women. “Hiring managers look for what others have said about a candidate. A thoughtful note can set someone apart before the interview even starts.”
Focus on impact. Mention specific projects, qualities you admired, and how they showed growth. Keep it genuine and brief, and let them know once it’s posted.
Linked content is for informational purposes by the contributor. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any treatment regimen.
3. Offer a Mock Interview Session
Interviews are tough, especially when you haven’t done many. Set your intern up for success by running a practice session with real questions and honest feedback. It’s a simple gesture that makes a huge difference when they start applying for jobs.
“Mock interviews help people get out of their own heads,” said Shaunak Amin, CEO and Co-Founder of Stadium, a company known for its peer to peer recognition program. “You can help improve their answers and boost their confidence before the stakes are real.”
Use questions from your company’s own interview process or from roles your intern is aiming for. Keep it friendly, give detailed feedback, and leave room for them to ask you questions, too.
4. Give Them a Voice in a Real Project
It’s one thing to observe a brainstorming session. It’s another to lead one. Invite your interns to weigh in on an actual campaign, pitch, or business decision. Not only does it build confidence, but it also shows you value their thinking, not just their time.
“Interns bring a fresh lens that teams don’t always realize they need,” said Jack Savage, Chief Executive Officer of Everyday Dose, a company that specializes in mushroom coffee. “Giving them space to contribute builds buy-in and brings in unexpected ideas.”
Pick a project that could use a new perspective. Let them present research, draft slides, or share ideas in a team meeting.
Linked content is for informational purposes by the contributor. Supplements are not evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
5. Host a “Career Q&A” With Your Team
Everyone’s path is different, and interns know that. Hosting a casual Q&A with your team gives them a peek behind the curtain at how people really got to where they are. Think of it as a mini career panel with real talk, not rehearsed bios.
“Interns are curious about more than your job title,” said Daley Meistrell, Head of Ecommerce at Dose, a company known for its cholesterol supplements. “They want to know what scared you, what surprised you, and how you made decisions when things were uncertain.”
Pick three to five people from different departments or levels, and block off 45 minutes. Keep it casual, leave time for questions, and encourage honesty. Bonus points if you provide snacks or do it over lunch.
Linked content is for informational purposes by the contributor. Supplements are not evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
6. Send a Gift That Isn’t Branded Swag
Branded water bottles and stress balls are fine, but they’re forgettable. A more thoughtful gift, like a book, coffee gift card, or something tied to their interests, shows you actually paid attention. It doesn’t have to be significant to feel meaningful.
“The best intern gifts are personal,” said Greg Hannley, Founder and CEO of Soba Mesa, a company whose drug rehab Arizona considers as an option. “They should say, ‘Your team sees you,’ because that kind of recognition builds real connection.”
Think about what came up in conversation. Did they mention that they love graphic novels? Want to learn UX? Are they always talking about a new book they read? Match the gift to the person, not the logo.
Linked content is for informational purposes by the contributor. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any treatment regimen.
7. Give Public Shoutouts (the Right Way)
Acknowledgment hits differently when it’s public and specific. Whether it’s a team meeting, Slack channel, or company newsletter, a well-placed shoutout shows your intern they’re genuinely seen and appreciated. The key is to keep it real and avoid sounding like a copy-paste compliment.
“Recognition works best when it’s specific,” said Justin Soleimani, Co-Founder of Tumble, a company that specializes in washable rugs. “People remember when you name exactly what they did and why it mattered.”
Instead of announcing praise out of nowhere, tie it to a milestone. Wrap it into a project debrief, a client win, or an internal newsletter roundup. Frame the shoutout around their actual impact. What changed because they were there? The more context you give, the more meaningful it feels.
8. Offer Help with Their Resume or Portfolio
Interns leave with new experience, but knowing how to frame that on paper is its own skill. Sit down with them to review their resume or portfolio and help translate their work into strong, standout bullet points or visuals.
“Most people don’t know what to highlight until someone walks them through it,” said Brandon Adcock, Co-Founder and CEO of Nugenix, a company known for its Instaflex Advanced joint supplement. “A 15-minute resume review can save them hours of confusion later.”
Ask to see their current resume and share edits in real time. Help them quantify results, refine their summary, or organize projects. If they’re in a creative role, walk through their portfolio and talk about storytelling and structure.
Linked content is for informational purposes by the contributor. Supplements are not evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
9. Connect Them with Someone in Their Dream Role
Sometimes the most valuable thing you can give is access. If you know someone doing what your intern hopes to do, make the intro. It might turn into a mentorship or just a great conversation. Either way, it can shape their path in a big way.
“A warm introduction opens doors that cold emails rarely do,” said Brianna Bitton, Co-Founder of O Positiv, a company that offers MENO menopause supplements. “You don’t have to be their mentor to help — just the bridge to one.”
Ask your intern about their goals, then check your network. LinkedIn is an easy way to scan for potential matches. Offer to set up a quick call and give both parties a little context. One intro could change everything.
Linked content is for informational purposes by the contributor. Supplements are not evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
10. Let Them Lead Something (Even Small)
Ownership builds confidence. Handing your intern a manageable task (like running a team huddle, drafting a presentation, or coordinating a mini project) shows you trust them to take the wheel. It doesn’t have to be a massive assignment to make an impact.
“Leadership has less to do with job titles and more to do with responsibility,” said Dr. Manjula Jegasothy, Co-Founder of MiamiMD. “When someone lets you own something, even for a day, it shifts how you see yourself.”
Start small, but be intentional. Choose something with a clear goal and visible outcome. Let them prep, present, and debrief. Support from the sidelines, but let them take the spotlight. It’s one of the best ways to stretch their skill set before they go.
Linked content is for informational purposes by the contributor. Supplements are not evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
11. Leave the Door Open
Don’t treat the last day like goodbye. If your intern crushed it, tell them they did a great job and you’re open to staying in touch. From future roles to freelance help or a referral down the line, keeping the door open is one of the most generous moves you can make.
Send your interns a message a few weeks after they leave. Offer to be a reference, connect on LinkedIn, or share a job lead when one pops up. Internships might be temporary, but relationships don’t have to be.
Celebrate the Future, Not Just the Day
National Intern Day is a chance to show your interns that their time, ideas, and energy matter. A pizza party might be fun, but real impact comes from making them feel seen, supported, and set up to pursue a full-time job.
Show up thoughtfully. Give feedback that sticks, make introductions that matter, and keep the door open for future opportunities. Interns might be with you for a season, but the way you support them can shape their whole career.
