How can you effectively follow up with culinary internship mentors and peers?

1 Send a thank-you note

As soon as possible after your internship, send a personalized thank-you note to your mentor and any other chefs or staff who helped you during your time there. Express your gratitude for their guidance, feedback, and support, and highlight some specific skills or insights you gained from them. You can also mention your future goals and aspirations, and ask for their advice or recommendations. A handwritten note is more personal and memorable, but an email or a card is also acceptable.

2 Stay in touch

Don't let your connections fade away after your internship. Stay in touch with your mentor and peers by sending occasional updates on your progress, achievements, or challenges. You can also share relevant news, articles, recipes, or events that might interest them, or ask for their opinions or suggestions on your projects or ideas. Be genuine, respectful, and professional in your communication, and avoid being too frequent or intrusive. You can use email, phone, social media, or online platforms to keep in touch, depending on your preference and theirs.

3 Seek feedback

One of the benefits of having a mentor is that they can provide you with honest and constructive feedback on your performance, strengths, and areas for improvement. Even after your internship, you can still seek feedback from your mentor and peers on your work, portfolio, resume, or career plans. Feedback can help you identify your gaps, enhance your skills, and refine your goals. Be open-minded, humble, and appreciative when you ask for and receive feedback, and show that you are willing to act on it.

4 Ask for referrals

Another benefit of having a mentor and peers is that they can introduce you to other people or opportunities in the culinary field that might suit you. If you are looking for a job, an apprenticeship, a scholarship, a course, or a project, you can ask your mentor and peers for referrals or recommendations. They might know someone who is hiring, offering, or looking for someone like you, or they might have some tips or resources that can help you in your search. Be polite, specific, and realistic when you ask for referrals, and don't expect them to do the work for you.

5 Give back

A good way to show your appreciation and maintain a positive relationship with your mentor and peers is to give back to them in some way. You can offer to help them with their tasks, projects, or events, or share your skills, knowledge, or contacts with them. You can also send them a gift, a testimonial, a review, or a referral, or acknowledge them in your work or publications. Giving back can demonstrate your gratitude, generosity, and professionalism, and strengthen your bond with them.