Deciding to return to school is an exciting step in your career journey, but it means you must gracefully exit your current role. A well-crafted resignation letter helps you maintain professional relationships while clearly communicating your departure. Use this template to ensure your transition is smooth and leaves a positive lasting impression on your employer.
Example letter
NovaTech Solutions
Please accept this letter as formal notification that I am resigning from my position as Marketing Coordinator at NovaTech Solutions. My last day of employment will be Friday, May 29, 2026.
I have made the decision to return to school full-time to pursue my Master's degree this upcoming fall semester. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I've had during my time here, and I deeply appreciate your mentorship and the support of the entire marketing team.
During my final two weeks, I am fully committed to ensuring a smooth transition of my responsibilities. I am happy to assist with wrapping up my current projects and helping to train other team members as needed.
Moving on to your next role? Build a professional resume in minutes with our free builder.
Build your resume →Tips for writing this letter
1. Be Transparent But Concise
You don't need to provide an exhaustive explanation of your academic plans. Simply stating that you are returning to school full-time is professional and sufficient.
2. Give Adequate Notice
Provide at least two weeks' notice to give your employer time to adjust. If your academic schedule allows, offering a slightly longer transition period can be highly appreciated.
3. Express Gratitude
Always thank your manager and team for the opportunities you've had. Maintaining these connections can be valuable for future networking or references after you graduate.
4. Offer Transition Support
Clearly state your willingness to help wrap up projects or train your replacement. This shows professionalism and ensures you leave on the best possible terms.
Do's and don'ts
✓ Do
- Clearly state your last working day
- Express appreciation for the experience gained
- Offer help with the transition process
✗ Don't
- Overshare details about your new academic program
- Brag about your future career prospects
- Leave projects unfinished without a handover plan
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to tell my employer what degree I am pursuing?
No, you are not obligated to share specific details about your degree or the institution. A general statement about returning to school or pursuing higher education is perfectly acceptable.
Should I ask for a letter of recommendation now?
Yes, your resignation period is a great time to ask for a letter of recommendation or a LinkedIn endorsement, especially while your contributions are still fresh in your manager's mind.
Can I offer to work part-time while in school?
If you are interested and your schedule permits, you can certainly propose transitioning to a part-time or freelance role. However, it's best to discuss this in person before including it in your formal letter.
What comes next?
Once you've submitted your resignation, it's time to update your resume for the next chapter. Our free builder makes it easy to create a polished, ATS-friendly resume in minutes.
Ready for your next role? Build a professional resume in minutes with our free builder.
Build your resume →