A Distinguished Engineer in my company has recommended me for a position after I informally expressed to them my interests in applying. It is undoubtedly due to their recommendation that I have now been invited to apply.

I have sent a thoughtful "thank you" email. Would a small gift (a card, flowers, or a nice desert) be inappropriate -- or, given the influence they have regarding my employment, even unethical?

Details:

* The chance to apply wouldn't be open without his help.
* I am early in the application process.
* I do not report to (or even work with) this engineer.
* This engineer works in a remote office, but I could probably secure their mailing address.
* The position would take me from being a part-time student intern to a full-time junior engineer.