Why is Writing a Request Letter Internship Writing Tools So Hard? Your Problems, Answered
Many students and young professionals struggle with writing a request letter for an internship. Here are some common pain points:
- Fear of rejection or not being taken seriously
- Lack of confidence in writing a professional-sounding letter
- Uncertainty about what to include or exclude in the letter
- Difficulty in showcasing skills and experiences in a concise manner
The Basic Framework for an Effective Letter
A well-structured request letter for an internship should have a clear introduction, a concise body, and a professional closing. The introduction should introduce yourself and state the purpose of the letter, the body should highlight your relevant skills and experiences, and the closing should express gratitude and enthusiasm for the opportunity.
This framework can be adapted to fit various scenarios and industries, making it a versatile tool for anyone looking to request an internship.
Application in Practice: 14 Scenarios & Examples
Scenario 1: Requesting an Internship at a Large Corporation
Emily J. Lee
123 Main Street, Apt 4B
New York, NY 10001
February 10, 2023
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the summer internship program at XYZ Corporation. As a junior majoring in business administration, I am confident that my skills and experiences make me an ideal candidate for this opportunity.
I have attached my resume for your review. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Emily J. Lee
Practical Takeaway: Always tailor your letter to the specific company and position you are applying for, and be sure to highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
Scenario 2: Requesting an Internship at a Non-Profit Organization
David K. Patel
456 Elm Street, Apt 3C
Chicago, IL 60611
March 15, 2023
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
I am writing to express my interest in the volunteer internship program at ABC Non-Profit. As a sophomore majoring in environmental studies, I am passionate about making a positive impact in my community and believe that this opportunity would be a great fit for me.
I have attached my resume for your review. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
David K. Patel
Practical Takeaway: Show your passion and enthusiasm for the organization and the cause they support, and highlight any relevant volunteer or extracurricular experiences.
Scenario 3: Requesting an Internship at a Startup
Sarah K. Kim
789 Oak Street, Apt 2B
San Francisco, CA 94117
April 20, 2023
Dear Founders,
I am writing to express my interest in the summer internship program at DEF Startup. As a senior majoring in computer science, I am excited about the opportunity to work with a innovative and forward-thinking company.
I have attached my resume and a portfolio of my projects for your review. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Sarah K. Kim
Practical Takeaway: Be prepared to showcase your skills and experiences through a portfolio or other visual aids, and be flexible and open to learning in a fast-paced startup environment.
Scenario 4: Requesting an Internship in a Creative Field
Michael T. Lee
321 Pine Street, Apt 1A
Los Angeles, CA 90012
May 10, 2023
Dear Creative Director,
I am writing to express my interest in the summer internship program at GHI Design Firm. As a junior majoring in graphic design, I am excited about the opportunity to work with a talented team of designers and learn from their expertise.
I have attached my portfolio for your review. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Michael T. Lee
Practical Takeaway: Showcase your creative skills and experiences through a portfolio or other visual aids, and be prepared to explain your design process and inspirations.
Scenario 5: Requesting an Internship Abroad
Elizabeth M. Rodriguez
901 Maple Street, Apt 4D
Washington, D.C. 20001
June 1, 2023
Dear International Programs Coordinator,
I am writing to express my interest in the summer internship program in Tokyo, Japan through the International Internship Program. As a senior majoring in international business, I am excited about the opportunity to work abroad and gain international experience.
I have attached my resume and a letter of recommendation for your review. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth M. Rodriguez
Practical Takeaway: Research the company and the country thoroughly, and be prepared to explain why you want to work abroad and what you hope to gain from the experience.
Scenario 6: Requesting an Internship at a Government Agency
Kevin J. Brown
234 State Street, Apt 3B
Albany, NY 12207
July 15, 2023
Dear Human Resources Director,
I am writing to express my interest in the summer internship program at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. As a junior majoring in environmental policy, I am excited about the opportunity to work with a government agency and gain experience in the field.
I have attached my resume and a transcript for your review. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Kevin J. Brown
Practical Takeaway: Research the agency and the specific department you are applying to, and be prepared to explain why you want to work in the public sector and what you hope to gain from the experience.
Scenario 7: Requesting an Internship with a Family Friend
Rachel M. Chen
567 Cedar Street, Apt 2C
Seattle, WA 98122
August 20, 2023
Dear Uncle John,
I am writing to express my interest in interning at your company, JKL Ventures, this summer. As a sophomore majoring in business administration, I am excited about the opportunity to learn from your experience and gain hands-on skills.
I have attached my resume for your review. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Rachel M. Chen
Practical Takeaway: Be respectful and professional, even when applying to a family friend, and be prepared to explain why you want to work with them and what you hope to gain from the experience.
Scenario 8: Requesting an Internship at a Research Institution
Christopher T. Martin
890 Broadway, Apt 5A
New York, NY 10003
September 1, 2023
Dear Dr. Smith,
I am writing to express my interest in the research internship program at the XYZ Research Institute. As a senior majoring in biology, I am excited about the opportunity to work with a renowned researcher and contribute to groundbreaking research.
I have attached my resume and a personal statement for your review. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Christopher T. Martin
Practical Takeaway: Research the institution and the specific researcher you are applying to, and be prepared to explain why you want to work in research and what you hope to gain from the experience.
Scenario 9: Requesting an Internship at a Small Business
Amanda L. Hall
345 Main Street, Apt 1B
Denver, CO 80206
October 10, 2023
Dear Owner,
I am writing to express my interest in the internship program at ABC Small Business. As a junior majoring in marketing, I am excited about the opportunity to work with a small business and gain hands-on experience.
I have attached my resume for your review. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Amanda L. Hall
Practical Takeaway: Be flexible and open to learning in a fast-paced small business environment, and be prepared to explain why you want to work with a small business and what you hope to gain from the experience.
Scenario 10: Requesting an Internship in a Highly Competitive Industry
Jessica L. Patel
678 Oak Street, Apt 3A
New York, NY 10021
November 15, 2023
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the summer internship program at MNO Financial Services. As a senior majoring in finance, I am excited about the opportunity to work with a leading financial institution and gain experience in the industry.
I have attached my resume and a letter of recommendation for your review. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Jessica L. Patel
Practical Takeaway: Research the company and the industry thoroughly, and be prepared to explain why you want to work in the industry and what you hope to gain from the experience.
Scenario 11: Requesting an Internship with a Remote Company
Daniel K. Lee
901 Maple Street, Apt 2D
San Francisco, CA 94117
December 1, 2023
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the remote internship program at PQR Tech Company. As a junior majoring in computer science, I am excited about the opportunity to work with a remote team and gain experience in the tech industry.
I have attached my resume and a portfolio of my projects for your review. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Daniel K. Lee
Practical Takeaway: Be prepared to explain why you want to work remotely and what you hope to gain from the experience, and be flexible and open to learning in a virtual environment.
Scenario 12: Requesting an Internship at a University
Samantha J. Brown
234 State Street, Apt 4A
Boston, MA 02115
January 10, 2024
Dear Professor Smith,
I am writing to express my interest in the research internship program at XYZ University. As a senior majoring in psychology, I am excited about the opportunity to work with a renowned researcher and contribute to groundbreaking research.
I have attached my resume and a personal statement for your review. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Samantha J. Brown
Practical Takeaway: Research the university and the specific researcher you are applying to, and be prepared to explain why you want to work in research and what you hope to gain from the experience.
Scenario 13: Requesting an Internship at a Non-Profit Organization (Domestic)
Alexandra R. Garcia
567 Cedar Street, Apt 1B
Chicago, IL 60611
February 15, 2024
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
I am writing to express my interest in the volunteer internship program at ABC Non-Profit Organization. As a junior majoring in environmental studies, I am passionate about making a positive impact in my community and believe that this opportunity would be a great fit for me.
I have attached my resume for your review. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Alexandra R. Garcia
Practical Takeaway: Show your passion and enthusiasm for the organization and the cause they support, and highlight any relevant volunteer or extracurricular experiences.
Scenario 14: Requesting an Internship at a Government Agency (Federal)
Benjamin M. Rodriguez
890 Broadway, Apt 3C
Washington, D.C. 20001
March 20, 2024
Dear Human Resources Director,
I am writing to express my interest in the summer internship program at the Federal Bureau of Investigation. As a senior majoring in criminal justice, I am excited about the opportunity to work with a government agency and gain experience in the field.
I have attached my resume and a transcript for your review. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Benjamin M. Rodriguez
Practical Takeaway: Research the agency and the specific department you are applying to, and be prepared to explain why you want to work in the public sector and what you hope to gain from the experience.
Final Checklist: Is Your Letter Ready to Send?
Before sending your request letter, make sure to review the following checklist:
- Is your letter well-structured and easy to read?
- Have you clearly stated your purpose and interest in the internship?
- Have you highlighted your relevant skills and experiences?
- Have you proofread your letter for grammar and spelling errors?
- Have you included all necessary attachments, such as your resume and transcript?
- Have you tailored your letter to the specific company and position you are applying for?
- Have you kept your letter concise and to the point?