Letter of Intent for an Internship

A letter of intent for an internship is a written document a candidate writes to introduce themselves and show interest in obtaining a paid or unpaid internship with an organization or company. It’s a persuasive letter where an applicant outlines their qualifications, relevant experiences, and career aspirations.

It highlights how the internship aligns with the applicant’s educational and professional goals and emphasizes the potential mutual benefits for the intern and the organization.

Table of Contents

• Internship Letter of Intent vs. Internship Cover Letter
• How to Write a Letter of Intent for an Internship
• Tips for Writing a Letter of Intent for an Internship
• Letter of Intent for Internship Examples
• Sample Letter of Intent for an Internship
• Essential Documents for Interns

Internship Letter of Intent vs. Internship Cover Letter

An internship letter of intent helps a candidate establish a general interest in interning for an organization. They can submit this document at any time. In contrast, a candidate submits a cover letter when responding to an available internship position.

Both documents let applicants communicate their experiences and skills. These documents also complement the applicant’s resume and help them explain how their work as an intern can mutually benefit themselves and the hiring company.

How to Write a Letter of Intent for an Internship

Step 1 – Add the Delivery Information

Start the letter by adding the name and address of the internship coordinator in the top left corner. Write your name and address below their information, clarifying you as the letter’s author. Be sure to date the letter.

Address the internship coordinator by including a simple salutation, such as “Dear Internship Coordinator’s Name” or “To Whom It May Concern.”

Step 2 – Write a Short Introduction

Introduce yourself briefly by stating your name in the letter’s first paragraph. In this paragraph, you can also express your interest in an internship with the company.

Refer to specific aspects of the company’s values, projects, or mission that resonate with you. These details show that you’ve researched the company and have a genuine interest in working there.

A well-crafted Letter of Recommendation for an Internship from a previous employer or professor can also support your application and demonstrate your qualifications.

Step 3 – Explain Your Qualifications

Explain your qualifications, including education you’ve completed, research projects you’ve contributed to, and relevant skills you’ve developed. You can also outline relevant experience, including part-time positions, full-time jobs, or volunteer work you’ve performed in the past.

Step 4 – Tie in Your Goals

State how an internship with the company you’re writing to aligns with your personal interests and professional goals. Explain what skills you will strengthen or develop during the internship and how you’ll apply these skills to your future aspirations.

Step 5 – Write a Closing Statement

Use your closing paragraph to reaffirm your interest in and enthusiasm for the internship program and express your gratitude to the reader for their time. Ask them to contact you to talk about your qualifications in more detail.

Tips for Writing a Letter of Intent for an Internship

Here are some tips to implement when writing a letter of intent for an internship:

• Write a letter to any company you’re interested in. Even if the company you’re interested in doesn’t currently have any open internship positions, their hiring manager may refer to previous letters to find a suitable candidate when a position becomes available.
• Research the company. Research the company to seem knowledgeable about its goals and mission. Learn the details of ongoing internship programs or research past ones to get an idea about future opportunities.
• Finish with a call to action. Invite the recipient to review other supporting documents or contact you for further discussion. This will give them a clear path for the next steps.
• Proofread your letter. Proofread your letter before you send it, ensuring it’s free of grammar and spelling errors. You can also ensure it fully reflects your experiences and conveys why you’re a suitable candidate.

Letter of Intent for Internship Examples

Explore two example internship letters of intent:

Instructor Internship

Here is an internship letter of intent for a candidate looking for an internship in Spanish education:

Thomas Gonzalez
Atlanta, GA 30033
[email protected]

July 18, 2024

Ms. Emily Johnson
Internship Coordinator
Rocky River High School
Atlanta, GA 30033

Dear Ms. Johnson,

My name is Thomas Gonzalez, and I’m writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the internship opportunity to work alongside the Spanish I instructor at Rocky River High School. Upon researching your esteemed institution and learning about its commitment to academic excellence and fostering cultural understanding, I’m eager to contribute to your mission as an intern.

I’m currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Spanish Language and Literature at Emory University. Throughout my schooling, I have excelled in coursework focusing on Spanish language acquisition, literature, and cultural studies. My coursework has equipped me with a strong foundation in linguistics and pedagogical strategies that I’m eager to apply in a practical setting.

In addition to my studies, I have actively participated in research projects that explore the cultural nuances and historical contexts of Spanish-speaking countries. My research experiences have sharpened my analytical skills and deepened my appreciation for the diversity within Spanish-speaking communities.

I’m particularly drawn to the internship opportunity at Rocky River High School because it aligns perfectly with my career aspirations. I’m passionate about promoting language education and fostering an inclusive learning environment. By assisting the Spanish I instructor, I hope to enhance my teaching skills, gain practical classroom experience, and positively impact students’ language learning journeys.

I’m confident that my dedication to Spanish language studies, combined with my enthusiasm for education and cultural exchange, make me a strong candidate for this internship. I’m eager to contribute to the dynamic learning environment at Rocky River High School and support the mission of preparing students for global citizenship.

Thank you for considering my letter. I invite the opportunity to discuss the position and my qualifications further. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected].

Sincerely,
Thomas Gonzalez

Hospitality Internship

Here is an internship letter of intent for a candidate looking for an internship in the hospitality industry:

Holly Ortner
Denver, CO 80201
[email protected]

July 18, 2024

Ms. Tabitha Stafford
Internship Coordinator
Snowy Dreams
Denver, CO 80202

Dear Ms. Stafford,

I’m excited to apply for the hospitality internship at Snowy Dreams, as advertised. With a dedication to creating remarkable guest experiences and a deep appreciation for the ski resort industry, I’m eager to contribute to Snowy Dreams’ renowned reputation for customer service and hospitality.

My name is Holly Ortner, and I’m working toward my degree in Hospitality Management at the University of Colorado Boulder. Throughout my academic journey, I have honed my skills in guest relations, event planning, and operations management. I’ve developed a solid foundation in hospitality principles, including food and beverage management, front desk operations, and resort marketing strategies.

In addition to my studies, I have gained practical experience through various roles. During my summer internship at a local resort, I assisted with guest check-ins, resolved customer inquiries, and coordinated special events. These experiences have equipped me with hands-on skills in ensuring guest satisfaction and operational efficiency within a hospitality setting.

The internship opportunity at Snowy Dreams aligns perfectly with my career aspirations. I’m eager to further develop my skills in hospitality operations, gain insights into resort management, and contribute to creating memorable guest experiences. I’m particularly drawn to Snowy Dreams’ commitment to excellence and its dedication to providing guests with an unforgettable ski resort experience.

I’m confident that my enthusiasm for hospitality, combined with my education and experience, makes me a suitable potential intern. I hope to bring my energy, creativity, and dedication to Snowy Dreams and contribute to your team’s success.

Thank you for reading. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] to discuss my qualifications further. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the hospitality team at Snowy Dreams.

Sincerely,
Holly Ortner

Sample Letter of Intent for an Internship

Essential Documents for Interns