Write an amazing internship cover letter and become a successful intern. Three different internship motivational letter examples are included here. These examples will help you communicate why you are eligible for an internship.
Internship Cover Letter Examples: How to Apply for an Internship
You don’t need experience to apply for an internship: Intern Cover Letter
Internships help you acquire work experience before or after your qualification is completed. When you write an internship cover letter, it’s important to motivate how the opportunity can help you reach your career goals.
Best Internship Cover Letter: Explain how the internship fits your career plan
Identify the internship position you want to pursue and how it fits into your career goals.
An internship provides job training. Consequently, by exposing you to a real workplace environment, an internship prepares you for a career. When the internship is over, the employer is usually under no obligation to hire you. But neither are you committed to staying.
Therefore, the internship cover letter should highlight what you want to achieve in your career. If you have earlier work experience or extracurriculars that are relevant, you should mention them.

What is an Internship Cover Letter? Request to Gain experience
If you are a recent graduate, you may find internships that you want to apply for. When you apply for an internship, you are most often required to motivate why you should be selected in a cover letter.
Difference between an Internship and a job cover letter
- Internship cover letters typically focus on academic achievements, relevant coursework, and interest in the field.
- Job application cover letters typically highlight previous work experience and how the experience relates to the job being applied for.
- Both types of cover letters should be written in a professional and persuasive manner and be tailored to the specific company and role.
The Internship Cover Letter Format
To write a persuasive cover letter for an internship, showcase your skills, and convince a company to offer you an intern position. So use the tips below to inspire your internship cover letter:
1. Start with a strong opening: Internship Cover Letter
In short, begin your internship motivational letter by introducing yourself and stating the purpose of your letter. So be sure to grab the reader’s attention early by using a strong opening statement to highlight your interest.
2. Research the company before writing your internship cover letter:
It is most important to research on the company you are applying to. Then include what you learn in your internship cover letter. Also, mention the company’s mission statement and how your goals align with theirs.
3. Use appropriate industry terms In your Internship Cover letter.
Show you understand the industry by using the correct job or industry terms. Also, communicate relevant industry goals that you want to achieve. Imagine a potential doctor saying, ‘I want to cut people up’ as opposed to ‘I want to perform surgery.’
4. Use Your Internship Cover Letter to Highlight Your Skills:
Use your letter to showcase your skills and explain how they can be of benefit to the company. To this end, provide specific examples of your accomplishments that demonstrate your capabilities.
5. Be enthusiastic in your cover letter:
Express your enthusiasm for the company and the internship opportunity. For example, use positive language to convey your excitement and passion for the field.
6. Close your internship cover letter with a call to action:
End your letter by thanking the reader for considering your application and expressing your interest in further discussing your qualifications. Close with a call to action, such as requesting an interview or asking for a follow-up call.
Write Your Internship Cover Letter Using These Examples
When applying for an internship, applicants typically package their cover letter with a CV, references and application.
1. Cover Letter Example for Internship
This internship cover letter template can be used in response to an advert.
Dear [Hiring Manager],
Thank you for the opportunity to express my interest in the [Internship Position] at [Company]. As a recent [Degree Field] graduate from [University], I am eager to apply my skills and knowledge to a real-world setting. I believe that the [Internship Position] aligns perfectly with my career goals and would provide me with the opportunity to gain valuable experience in [Industry/Field].
Throughout my academic studies, I have developed a strong foundation in [Skill/Technique Relevant to Position]. I also have experience working on [Project/Experience Relevant to Position], where I honed my [Skill/Competency Relevant to Position]. These experiences have allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of [Industry/Field]. As a result, they have made me confident in my ability to make meaningful contributions to [Company].
[Company’s Mission/Values/Projects] are extremely impressive. Therefore I am eager to be a part of such a dynamic and innovative organization. In addition, I am confident that the skills and knowledge I have gained through my education and experiences will make me a valuable asset to the team.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further and how they would allow me to contribute to [Company]. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to meet with you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
2. Writing a Cover Letter for an Internship: Reaching Out
Are you an unemployed graduate looking for an internship but can’t find adverts that are relevant to you?
- Research the industry that you want to work in.
- Identify organisations you want to work at.
- Send them a letter requesting an internship.
Write an Internship Letter of Request
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. I am a recent graduate of [Name of College/University] with a [Degree/Program Name] degree. As a young person who is currently unemployed, I am looking for an opportunity to gain practical work experience in the [Field/Industry] through an internship.
I am a hardworking and motivated individual with a strong desire to learn and grow in the [Field/Industry]. Although I understand that your company may not have any current internship openings, I would like to express my interest in working for your organization as an intern.
Your company stands out because of the impressive work that you have done in the [Field/Industry]. Therefore it would be a privilege to contribute to your team and gain valuable experience to help me in my future career.
Please find my resume attached to this letter for your review. This outlines my education, skills, and experience. Furthermore, I would be happy to provide additional information or references if required.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to work with your team and gain valuable experience in the [Field/Industry]. Please let me know if there are any available internship opportunities or if you would like to discuss my application further.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
3. Internship to Complete a Qualification: Cover Letter for In-Service Training
If you’re currently a student and want to request an internship to complete your course requirements, this template can be adapted.
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to express my interest in potential internship opportunities with [Company Name]. Although I have not seen any advertised internship positions on your website, I am enthusiastic about the possibility of joining your team and contributing to your organization’s success.
As an enthusiastic [Your Field of Study] student at [University Name], I am seeking an internship that will provide me with valuable real-world experience. I have researched your company and am impressed with your commitment to [insert company values, such as innovation, sustainability, or community involvement]. I believe that an internship with [Company Name] would give me the opportunity to gain practical experience in a dynamic and challenging environment.
As you will see from my attached resume, I have gained valuable skills and experience through various extracurricular activities, including [insert relevant experience, such as volunteer work, club participation, or academic projects]. I am particularly proud of my [insert specific achievement or project] and believe that it demonstrates my ability to [insert relevant skill or accomplishment].
Please consider me for any internship opportunities that may be available at [Company Name]. I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you further about how I could contribute to your team and what I can gain from the experience.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Use This Internship Cover Letter Checklist
Once you have written your internship cover letter, you’ll want to check that it ticks all the boxes.
Check your internship cover letter against these points: Checklist
Check that your internship cover letter Communicates the following:
- Firstly, your name, email address and phone number are at the top of the page, on the right or in the centre
- Then the name of the business and the contact person’s full name are on the left
- Has a reference line (e.g., “Re: Internship Application for Administration Assistant position”)
- Addresses the reader directly (e.g., “Dear Mr. Nana” – try to avoid using “To whom it may concern” if you can)
- Has a powerful opening statement that briefly introduces you to the reader
- Gives background information about yourself
- Explain what you’re currently studying or have completed.
- Describe your career goals in that particular field.
- Shows evidence of Research and an explanation of why you want to be there
- Explains how an internship with that particular company can help you reach your goals.
- States that you want to work and learn from the company through an internship opportunity
- Highlights your qualities and characteristics that are relevant to the job
- Showcases your previous work experience, extracurricular activities and volunteer work.
- A closing paragraph asking to arrange an interview
- wraps with a power statement of what you’d like to happen next, such as an interview.
Sending Your Internship Email Application
10 Email Subject Line Examples: Internship Application Letter
Writing a simple and direct email subject line sets a professional tone for your email. So only use a four- to five-word subject line that lets the reader know your email’s purpose. Examples of internship letter subject lines:
- “Internship Application: [Your Name] – [Position Title]”
- “Passionate and Skilled Applicant Seeking [Position] Internship”
- “Excited to Apply for [Company Name] Internship Program”
- “Motivated [Your Field] Student Seeking Internship Opportunities”
- “Top-Performing Student Seeking [Position] Internship at [Company Name]”
- “Application for [Company Name] Internship Program”
- “Passionate [Your Field] Student Seeking Internship Opportunities”
- “Excited to Join [Company Name] as an Intern”
- “Application for [Department] Internship at [Company Name]”
- “Enthusiastic [Your Field] Major Seeking Real-World Experience Through Internship”
Reasons to Do an Internship: It’s A Go for Internships!
Internships are effective ways of winning trust. Try asking colleagues you have worked with to recommend you for jobs either at the same company or elsewhere. Turn an internship into a stepping stone toward your dream career.
Internships Help Youth Gain Experience
It’s a struggle to find work, especially if you have no experience. If you haven’t been able to land a job because of a lack of experience, look out for internship adverts. It’s true that an internship will allow you to get valuable workplace experience. But it also helps you to start building a network and increase your opportunity to get a job.
Graduates can apply for learnerships too. Check out our advice and motivation letter template if you have a degree, diploma or certificate and want to apply for a work-based training programme.
Book a career coaching session with Leonie.
Some positive facts about internships:
- Companies find new talent: Hiring interns can bring fresh perspectives and ideas to a company. Interns can end up being hired full-time after their internship is over.
- Internships provide valuable experience: Interns gain hands-on experience and practical skills that can be applied in future careers.
- Important career networking opportunities: As an intern, you have the opportunity to network with professionals in your field. This can lead to future job opportunities.
- Internships are beneficial to the economy: Interns help companies grow and succeed. This in turn contributes to the growth of the economy.
- Internships can be mutually beneficial: Companies benefit from the work of interns, while interns benefit from the experience and knowledge gained from working in a professional setting.
5 Tips To Find Internships: Send your internship motivational letter
- Research the company: Before applying for an internship, research the company and its values, products or services, and goals. This will help you understand how the internship can align with your own career goals. Click here to read how to research an industry of your choice.
- Identify your career goals: Think about what you hope to achieve in your career. Then describe how the internship can help you reach those goals. This could be gaining experience in a specific area. Or learning new skills and building a professional network.
- Make a connection: Show the connection between the skills or experience you hope to gain and the work the company does. Highlight how the internship will allow you to contribute to the company’s success while also helping you grow professionally.
- Be specific: Provide specific examples of how the internship can help you reach your goals. For example, imagine that you hope to work in marketing. Explain how the internship will allow you to learn about marketing strategies while working on real-world projects.
- Show enthusiasm: Finally, show your enthusiasm for the company and the opportunity to work with them. Express your interest in the work they do and how you hope to contribute to their success while also achieving your own goals.
Remember, the key is to demonstrate a clear connection between your career goals and the internship opportunity with the company. By doing so, you make a strong case for why you are the right candidate for the internship.

10 websites to find internships in South Africa
Remember, a well-written persuasive letter can help you stand out from other applicants. So make an effort and increase your chances of landing an internship. By highlighting your skills and expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity, you can demonstrate your value to the company. And also make a strong case for why you should be hired.
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