If you have limited job experience, an internship can be a crucial steppingstone to landing a full-time job in your chosen industry. In addition to the possibility of getting a job offer, internships allow you to explore different career paths so you can make more informed decisions about your future. So, how will you stand out in a highly competitive market? You’ll need a solid and convincing cover letter for an internship to secure more interviews.

Since you may have yet to gain related work experience, focusing on your academic achievements, goals, and intentions toward a career in your chosen field is essential. Your intern cover letter is an excellent opportunity to showcase the strengths and skills you’ve obtained from your major and how they can benefit the potential company.

It’s also vital to show enthusiasm and passion for your industry. Take time to research the company you’re interested in and mention how your values and experience align with their work culture. You could even reference a project they’ve completed in which you admired their work and explain how and why you would like to be a part of their success.

For more guidance, check out our internship cover letter sample below. Use your own unique experiences and attributes to create a successful cover letter that will help get your internship resume noticed.

Internship Cover Letter Example

First Last Name
123 Main St | City, State, Zip | (555) 555-5555
yourname@somedomain.com

Month, Day, 20XX

First Last Name
Finance Manager
Company Name
123 Main St,
City, State, Zip

Dear Mr. Last Name:

Two of your former interns, (first last name) and (first last name), suggested I contact you regarding finance internship opportunities. They are familiar with my background and felt I would be an excellent match for your summer internship program.

Currently a junior majoring in finance at (university name), I have demonstrated strong academic performance in all finance courses, maintaining a 3.5 GPA in my major. The courses I have completed have given me a solid foundation in the tools, processes and methodologies involved in the successful analysis and management of portfolio-investment strategies. I have a proven ability to learn challenging concepts quickly and have developed competencies in diverse areas, including:

  • Industry research/information sourcing
  • Comparative analysis
  • Quantitative analysis
  • Pro forma analysis
  • Cash-flow analysis
  • Financial modelling and asset valuation
  • Portfolio and asset management
  • Insurance plans and mutual funds
  • Retirement and estate planning
  • Tax planning and investment strategies

In addition to my analytical strengths, I bring to the table advanced computer skills (with cross-platform expertise in Windows and Mac); expertise in the MS Office suite of products; and familiarity with programming languages including SQL, HTML and VB.

Since starting college, I have worked part-time (summers/holidays/evenings) as a clerk at (company name). In this position, I have earned a reputation for consistently exceeding company and customer expectations. (Company name) store manager has asked me to return this summer, but I yearn to gain corporate finance experience. I am impressed by (company name’s) innovation and success, and I would very much like to be part of such a winning company.

The enclosed resume provides more details of my skills and achievement track record. If you agree that I would make a valuable addition to your team, please feel free to call me at (555) 555-5555 or email me at yourname@somedomain.com. I know you are busy, so thank you for your time, and I look forward to speaking with you.

Sincerely,

First Last Name

How Much Do Internships Pay?

Before writing your cover letter for an internship, it’s important to know that the average wage for internships in the U.S. varies depending on the industry, location and your experience and education level. New York and California typically pay the most for internships. According to National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) data, the average hourly wage for interns is around $16.50 per hour, although your earning potential can be significantly higher.

Industries such as finance, pharmaceuticals, and technology, offer higher wages, while non-profit organizations or government agencies may pay less. Check your state’s labor laws to ensure your internship meets the minimum wage requirements.

It’s important to note that some internships are unpaid, so doing your research first is essential. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, specific criteriadetermine whether an unpaid internship is legal. In addition, states such as California and New York have rigid stipulations that require employers to meet certain requirements for unpaid internships.

All the best internship jobs are waiting for you right here on Monster. If you want to know how much you can make when you transition into a full-time job, use Monster’s Salary Tool. You can search by your degree and see the entry-level and overall salaries for your location.

Create a Solid Cover Letter for an Internship and Land More Interviews

Get one step closer to securing an exciting internship. Need a second pair of eyes to assess your newly drafted cover letter for an internship? Take your application to the next level with Monster’s Resume Services. One of our writing experts will optimize your resume and cover letter with relevant keywords and action verbs and showcase your unique selling points so you can start landing more interviews.

Elizabeth Muenzen profile image
Elizabeth Muenzen Career Advice Writer

Elizabeth Muenzen is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches who empowers job seekers to take control of their career paths using Monster’s comprehensive job search and resume tools.

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