Applying for an Internship

There is more involved in securing an internship than simply making contact with an organization.  Each step, such as resume and cover-letter writing, interviewing, and follow-up is important and requires a lot of planning and preparation.  Following is an example of a resume and cover letter written specifically for an internship:

Jessie Jones

0000 Boise Avenue                                                              (208) 385-XXXX             Boise, Idaho 83706                                    jessiejones@mail.boisestate.edu

EDUCATION

Boise State University, Boise, ID, Bachelor of Arts, English; Marketing minor, Expected Graduation Date:  May 200X      GPA: 3.78
Relevant course work:
    Advertising Theory
    English Media
    Creative Writing I & II
    Advanced Journalism

WORK EXPERIENCE

Writer/Associate Editor, The Arbiter,  Boise ID               Spring 2xxx-Present     Write and edit articles, develop computer layout, paste-up, and assist the supervision     of a 36-page, twice-weekly newspaper. 

Administrative Assistant, Boise Theater, Boise, ID         Summers 2xxx-2xxx Assisted in all aspects of office administration for a small summer stock theater. Handled mailing lists, wrote press releases and promotional copy, and developed computer skills.   

Computer Lab Tech, Boise State University,  Boise, ID  Fall 2xxx-Spring 2xxx Oversaw student use of business computer systems, provided technical assistance to lab users, and logged usage reports.   

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

• Hall Government Association, Secretary,  20XX/XX
• Meals on Wheels Volunteer, 20XX
• Member of Boise State University Volunteer Services Board, 20XX

REFERENCES

Available upon request

March 22, 20XX

Mr. John Brown                                                                                                    ABC Marketing and Public Relations                                                                        PO Box 0000
Boise, Idaho 83706
 

Dear Mr. Brown:

Please accept this resume and cover letter as my application for your Media Relations Internship position which was posted on BroncoJobs. I feel my educational background and  work and volunteer experiences make me well suited for this position. I am very excited about the opportunity to supplement my education with practical experience. 

As my enclosed resume indicates, my studies and work experience revolve around journalism.  As a Writer/Associate Editor for The Arbiter, I have written several articles on various topics ranging from sports and entertainment to editorial commentary. I also developed my computer skills and was instrumental in the purchase and implementation of the newspaper's first computer-layout system.  

After graduation, my career plans include working for a public relations firm such as ABC Marketing and Public Relations.  I think that my desire to succeed coupled with my education and work background, will enable me to excel in this field.  If possible, I would like to speak with you to learn more about the internships you offer at ABC.  If you have any questions regarding my qualifications or would like to talk with me further about the internship opportunity, please call me at (208) 385-XXXX.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Jessie Jones

The process of identifying an internship, applying for it, and interviewing can take several weeks or more.  Remember to start planning for your internship early.  Not only will you spare yourself the anxiety of last minute scrambling,  but you will have a better chance of securing a competitive internship.

·         Log into BroncoJobs for internship and other job listings.

·         Review the internship web pages on the Career Center website.

·         Contact the University Internship Coordinator at the Career Center for helpful information on the internship program, identifying employers, resume and cover letter critique, and practice interviews.

·         Talk with the faculty internship coordinator in your academic department.  

·         Attend the annual Boise State University Career/Job Fair.