The Ultimate Guide to Requesting an Internship: Tips and Tricks

Securing an internship is an essential step for building professional experience, enhancing your resume, and developing valuable industry connections. However, the process of requesting an internship can be overwhelming if you're unsure of how to approach it. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process, ensuring your internship application stands out from the competition.

1. Research the Company/Organization

Before you even think about sending a request, take time to research the companies or organizations you’re interested in. Understand their mission, work culture, recent projects, and any news or trends they’re involved in. By doing this, you will be able to craft a more personalized message and demonstrate genuine interest in the company.

Pro tip: Focus on companies that align with your goals and values for a more fulfilling internship experience.

2. Know What You Want

Clarify what type of internship you’re looking for. Do you want to gain hands-on experience, develop specific skills, or network with professionals in a particular industry? The clearer you are about your goals, the easier it will be to tailor your application and make a strong case for why you’re an ideal candidate.

Tip: Some companies might not have open positions listed, but that doesn’t mean they’re not accepting interns. If you know what role you’re after, you can propose it directly.

3. Craft a Professional, Personalized Cover Letter

The cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself and explain why you're the perfect fit for the internship. Avoid generic messages. Instead, tailor your letter to each company and highlight specific experiences, projects, or skills that make you a standout candidate. Mention why you’re drawn to their organization, and express enthusiasm about what you hope to learn.

Key Elements to Include:

• A brief introduction about yourself.
• Why you want to intern with the company.
• Your relevant skills and experiences.
• Your eagerness to contribute to the company’s work.
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4. Create a Strong Resume

Your resume should be a reflection of your qualifications and experiences. It should be concise, clear, and tailored to the internship you’re requesting. Focus on showcasing transferable skills, relevant coursework, volunteer experience, projects, and any part-time jobs that demonstrate responsibility and initiative.

Tips for a Standout Resume:

• Use action verbs (e.g., “designed,” “managed,” “led”) to describe accomplishments.
• Quantify achievements wherever possible (e.g., “increased website traffic by 20%”).
• Include links to relevant work or projects (portfolio, GitHub, etc.).
• Keep it concise—ideally one page.
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5. Reach Out Directly (Cold Emailing)

While many internships are listed on job boards, sending a cold email can also be an effective approach. A cold email can be particularly useful if you’re targeting a company without a formal internship program. Ensure the email is respectful, professional, and personalized.

Cold Email Structure:

• Subject Line: Be clear and direct (e.g., "Internship Inquiry – [Your Name]").
• Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and express your interest in the company.
• Why You’re a Fit: Explain what skills or experiences make you an ideal candidate.
• Call to Action: Politely ask if there are any internship opportunities available and if you can discuss it further.
• Closing: End with gratitude and a request for a meeting or further communication.

Example Subject Line: "Internship Inquiry – Jane Doe"

6. Follow Up Professionally

After sending your internship request, it’s important to follow up if you don’t receive a response within 1-2 weeks. Keep your follow-up polite and professional, reiterating your interest and checking if there are any updates.

Example Follow-Up Email: "Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to follow up on my internship inquiry sent on [date], as I remain very excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]. Please let me know if you need any additional information or if there are any updates regarding my application. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you."

7. Prepare for an Interview

If your request leads to an interview, be ready to discuss your skills, experiences, and why you’re interested in interning at that particular company. Prepare answers for common internship interview questions like:

• Why do you want this internship?
• What skills would you bring to the table?
• Tell me about a time you worked on a team or solved a problem.
• What are your career goals?

Research the company’s work, and be prepared to ask insightful questions that show your interest in their projects.

8. Be Open to Remote Opportunities

In recent years, remote internships have become increasingly popular. While some roles may require in-person work, many companies offer remote or hybrid internships. Be open to this format, especially if you are considering internships outside your geographic area. Working remotely provides flexibility and can open doors to opportunities you might have otherwise missed.

9. Utilize Your Network

Don’t underestimate the power of networking. Reach out to professors, career services, classmates, and professional contacts to learn about potential internship openings. Sometimes, opportunities come from connections that are not advertised.

Tip: LinkedIn is a powerful networking tool for finding internship opportunities and connecting with industry professionals. Ensure your profile is up-to-date and reflects your skills and aspirations.

10. Be Professional, Patient, and Persistent

Securing an internship can take time. It’s normal to face rejection, but don’t get discouraged. Keep refining your approach, learning from each experience, and applying to a variety of opportunities. Consistency and professionalism are key to ultimately landing the right internship.

Final Thoughts

The internship application process can seem intimidating, but by following these tips and approaching it with a clear strategy, you’ll increase your chances of success. Remember, internships not only allow you to learn and grow professionally, but they also help you form valuable relationships that may be instrumental in shaping your career.

Good luck, and happy applying! 

Team Job Shubharambh