As a college student, or frankly anyone at any stage in their career, it can often feel like your peers have everything figured out. When classmates share news about securing internships, that feeling can intensify—especially if you are still on the hunt for your own opportunity.
Don't worry—there’s still time. As a career advisor who has guided numerous students through the internship search process, I can assure you that many are just as lost as you feel. Sometimes, the only barrier between you and a fantastic internship could be a few well-crafted emails. This advice applies equally to non-students pursuing internships!
While job boards and online listings are helpful, remember that networking is essential. Directly reaching out to recruiters or contacts can significantly enhance your internship search. Whether you’ve been looking for a while with no success or you’re seeking out new opportunities proactively, consider crafting a personalized email to a professor you admire or an alumnus working at your dream company—this can truly set you apart.
Sending an email to request an internship might seem daunting, but it doesn't need to be! People are generally open to providing advice and assistance. Not sure how to start? Follow these straightforward steps for reaching out, and review our templates and example emails for various scenarios.
Guide to Writing an Email Requesting an Internship
No matter the type of internship you’re after or the person you’re contacting, adhere to these guidelines for your email.
1. Conduct Thorough Research.
Begin by compiling a list of potential contacts for internship opportunities. Are there specific companies that pique your interest? Utilize online platforms like LinkedIn and your university's alumni directory to discover connections at these organizations. Consider professors whose work inspires you or family friends employed by a company you admire—make sure to add their names to your list.
2. Prioritize Your Contacts.
Once you have created your list, prioritize who you’ll reach out to and in what order. Use your interest level in the organization and your comfort level in contacting each person as guiding factors.
As you refine your list, be specific about why each person is included. This will help you write personalized messages that have clear objectives. Are you trying to secure a particular internship or simply exploring possibilities at a specific company? A little foresight will prepare you for when it’s time to write your emails.
3. Start with a Professional Greeting.
Always begin your emails with an appropriate salutation, as it's the first thing the recipient will see. First impressions matter!
- When emailing a recruiter or someone you've never met, use “Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name].” Ensure you do your research to avoid using incorrect titles or pronouns. If unsure, use “Dear [First Name] [Last Name].”
- If it’s a more casual environment, you might begin with “Dear [First Name].”
- For professors, use “Dear Professor/Prof. [Last Name].”
- If you are comfortable with the recipient, you might start with “Hi [First Name].”
4. Be Mindful of Your Tone.
When sending a cold email to a recruiter or professor, it’s advisable to remain on the formal side. If you are contacting a family friend, feel free to adjust your tone based on the nature of your past conversations.
5. Introduce Yourself and Mention Your Connection.
Be clear from the start about who you are and how you're connected to the person you’re contacting. Are they an alum of your college? Did you meet recently at a family gathering? If you’re reaching out to a professor, mention the classes you've taken with them or specific work you admire. When contacting a recruiter, inform them of how you learned about the company or any mutual connections (with their permission).
6. Specify Your Interest in the Internship.
Show that you’ve done your research and are genuinely passionate about the internship role or the organization. If applying for a specific internship, refer to elements of the position that excite you. If there isn’t a posted opportunity, explain your interest in a particular project or team—this demonstrates initiative and enthusiasm.
7. Make a Direct Request.
Avoid vague language—define your ask clearly. The more specific you are, the easier it will be for the recipient to understand your request. Are you asking for a brief meeting to discuss the organization, or seeking a link to the hiring manager? If you're interested in a specific internship, include the reference ID or a link for clarity. Make sure the reader knows exactly what you hope will happen next, be it a phone call, email introduction, or meeting.
8. Keep Your Email Short and to the Point.
Respect the recipient's time by being concise. Quickly introduce yourself, express your interest, state your request, and propose a follow-up action. Busy professionals tend to respond better to succinct emails.
9. Attach Your Most Recent Resume.
Include your tailored resume with every email, highlighting your qualifications aligned with the internship role. In some instances, you may also want to attach a cover letter, especially if you’ve applied to a specific position separately. Your resume allows you to further display your interest and qualifications, enhancing your chances of receiving a positive response.
Sample Email Template for Requesting an Internship
For additional guidance, use this template for crafting your internship request emails. Make sure to customize it based on the individual context.
[Dear/Hello/Hi] [Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I am a [year] at [school], majoring in [major/concentration/program]. I’m currently seeking a [season/semester] internship.
I’m reaching out because [I’m very interested in this internship opportunity/I noticed your organization is hiring interns/I would love to explore potential research positions]. [Add another sentence or two adding details regarding your request, sharing your qualifications, or suggesting a meeting].
I’ve attached my resume [for your review/for your consideration]. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions! Thank you for your time.
Best,
[Your Name]
Internship Request Email Examples
Feeling uncertain? Review these sample emails for inspiration as you compose your own!
Example Email to an Alum
Contacting an alum can be an effective strategy during your internship search. Here’s how you could structure such an email.
Subject Line: [Your School] Undergraduate – Internship Inquiry
Dear [Alum's Last Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I’m a [year] at [school] majoring in [major]. I noticed that [Company Name] is currently seeking interns, and I’d love to hear more about your experience there.
Would you have some time to chat about potential opportunities? I’ve attached my resume for your reference.
Best,
[Your Name]
Example Email to a Professor
When contacting a professor about research opportunities, this example can help guide your drafting process.
Subject Line: Research Opportunities Inquiry
Dear Professor [Last Name],
I am [Your Name], an undergraduate student majoring in [Field]. I’m fascinated by your research in [Specific Area].
I’m inquiring whether you might have openings in your lab for a student researcher this summer. I’d appreciate any opportunity to discuss my interest and how I can contribute.
Thank you for your time,
[Your Name]
Don’t Hesitate to Follow Up!
Once your emails are sent, allow some time before following up. If a week passes without a response, send a polite reminder.
Here’s an example of a follow-up email:
Dear [Recipient's Last Name],
I hope you are doing well! I wanted to follow up on my previous message as I am very keen to discuss the internship position at [Company Name]. I appreciate your time and look forward to the possibility of connecting.
Best,
[Your Name]
Although approaching these contacts might feel intimidating, remember that every outreach is valuable. Even if an email doesn’t lead directly to an internship, each connection is an opportunity to network and explore potential career paths. You never know when a connection might benefit you in the future.
Tags: internship opportunities, internship search tips, networking for internships, how to email for an internship, professional communication
