nih summer internship cover letter example

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• Biomedical Engineering Summer Internship Program (BESIP)

BESIP Application Information

BESIP Eligibility 

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old by 6/15/2024.
• Applicants must be United States citizens or permanent residents. 
• Applicants must have an average GPA of 3.0 or greater.

All interns must be present on-site to participate in the entire ten-week program between June 3, 2024 and August 9, 2024. Please do not apply if any other plans would preclude you from being present for the full 10 weeks. It is sometimes possible for students attending schools that break for summer later than the program start date (June 3) to participate by getting permission from their professors to take some final exams proctored at NIH.

For BESIP-BME :

Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited college or university in the United States and be working towards a bachelor’s degree in engineering, physical science, or computer science. At least one of your letters of recommendation should come from a faculty member or MD, PhD, or MD/PhD research supervisor who can speak directly to your aptitude for research. Applicants should have completed at least three years of undergraduate study by summer 2024 and have prior hands-on experience in biomedical engineering research.

For BESIP-STEM :

Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited community college, college, or university in the United States as an undergraduate, and have completed at least one year of study by summer 2024.  

BESIP-STEM is for students who want to “beta-test” biomedical engineering as a future goal. Interested students for this program: 

• Are majoring in engineering, physical science, and computer science but have not had a previous opportunity to pursue an in-person biomedical engineering research experience.   OR
• Are NOT majoring in engineering, physical science, or computer science but are interested in pursuing biomedical engineering in graduate school or as a career. This could include applicants from other science majors such as biology, biochemistry, mathematics, chemistry, and other related biomedical disciplines.  

How to Apply:

Applications for BESIP are completed online using the NIH SIP application form . You will need to set up an SIP account and follow the instructions on the SIP form. BESIP is a special subprogram of SIP entitled NIBIB – BESIP under the OPEN PROGRAM heading. You must select NIBIB-BESIP in the SIP’s Open Program listing to apply for BESIP.

Once you select NIBIB-BESIP from the Open Program list, you should click on “ Check Eligibility ”   to continue on with the application process.

One important difference between the general SIP and the BESIP programs is the mentor matching and project selection process. BESIP asks that you do NOT call any mentors on the project list until you have been selected as an intern for the BESIP program.

While filling out the application, you will encounter a section labelled OTHER INFORMATION . In this section, you must choose which track of BESIP that you are applying for. You can write “I am applying for the BESIP-BME track” or “I am applying for the BESIP-STEM track. 

After you fill out your Profile in the NIH Application Center, you will begin your application. The application form has multiple sections to complete. For BESIP, the sections listed below are REQUIRED.

Please enter a complete list of courses and grades from your current school. You can copy and paste a transcript into the online application, but please check that the pasted text is easily read. An official transcript will be requested of the selected interns before they start the internship program.

CV/Resume :

This section is mandatory for BESIP and should include information about the student's education, achievements, recent research and work experience, activities and awards.

References : 

These letters should come from individuals who can speak to the applicant’s suitability for this program, for example a faculty member familiar with the student's academic record, or a faculty member or research lab leader who can address the student’s aptitude for research.  If you are applying to the BESIP-BME track, at least one of your letters of recommendation should come from a faculty member or MD, PhD, or MD/PhD research supervisor who can speak directly to your aptitude for research.  Requests for these letters and instructions for submission will be e-mailed directly from the online web application system to the recommenders you have listed, once the student portion of the application is completed.  Although you will not be able to view the contents of the reference letters, you can see whether they have been submitted; reach out to the program director if you are having problems.

Letter/statement :

A written personal statement/cover letter ( ~500 words) briefly discussing items such as:

• Career goals
• Technical and research interests
• Reasons for applying for BESIP 
• Potential benefits that will come about as a result of your participation in BESIP
• Other background information you feel will help the committee.

Other Information : 

You must use the “Other Information” section of the SIP Application form to state which BESIP track you are applying for.  State either “I am applying for the BESIP-BME track” or “I am applying for the BESP-STEM track”.  You may also use this section to provide any additional information for your application. 

SIP Opt-In :

If you are not selected for BESIP, you may choose to make yourself available for the general SIP program. You can make this choice in the “SIP Opt-In” section of the form.   Follow the instructions to Opt-In to be considered for general SIP internships. 

There is a wealth of information about all NIH summer internships on the general NIH training site , including tips for applying successfully. One important difference between the general SIP and the BESIP programs is the mentor matching and project selection process. BESIP asks that you do NOT call any mentors on the project list until you have been selected as an intern for the BESIP program.

Deadlines and important dates:

It is the applicants’ responsibility to be sure that all application materials, including letters of recommendation, are submitted on time for BESIP.

• Online application must be submitted by February 16, 2024
• Reference letters must be submitted by February 23, 2024
• Notification of selected interns will begin on  March 4, 2024

Stipend and Benefits

The BESIP summer stipend varies depending on the years of undergraduate education completed by the start of the summer. The stipend amount is based on the NIH Policy Manual for Intramural Research and Training Awards (IRTA) stipends for the Summer Internship Program (SIP); the table can be found here . BESIP pays at the top of the posted range. As an example using the current table, as of May 1, 2023, a student who has completed one year of undergraduate education is eligible for a monthly stipend of $3010. For the ten week internship, this corresponds to approximately $6800 in total. A student who has completed three years of undergraduate coursework would receive a 10-week total of approximately $7500. Stipends will be dispensed in arrears as a prorated amount at the end of the months of June, July and August for the ten-week duration of the program. 

BESIP interns frequently elect to share local housing to reduce the housing costs. Information about housing can be found at the Office of Intramural Education and Training (OITE) website https://www.training.nih.gov/assets/Moving_Guide.pdf . The intern must pay living expenses and any travel expenses to and from NIH from the summer stipend.

• CRI SP Home

Cancer Research Interns Summer Program

How to apply.

The Cancer Research Interns Summer Program (CRI SP) is a summer program at the NIH that is funded by the National Cancer Institute. Students interested in the CRI SP must complete two applications: the NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP) Application and the CRI SP Application. Both applications must be completed by the deadline, Jan 22, 2024 .

CRI SP Application

• Basic Information – name, current/permanent address, email, phone, citizenship
• Demographic Information – sex, race, ethnicity
• Education – degrees awarded or expected
• Research Interests

Additionally, you will need to upload several documents. These documents should be saved as PDFs and uploaded to your application.

You can complete a CRI SP application between Dec 4, 2023 and Jan 22, 2024. You may complete the application at your own pace and in multiple sessions.

If you have questions about the CRI SP application process, please Contact Us .

NIH SIP Application

• A CV or resume
• A list of coursework and grades
• A cover letter describing your research interests and career goals
• The names and contact information for two references

You can learn more about the NIH SIP application and apply when the application is available.

You must complete both the CRI SP and NIH SIP Applications to be considered for the CRI SP program.

NINDS Summer Internship Programs

Faith Harrow Plante, Ph.D. Director of Office of Research Training and Career Development [email protected]

Karen Kendrick Program Coordinator [email protected]

The NINDS Summer Programs offer a unique opportunity for talented high school, undergraduate, graduate, and medical students to receive high-quality training and mentoring in neuroscience research. Summer interns get hands-on experience working with leading scientists in the Institute's Division of Intramural Research , the "in-house" research component of the NINDS.

A letter from the NINDS Director (pdf, 75 KB) for prospective summer students.

This full-time summer research training experience supplements and gives practical meaning to academic coursework while giving you the opportunity to make valuable contributions to the NINDS research mission.

Following participation in the summer program, you will be prepared for advanced education and training in biomedical research and future careers in the sciences, particularly in basic and clinical neuroscience. Students selected for our fully-funded programs will spend eight to 10 weeks working side-by-side with NINDS investigators in an environment devoted to the study of fundamental elements of the nervous system, neurological processes, neurodegenerative diseases, movement disorders, brain cancer, and stroke.

The NINDS Division of Intramural Research offers three summer internship programs:

In the video below, Rita Devine, Ph.D. , Assistant Director of Science Administration for NINDS and Program Coordinator for the NINDS Summer Internship Program, speaks about the benefits of bringing the Native American students to the summer program.

Key features common to all three programs are listed below. 

Key Features An opportunity to network and exchange ideas with other NIH research trainees and investigators Practical experience with technologies for neurological studies, scientific investigation and experimental design, and science communication while conducting cutting-edge clinical and basic research Mentorship from leading neuroscience investigators at NIH Participation in various professional development activities to help students prepare for the next stages of their career in the sciences Formal training in research ethics and the use of methodologies and information technology for the advancement of science and biomedical research Access to lectures and symposia covering the latest advances in neuroscience research Sharing in journal clubs, seminar series, and individual lab meetings Participation in the NIH's Annual Summer Poster Day, which allows students an opportunity to discuss their research projects informally with peers and members of the NIH scientific community

Eligibility

The 2024 Summer Internship Program (SIP, HS-SIP, and HDTC-SIP) eligibility information is in the following table:

For ALL summer programs, individuals who are U.S. permanent residents must be attending or have been accepted into institutions in the U.S.

*If you are 17 years of age on June 15, 2024, you must live, at the time of application, within 40 miles of the NIH campus on which you will intern. (This requirement does not apply to applicants who are 18 and older.)

All are welcome to apply, including those from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in science, such as underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities and persons from disadvantaged backgrounds or with disabilities.

Application Process

The summer program application system at NIH is open every year from mid-November. You must prepare the following:

• A curriculum vitae or resume.
• A list of coursework and grades (please note: we do not need a transcript at this time).
• A cover letter describing your research interests and career goals.
• The names and contact information for two references.

All Summer Internship Program applications are available online. Please see the table below for the appropriate program link, where you can find the online applications.

For ONLY the HDTC-SIP application, prospective candidates must complete the following additional step: After completing the above SIP application, please submit a brief statement of interest by email to Karen Kendrick . Include the following items: 

• A description of your research interests and career goals.
• A statement about how the HDTC-SIP program will benefit your academic growth and professional development.
• A list of various leadership activities you participated with your community. 

We will accept your HDTC-SIP statement of interest from January 1 to February 16, 2024. Applicants will be informed of the selection committee's decision by email before March 15, 2024.

Meet a Program Trainee

Meet a high school summer internship program (hs-sip) trainee.

Frank Horrigan  Mentor: Joseph A. Mindell, M.D., Ph.D.  Project: Development of an improved peak finding algorithm that enables more efficient measurements of single-transporter fluxes 

I chose the NIH HS-SIP program because the NIH is world-renowned for research, and I wanted to learn from the best. For instance, on my first day, I worked into the morning writing an original function to complete a coding assignment, only for my mentor to point out a similar open-source pre-built function. This taught me that research is a collaborative process, building upon others’ hard work, instead of starting everything from scratch as we’re taught in school. Although the program is over officially, I plan to not only continue my current project during the school year, but also continue doing research into the future, hopefully as a physician-scientist.  

Hasita Nalluri  Mentor: Mark Hallett, M.D.  Project: Analyzing the relationship between brain iron accumulation and Parkinson’s disease progression through MRI

It was a tremendous privilege to work at NINDS this summer. To be able to directly contribute to cutting-edge medical neuroscience research on Parkinson's disease was not only fascinating but helped shape how I will approach my future studies! I had the chance to work alongside the nation's leading experts in biomedicine, attend engaging presentations (including one by the NIH director, Dr. Francis Collins!), and conduct dynamic research. Interning at the NIH deepened my love for neuroscience and medicine, and I am grateful.

Meet a Summer Internship Program (SIP) Trainee

Katherine Collamore  Mentor: Mark Hallett, M.D.  Project: Olfactory dysfunction and language impairment in Parkinson’s disease: a resting state fMRI study 

My interest in neurology started early. Growing up, my brother struggled with an undiagnosed neurological illness. Caring for him sparked my interest in clinical research aimed at improving patient quality of life. Interning with Dr. Mark Hallett’s Human Motor Control Section this summer, I contributed to projects designed to help patients with Parkinson’s disease. We analyzed olfactory and language network connectivity on resting state fMRI in conjunction with clinical and diagnostic assessment data to see how olfactory dysfunction and language impairment may be related in Parkinson’s Disease. Outside of this project, I enjoyed attending rounds, lectures, and journal clubs. I am currently applying to medical school to pursue a career as a neurologist.

John P. Curbelo Hernández  Mentor: Sonja W. Scholz, M.D., Ph.D. Project: Examining the role of GRN mutations in neurodegenerative diseases

There is nothing more exhilarating than asking yourself a question and then by the end of the experiment having an answer, or a close enough idea to continue searching for a solution. Choosing the NINDS SIP was the greatest decision of my life because it showed me the real role of a scientist learning from the best in the research field. I also experienced first-hand how science keeps evolving in huge steps day by day, especially in the field of genetics and genomics. My future goal is to finish my undergraduate degree and apply for a MD/PhD program to combine the best of both worlds.

Meet a Health Disparities in Tribal Communities Summer Internship Program (HDTC-SIP) Trainee

Aracely Barajas Mentor: Yeshavanth Kumar Banasavadi-Siddegowda, Ph.D. and Susan Wray, Ph.D. Project: Targeting Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 5 for Glioblastoma Therapy and Genetically Modified Mice to study Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Neural Migration

I have spent years helping my community as a hospital volunteer and have other healthcare work experience, including clinical roles in nursing as well as being a certified pharmacy technician. My interest in healthcare disparities and neuroscience research has led me to continue my education with the dream of becoming a physician-scientist. Being part of the NINDS HDTC-SIP program provided me with the ideal opportunity to contribute to a laboratory while expanding my professional network and research skills. I hope to participate in a postbaccalaureate program before applying to MD/PhD programs.

Shannon O’Hara Wiora  Mentor: Lucy R. Forrest, Ph.D.  Project: A comparison of algorithms for predicting membrane protein structures 

I have seen how inequality impacts entire communities, whether through my own or other's experiences, and I chose the NINDS HDTC-SIP program because I wanted to learn more about the behavioral, social, and cultural factors affecting Native American populations' health and health disparities. Using what I have learned from this program, I want to further my involvement in Native American populations, whether through non-profit organizations or educational programs. The HDTC-SIP NINDS program has impacted me significantly, and I am so thankful to have participated in this program.  

Kandace St. John Mentor: Susan Wray, Ph.D. Project: The identification of guidance molecules affecting migration of GnRH neurons

The growing awareness on social media of health disparities is what first captured my attention to the problem as a high school sophomore. I chose the NINDS Health Disparities in Tribal Communities Summer Internship Program because I knew that it was the perfect environment to develop my experience in neurological research while also gathering knowledge and resources on how to combat health disparities in the future and in my own community. In the future, I would love to further pursue my research skills and obtain an MD/MPH degree. Thanks to this program and my mentor, when I hear or learn about the reproductive system in my future coursework, I will always think back to GnRH neurons! 

Office of Science Policy

OSP Summer Internship Program

The application period for Summer 2023 Internship is now closed, please check back here early next year for information about the 2024 Internship.

Program Description

The OSP Summer Internship Program provides an opportunity for students to gain tangible science policy experience in support of the NIH mission. Interns will work side-by-side with leading policy experts to learn strategies for advancing national science and technology policy and obtain practical experience in policy analyses and development.

OSP will be hosting interns for an 8-12 week period beginning in late May/early June and lasting through August 2023. Interns will receive a stipend commensurate with their level of education. Accepted interns are not expected to relocate to the NIH campus as work will be conducted via a telework arrangement.

Eligibility

The 2023 Summer Internship Program is for students who

• are U.S. citizens or permanent residents,  AND
• are enrolled at least half-time in an accredited university as a graduate or professional student (including PhD, MD, DDS, JD, PharmD, MS, MPH, and other programs) at the time of application*

*Individuals who are U.S. permanent residents must be attending or have been accepted into institutions in the U.S.

Individuals from racial and ethnic groups that have been underrepresented in health-related sciences; students with disabilities; students who are enrolled in Tribal Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, or Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); students who identify as LGBTQ; and individuals disadvantaged by circumstances that have negatively impacted their educational opportunities, including recent natural disasters, are encouraged to apply.

Background Check:  All internship offers are contingent on an individual’s ability to successfully pass a federal background check, which is required for access to NIH systems. As part of the clearance process, individuals will be asked questions about a variety of topics including citizenship, criminal history, and other personal information.

2023 OSP Summer Internship Opportunities

• Immediate Office of the OSP Director : This intern would work closely with OSP Senior Leadership on a variety of emerging policy projects at the intersection of science and society. In particular, this intern would work closely with OSP’s Director of Strategic Engagement to pilot novel approaches for engaging the public in policy development. Specific topic areas may include (but are not limited to) engaging communities in considering  risks and benefits of novel types and uses of data, complementary approaches to animal models for use in biomedical research, and making scientific research products equitably available.
• OSP Science Policy Coordination, Collaboration, and Reporting Division : This intern would work with the Division to compile and coordinate materials for Congressional documents and reporting, including the annual Congressional Justification . The intern would also assist in coordinating with various NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices to compile materials about exciting scientific advances funded across the NIH. This position would also involve working with subject matter experts across OSP on other legislative-related activities, including the development of materials for the NIH Director and requests for technical assistance on Congressional language.

Application Procedure

The application period for Summer 2023 is now open! To apply, please email [email protected] by January 31 st at 11:59pm ET with the following:

• Current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume (see here for additional suggested guidance)
• Cover letter detailing your interest in one available position , any relevant experience, and why you are seeking this opportunity
• A list of coursework and grades (please note we do not need official transcripts at this time)
• Two letters of reference from academic or professional contacts who can address your qualifications for this internship

Applications not containing all the documents listed above will not be considered. Candidates may be asked to participate in an interview.

Candidates will be informed of their selection by April 1, 2023.

If selected, candidates will be required to submit the following documentation:

• Official graduate/professional school transcripts
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status. U.S. citizens may submit a copy of their birth certificate or passport. Permanent residents will need to provide a copy of their permanent resident (green) card.

Selected candidates will also be required to travel to the NIH campus in Bethesda, MD to receive their ID badge and laptop prior to starting the internship. Travel expenses will be covered by OSP.

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NIH Summer Program Cover Letter Essay

EF_Susan - / 2321   Feb 15, 2012   #2 As a child I have always been fascinated by the field of science, always wanting to find out more about how the world works and the secrets behind the mysteries of our universe. How could something that I admired so much, the cell, be able to create such chaos within the human body? My interest in the complexities of the human biology and helping in its research has led me to focus on understanding how various facets are utilized. I am seeking the opportunity to apply myself to the summer internship program to help further my education and lab experience in the field of medicine. It is important to able to research on such topics as therapeutic cloning, cancer, and other viruses because we are able to learn more about things, people, and events. This past summe r, or 2011, I had the opportunity to attend the Governor's School for Emerging Technologies. :)

uagwuncha 2 / 5   Feb 25, 2012   #3 Hahaha I'm working on my NIH Cover Letter too! I think your's is well written although it is short. I would just suggest you expand on some of the experiences that show you are an excellent candidate for this opportunity. Perhaps expand beyond "this experience will further my career" - that's a tad generic. Also what exactly do you want to do (like in terms of WHAT type of DR. sort of thing) I think that would add more insight on you. Overall GREEAT cover letter. I really had to search for something wrong. Your word choice is concise and clear and the personal touches make it clear that this is your passion. All the best luck!

dreamer 3 / 18   Mar 10, 2012   #4 Hello! Overall I really liked the content and it's a strong essay. A few comments: "I am seeking the opportunity to apply myself summer internship program to help further my education and lab experience in the field of medicine." This sentence sounds a little awkward. Try: I seek the opportunity to partake in a summer internship program... "It is important to able to research on such topics as therapeutic cloning, cancer, and other viruses because we are able to learn more about things, people, and events. In doing research, we are able to make smart decisions concerning the people that it may influence." I think you can connect this more to yourself by replace the "we" with "I" "In the past summer or 2011, I opportunity to attend the Governor's School for Emerging Technologies. It was here I realized what my true calling is in the field of researching science and technology." During the summer of 2011, I had the opportunity to... It was here when I realized my true calling was in the field of... :) Just a few suggestions! Good luck!

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How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship? (+5 Real Internship Cover Letter Examples)

• Júlia Mlčúchova , 
• Updated March 20, 2024 8 min read

Trying to figure out how to write a cover letter for an internship ? Look no further!

POV: After weeks and weeks of searching for the right internship opportunity, you've finally found it. But, at the end of the posting, there's a single short sentence that takes you aback:  “Please, attach a cover letter to your application .”

Although some consider cover letter writing to be a relic of the past, it still holds its rightful place in the professional world. 

Because a well-written and persuasive cover letter can sometimes make up for the lack of work experience on your resume . And if you're trying to apply for an internship , this is probably your case, too. 

So, continue reading this article and learn: 

• What is a cover letter for an internship;
• Whether you need to attach a cover letter to your internship application;
• How to write one in 7 steps;
• 5 real-life internship cover letter examples .

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

What is a cover letter for an internship?

Do you need a cover letter for an internship, how to write a cover letter for an internship in 7 steps, 5 real-life internship cover letter examples, key takeaways: how to write a cover letter for an internship.

Generally speaking, an internship cover letter is a formal document that accompanies your resume when applying for an internship. 

When it comes to its content, a cover letter for an internship falls somewhere between a traditional cover letter and a motivational letter . 

• A traditional cover letter , used by job applicants with years of experience, is supposed to underline some of the candidate's most relevant and impressive skills, qualifications, and work achievements . 
• A motivational letter , used mostly in academia, aims to communicate one's passion for the subject, their motivation, and personal goals . 

Hence, a cover letter for an internship combines the purpose of the traditional cover letter (convincing the recruiters that you're the right person for the job) with the tone and strategy of the motivational letter (writing about personal motivations and goals).

A truly successful internship cover letter should answer the following questions:

• Who are you? 
• Why are you interested in this particular internship?
• Why are you the best fit for this internship?
• What do you want to gain from this internship?

Absolutely! 

In fact, you should always attach a cover letter to your internship application , even if it isn't explicitly required from you.  

Why, you ask? 

Well, consider this: Internships are crucial stepping stones towards your dream career. And they're also incredibly competitive. A single internship opening can be answered by tens of applicants at a time. 

But how can you stand out from a crowd of equally inexperienced candidates? Certainly not by your non-existent professional accomplishments, right? 

When companies look for interns, they don't expect you to have a ton of real-life experience. They aren't looking for a “finished product,” but for someone with a genuine desire to learn and enthusiasm for the job. 

And these two are your weapons of choice!

How can a cover letter for an internship help you?

Apart from the reasons mentioned above, your internship cover letter is also responsible for: 

• Conveying first impression. Usually, recruiters will read your cover letter before looking at your resume. So, it's the perfect opportunity to introduce yourself to them in a memorable way. 
• Showing your efforts. Next, taking the time to craft a thoughtful cover letter shows that you're willing to put in that extra effort to stand out from the rest of the candidates. 
• Highlighting your communication skills. Also, a well-written cover letter demonstrates your ability to articulate your thoughts clearly and professionally. 
• Showing your professionalism. When you walk into a room, it's polite to introduce yourself and shake everybody's hand. This is exactly what a cover letter does! To attach one to your application is a common courtesy.

Now that you're familiar with the whats and whys , let's have a look at how to write a good cover letter for an internship step-by-step. 

For example : Application for [name of the internship] internship – Surname.

Then, place your contact information (your name; professional email address; phone number; link to your website / portfolio / social media accounts if relevant) directly into the header .

If you know the recipient's name, address them by “ Dear [full name] ,” or “ Dear Mrs/Mr [last name] ,”. If you don't know who to address the cover letter to , address it more generally to “Dear Hiring Manager,” .

In the first paragraph of your cover letter , start by stating your name and where you studied (including your current degree and year of study). Proceed by explaining how you came to know about the internship and what are your motivations for applying to it.

Since you don't have much work experience, you can talk about your academic achievements; relevant coursework; dissertation project; extracurricular activities; volunteering; membership in relevant societies, etc.

The closing paragraph of your cover letter should reiterate your desire to get the specific internship, express gratitude to the recipient for their time and consideration, and include a final call for action (i.e. "I look forward to discussing the next steps during an interview." )

Finally, based on how you greeted the recipient of your cover letter, you can sign off with either “ Yours sincerely ,” or “ Yours faithfully ,” . If you addressed the recruiter by their name, sign off with the former; if not, use the latter.

Don't feel like writing your internship cover letter by hand?

Let our AI cover letter writer create the first draft of your internship cover letter!

Undoubtedly, the best way to learn something is to look at specific examples . And that's exactly what we're going to do right now! 

Below, we've prepared 5 internship cover letters written by real people with the help of our cover letter templates .

And, each of them is accompanied by our internship cover letter writing tips that you can implement into your own cover letter! 

FYI, you can use each of these examples as the first draft for your very own internship cover letter – simply click on the red button and start personalising the text (or let AI handle it).

#1 Philips Marketing Intern Cover Letter Sample

Internship cover letter example:.

This cover letter sample was provided by a real person who got hired with Kickresume’s help.

What can you take away?

• Eye-catching header.  Firstly, the header is visually clearly separated from the rest of the text. This makes the recruiters notice it immediately. Plus, the contact information of the company is also featured in the left-hand corner - just like it would be on an actual letter.
• Research the company before applying. Notice sentences like: “ I really like and relate to what Philips stands for … ” and “ Furthermore, it is very appealing that Philips operates on an international level… ”.This shows that the candidate’s done a thorough research of the company's philosophy and structure.

#2 Warner Bros. Public Relations Intern Cover Letter Example

• Share a personal story. This can help you establish a sentimental connection between you and the company. Show them that for you, working for their company means more than any old internship.
• Name-drop a referral. Now, this is a little bit of a cheat code. But, if you happen to know about anyone who has worked/currently works for the company, slip their name into your cover letter.

#3 University of Massachusetts Boston Intern Cover Letter Example

What can you take away  .

• Write about what you want to gain from the internship. It shows that you're not there just to have something to put on your resume; but that you’re motivated by the idea of gaining actual industry knowledge and skills.

#4 Audit/Tax Summer Internship at CohnReznick Cover Letter Sample

• Mention any relevant academic activities. If you're wondering how to write a cover letter for an internship with no experience whatsoever, this is your way to go! For example, notice how this candidate noted all of his relevant courses, skills, association membership, and competition participation.
• Focus on transferrable skills. Especially when your study programme doesn't necessarily fit the internship opening to a T. Instead, focus on any transferable skills you've picked up. 

#5 Intern at NBC Cover Letter Sample

• Keep your opening and closing paragraphs short and sweet. As you can see in this example, it helps keep a certain visual harmony of the overall document. And, despite the length, both paragraphs do exactly what they're supposed to. Besides, recruiters might be discouraged to read the rest of your cover letter if your introductory paragraph is too long.

To sum it all up, an internship cover letter is a formal document that you submit together with your resume when applying for an internship. Its content should be something between a traditional cover letter and a motivational letter.

Its purpose is to introduce yourself to the recruiters in a more personal way than the resume allows. 

The main things you want your internship cover letter to communicate are:

• who you are,
• why you're interested in this opportunity,
• what make you the best fit for the internship, 
• your motivation (your long-term professional goals),
• your desire to learn (what you want to gain from the experience).

To write a truly impactful and persuasive cover letter, we recommend following these 7 key steps: 

• Specify which internship you're applying for in the subject line.
• Include your contact information in a header.
• Address the recipient appropriately.
• Introduce yourself & your motivations in the opening paragraph.
• Elaborate on why you're a good fit and what motivated you in body.
• End your cover letter with a confident closing paragraph.
• Finish off with a polite sign off. 

Finally, if you feel that the examples provided in this article aren't enough, you can always find more in our cover letter database . 

Julia has recently joined Kickresume as a career writer. From helping people with their English to get admitted to the uni of their dreams to advising them on how to succeed in the job market. It would seem that her career is on a steadfast trajectory. Julia holds a degree in Anglophone studies from Metropolitan University in Prague, where she also resides. Apart from creative writing and languages, she takes a keen interest in literature and theatre.

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Cover Letter

NIH strongly recommends that you include a cover letter with your application indicating the specific NIH Institute or Center (IC) that you believe should have primary assignment of your application, and which review committee would be most appropriate to review the application. The Center for Scientific Review (CSR)  retains the responsibility for making the final determinations concerning assignment of applications to an IC and a particular review committee (study section) at CSR  . However, it is in your best interest to be familiar with the available choices and to express your opinion in the cover letter.

• In the cover letter, describe the link between your recommended assignment and the mission of that IC.
• Description of CSR review committees 
• Description of IC committees 
• Description of NIMH committees
• Questions about the assignment should be directed to the program officer. Be sure to see Step 3 for information on the Assignment and Review Process.
• If applications are in response to a Request for Applications (RFA) be sure to include the announcement number and title in the cover letter and face page.
• Check your eRA Commons  account for assignments. This information is available within six to eight weeks after submission.

Back to Forms and Instructions

Cover Letters

Check required and optional reasons to write a cover letter for your application. Note that only the scientific review officer—not peer reviewers or program officers—sees your cover letter.

When a Cover Letter Is Required

You must have a cover letter for the following:

• Grants requesting $500,000 or more in direct costs for any year.
• Conference grants (R13 or U13).
• Investigator-initiated clinical trial planning and implementation awards.
• Genomic data. Explain that the proposed study will generate large-scale human or non-human genomic data. Also note if you plan to access data in one of the NIH genome data repositories listed at  Genomic Data Sharing .
• Corrected applications. Include a complete cover letter if you did not pass validations and submitted a corrected application after the deadline. Note that this will render your application late. See the next bullet.
• Late applications. Include the reason your application is late. Learn more at Late Applications and Post-Submission Materials .
• Continuous submission. Indicate that you are a member of an NIH study section qualified to submit at a nonstandard time.
• Video. Indicate that you plan to send video files later.  

Optional Uses for the Cover Letter

You may choose to use a cover letter for the following purposes:

• Point out RFAs and PAs . State the title if you're responding to an initiative.
• Note special areas. Note the involvement of human subjects, select agents, or other areas with special requirements.
• Note a subaward that will be active for only some of the grant's years.

In the past, applicants also used the cover letter to list expertise needed to review the application and to request assignment. Use the PHS Assignment Request Form  instead.

Creating Your Cover Letter

Here's how to create and format your cover letter:

• Start with the title and a brief description of your application.
• Use the PHS 398 Cover Letter File in the grant application—don't confuse it with the mandatory PHS 398 Cover Page Supplement form.

Follow the format NIH gives you in the SF 424 Form Instructions .

More Information

Find our central list of  Types of Letters for Grant Applications .

Previous Step

Have questions.

A program officer in your area of science can give you application advice, NIAID's perspective on your research, and confirmation that your proposed research fits within NIAID’s mission.

Find contacts and instructions at When to Contact an NIAID Program Officer .