Introduction
Writing a compelling internship letter is a crucial step in securing a government internship. A well-crafted letter not only showcases your skills and qualifications but also demonstrates your understanding of the role and your enthusiasm for the opportunity. In this article, we provide 16 professional examples of internship letters tailored for government internship applications. These examples cover a variety of scenarios and can serve as templates to help you craft your own standout letter.
1. Example 1: General Government Internship Application
John Doe
123 Main Street
Springfield, IL 62704
October 15, 2023
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the government internship program at the Department of Public Administration. As a third-year political science major at the University of Illinois, I am eager to apply my academic knowledge in a real-world setting. My coursework in public policy and my volunteer experience at a local non-profit have prepared me to contribute effectively to your team.
I am particularly drawn to this internship because of the opportunity to work on policy analysis and community outreach initiatives. I am confident that my strong analytical skills and my ability to communicate complex ideas clearly will make me a valuable asset to your department.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team and gaining invaluable experience in public service.
Sincerely,
John Doe
2. Example 2: Emphasizing Academic Background
Jane Smith
456 Elm Street
Chicago, IL 60601
November 10, 2023
Dear Internship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the internship position at the Department of Education. As a senior majoring in education policy at Northwestern University, I am eager to apply my academic background in a professional setting. My coursework has equipped me with a strong understanding of educational policy and reform, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team.
My academic achievements, including my senior thesis on urban education reform, have prepared me to engage in meaningful work at your department. I am confident that my analytical skills and my passion for education policy will enable me to make a positive impact during my internship.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with the goals of your department.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
3. Example 3: Highlighting Relevant Experience
Michael Johnson
789 Oak Street
Peoria, IL 61602
December 5, 2023
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the internship program at the Department of Health and Human Services. As a recent graduate with a degree in public health, I am eager to apply my knowledge and skills in a professional setting. My previous internship at a local health clinic has provided me with hands-on experience in community outreach and program coordination.
During my internship at the clinic, I developed and implemented a health education program that served over 500 community members. This experience has given me the skills to effectively communicate with diverse populations and to manage multiple projects simultaneously. I am confident that my experience and skills will make me a valuable asset to your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the important work being done at your department.
Sincerely,
Michael Johnson
4. Example 4: Tailored to a Specific Agency
Emily Davis
321 Pine Street
Rockford, IL 61101
January 2, 2024
Dear Internship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the internship position at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As a junior majoring in environmental science at the University of Illinois, I am eager to contribute to the EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment. My coursework has provided me with a strong foundation in environmental policy and science, and I am excited about the opportunity to apply this knowledge in a professional setting.
I am particularly interested in the EPA’s work on climate change and sustainable development. My research on renewable energy sources has given me a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this field. I am confident that my academic background and my passion for environmental protection will enable me to make a meaningful contribution during my internship.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with the goals of the EPA.
Sincerely,
Emily Davis
5. Example 5: Emphasizing Leadership Experience
Sarah Wilson
654 Maple Street
Champaign, IL 61820
February 15, 2024
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the internship program at the Department of Commerce. As a senior majoring in business administration at the University of Illinois, I am eager to apply my leadership skills and knowledge of business operations in a professional setting. My experience as the president of the Business Club at my university has provided me with the skills to lead teams and manage complex projects.
During my tenure as president, I led a team of 20 members in organizing a business conference that attracted over 200 attendees. This experience has given me the ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups and to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. I am confident that my leadership skills and my knowledge of business operations will make me a valuable asset to your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the important work being done at your department.
Sincerely,
Sarah Wilson
6. Example 6: Highlighting Technical Skills
David Lee
987 Cedar Street
Naperville, IL 60563
March 10, 2024
Dear Internship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the internship position at the Department of Defense. As a senior majoring in computer science at Northwestern University, I am eager to apply my technical skills in a professional setting. My coursework has provided me with a strong foundation in programming, data analysis, and cybersecurity.
I am particularly skilled in programming languages such as Python, Java, and C++. My experience with data analysis tools such as SQL and Tableau has given me the ability to analyze complex data sets and present my findings in a clear and concise manner. I am confident that my technical skills will enable me to make a meaningful contribution during my internship.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with the goals of your department.
Sincerely,
David Lee
7. Example 7: Emphasizing Community Service
Olivia Brown
321 Oak Street
Aurora, IL 60502
April 5, 2024
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the internship program at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. As a junior majoring in urban studies at the University of Illinois, I am eager to apply my knowledge of urban development and my commitment to community service in a professional setting. My volunteer experience at a local homeless shelter has provided me with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by urban communities.
During my time at the shelter, I developed and implemented a program to provide job training and placement services for residents. This experience has given me the skills to work effectively with diverse populations and to manage multiple projects simultaneously. I am confident that my commitment to community service and my knowledge of urban development will make me a valuable asset to your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the important work being done at your department.
Sincerely,
Olivia Brown
8. Example 8: Tailored to a Specific Program
William Green
654 Pine Street
Joliet, IL 60432
May 1, 2024
Dear Internship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the internship position at the National Park Service. As a senior majoring in environmental studies at Northern Illinois University, I am eager to contribute to the conservation and preservation of our nation’s natural resources. My coursework has provided me with a strong foundation in environmental science and policy, and I am excited about the opportunity to apply this knowledge in a professional setting.
I am particularly interested in the National Park Service’s work on habitat restoration and wildlife conservation. My research on endangered species has given me a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this field. I am confident that my academic background and my passion for environmental conservation will enable me to make a meaningful contribution during my internship.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with the goals of the National Park Service.
Sincerely,
William Green
9. Example 9: Emphasizing International Experience
Sophia Rodriguez
987 Maple Street
Elgin, IL 60120
June 10, 2024
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the internship program at the Department of State. As a senior majoring in international relations at DePaul University, I am eager to apply my knowledge of global affairs and my experience living abroad in a professional setting. My study abroad program in Spain has provided me with a deep understanding of cultural differences and the ability to communicate effectively in a foreign language.
During my time in Spain, I interned at a local non-profit organization where I worked on international development projects. This experience has given me the skills to work effectively in cross-cultural teams and to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. I am confident that my international experience and my knowledge of global affairs will make me a valuable asset to your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the important work being done at your department.
Sincerely,
Sophia Rodriguez
10. Example 10: Highlighting Research Experience
Mia Garcia
321 Cedar Street
Waukegan, IL 60085
July 15, 2024
Dear Internship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the internship position at the National Institutes of Health. As a senior majoring in biology at the University of Chicago, I am eager to apply my research skills and knowledge of scientific methods in a professional setting. My experience as a research assistant in a university lab has provided me with the skills to conduct complex experiments and analyze data effectively.
My research experience has given me a strong foundation in molecular biology and genetics. I am confident that my ability to conduct detailed research and my passion for scientific discovery will enable me to make a meaningful contribution during my internship.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with the goals of the National Institutes of Health.
Sincerely,
Mia Garcia
11. Example 11: Emphasizing Communication Skills
Daniel Martinez
654 Oak Street
Bloomington, IL 61701
August 20, 2024
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the internship program at the Department of Communication. As a senior majoring in public relations at Illinois State University, I am eager to apply my communication skills and knowledge of media relations in a professional setting. My experience as the public relations officer for my university’s student government has provided me with the skills to craft compelling messages and to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
During my time in student government, I developed and implemented a social media campaign that increased student engagement by 50%. This experience has given me the ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups and to manage multiple projects simultaneously. I am confident that my communication skills and my knowledge of public relations will make me a valuable asset to your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the important work being done at your department.
Sincerely,
Daniel Martinez
12. Example 12: Tailored to a Specific Policy Area
Emma Taylor
987 Pine Street
Decatur, IL 62521
September 10, 2024
Dear Internship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the internship position at the Department of Energy. As a senior majoring in environmental engineering at the University of Illinois, I am eager to contribute to the development of sustainable energy solutions. My coursework has provided me with a strong foundation in renewable energy technologies and energy policy.
I am particularly interested in the Department of Energy’s work on renewable energy initiatives and energy efficiency programs. My research on solar energy has given me a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this field. I am confident that my academic background and my passion for sustainable energy will enable me to make a meaningful contribution during my internship.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with the goals of the Department of Energy.
Sincerely,
Emma Taylor
13. Example 13: Emphasizing Teamwork and Collaboration
James Wilson
321 Maple Street
Peoria, IL 61602
October 5, 2024
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the internship program at the Department of Labor. As a senior majoring in industrial relations at the University of Illinois, I am eager to apply my knowledge of labor laws and my experience working in team-based environments in a professional setting. My experience as a member of a union negotiating team has provided me with the skills to collaborate effectively with diverse groups and to manage complex negotiations.
During my time on the negotiating team, I played a key role in reaching a collective bargaining agreement that benefited both the union and the employer. This experience has given me the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. I am confident that my teamwork skills and my knowledge of labor relations will make me a valuable asset to your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the important work being done at your department.
Sincerely,
James Wilson
14. Example 14: Highlighting Multilingual Skills
Olivia Martinez
654 Oak Street
Champaign, IL 61820
November 15, 2024
Dear Internship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the internship position at the Department of State. As a senior majoring in international relations at the University of Illinois, I am eager to apply my knowledge of global affairs and my multilingual skills in a professional setting. My fluency in Spanish and French has provided me with the ability to communicate effectively in diverse cultural contexts.
My experience as a translator for a local non-profit organization has given me the skills to work effectively in multilingual environments and to manage multiple projects simultaneously. I am confident that my multilingual skills and my knowledge of global affairs will make me a valuable asset to your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with the goals of the Department of State.
Sincerely,
Olivia Martinez
15. Example 15: Emphasizing Problem-Solving Skills
Ethan Brown
987 Cedar Street
Springfield, IL 62704
December 10, 2024
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the internship program at the Department of Defense. As a senior majoring in computer science at the University of Illinois, I am eager to apply my problem-solving skills and knowledge of cybersecurity in a professional setting. My experience as a member of a cybersecurity competition team has provided me with the skills to identify and mitigate potential security threats.
During my time on the competition team, I developed a system to detect and prevent cyberattacks, which won first place at a regional competition. This experience has given me the ability to think critically and to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. I am confident that my problem-solving skills and my knowledge of cybersecurity will make me a valuable asset to your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the important work being done at your department.
Sincerely,
Ethan Brown
16. Example 16: Emphasizing Commitment to Public Service
Sophia Lee
321 Pine Street
Chicago, IL 60601
January 15, 2025
Dear Internship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the internship position at the Department of Health and Human Services. As a senior majoring in public health at Northwestern University, I am eager to apply my knowledge of health policy and my commitment to public service in a professional setting. My volunteer experience at a local health clinic has provided me with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by underserved communities.
My commitment to public service has driven my academic and professional pursuits. I am confident that my passion for improving healthcare outcomes and my knowledge of health policy will enable me to make a meaningful contribution during my internship.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with the goals of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Sincerely,
Sophia Lee
Conclusion
Crafting a compelling internship letter is a critical step in securing a government internship. By tailoring your letter to the specific agency and position, emphasizing your relevant skills and experiences, and demonstrating your enthusiasm for the role, you can create a standout application. Use the examples provided in this article as a starting point to craft your own professional and effective internship letter.