Introduction to Government Internship Letters
Government internships are highly sought-after opportunities for students and young professionals to gain hands-on experience in public service. A well-crafted internship letter is essential for making a strong impression and securing these competitive positions. This guide provides 16 professional examples of internship letters tailored for government opportunities, covering various scenarios and purposes.
Whether you’re applying for an internship at a federal agency, a state government office, or a local municipality, these letters will serve as a foundation for your application. Each example is designed to highlight your skills, express your enthusiasm, and demonstrate your understanding of the role and its impact on public service.
1. Application for Federal Agency Internship
John Doe
123 Main Street
Springfield, IL 62704
January 10, 2023
January 10, 2023
Ms. Jane Smith
Internship Coordinator
Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202
Dear Ms. Smith,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the internship opportunity at the Department of Education. As a political science major with a passion for public policy, I am eager to contribute to the department’s mission while gaining invaluable experience in federal governance.
I am particularly drawn to this internship because of the opportunity to work on education policy initiatives that impact communities nationwide. My academic background, combined with my volunteer experience in local government, has prepared me to support your team effectively.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the Department of Education’s important work.
Sincerely,
John Doe
2. Request for State Government Internship
Emily Johnson
456 Oak Lane
Sacramento, CA 95814
February 5, 2023
February 5, 2023
Mr. Michael Brown
Internship Program Director
California State Legislature
1315 10th Street, Room 102
Sacramento, CA 95814
Dear Mr. Brown,
I am writing to express my interest in the legislative internship program with the California State Legislature. As a student of public administration, I am eager to gain hands-on experience in state governance and policymaking.
I am particularly interested in the opportunity to work on legislative research and policy analysis, which aligns with my academic and career goals. My coursework has provided me with a strong foundation in public policy, and I am excited about the prospect of applying this knowledge in a real-world setting.
Thank you for considering my application. I am confident that this internship will provide me with the practical experience and skills necessary to excel in a career in public service.
Sincerely,
Emily Johnson
3. Follow-Up on Internship Application
Sarah Wilson
789 Pine Street
Denver, CO 80203
March 15, 2023
March 15, 2023
Ms. Laura Davis
Internship Coordinator
Colorado Department of Health
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246
Dear Ms. Davis,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to follow up on my application for the internship position at the Colorado Department of Health, which I submitted on February 20, 2023.
I wanted to reiterate my enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the department’s efforts in public health policy and program development. I believe my academic background in health administration, combined with my volunteer experience in community health organizations, makes me a strong candidate for this role.
Please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide to support my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the important work of the Colorado Department of Health.
Sincerely,
Sarah Wilson
4. Acceptance of Government Internship Offer
David Thompson
321 Maple Avenue
Boston, MA 02120
April 2, 2023
April 2, 2023
Ms. Susan Green
Internship Program Manager
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
10 Park Plaza, Room 221
Boston, MA 02116
Dear Ms. Green,
I am pleased to accept the offer to intern with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation this summer. I am excited about the opportunity to work on transportation policy and planning initiatives that impact the state’s infrastructure and communities.
I am particularly looking forward to gaining hands-on experience in project management and policy analysis, which will be invaluable for my future career in public service. I am confident that this internship will provide me with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in this field.
Thank you for offering me this opportunity. I am eager to contribute to the department’s important work and learn from the experienced team at MassDOT.
Sincerely,
David Thompson
5. Declining a Government Internship Offer
Jessica Martinez
654 Cedar Road
Austin, TX 78704
May 10, 2023
May 10, 2023
Mr. Robert Taylor
Internship Program Director
Texas Department of Education
1701 North Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
Dear Mr. Taylor,
Thank you for offering me the internship position with the Texas Department of Education. I am truly grateful for the opportunity and appreciate the time and effort taken to review my application.
After careful consideration, I regret to inform you that I will not be able to accept the offer at this time. This was not an easy decision, as I am deeply interested in the department’s work in education policy and reform. However, due to unforeseen personal commitments, I need to prioritize my current obligations.
I hope to have the opportunity to apply for future internships with the Texas Department of Education and contribute to the important work of your team.
Sincerely,
Jessica Martinez
6. Request for Internship Extension
Michael Lee
987 Oak Drive
Atlanta, GA 30303
June 20, 2023
June 20, 2023
Ms. Patricia White
Internship Program Manager
Georgia Department of Environmental Protection
4244 International Street, Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30303
Dear Ms. White,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to request the possibility of extending my internship with the Georgia Department of Environmental Protection beyond the initial term of three months.
I have truly enjoyed my time working on environmental policy and conservation projects, and I believe that an extension would allow me to contribute more significantly to the department’s initiatives. I am particularly interested in continuing my work on the upcoming environmental impact assessment project, which I believe will provide valuable experience for my future career in environmental policy.
Thank you for considering my request. I am eager to continue my work with the department and appreciate your support in this matter.
Sincerely,
Michael Lee
7. Internship Completion and Thank You
Laura Bennett
555 Pine Street
Chicago, IL 60601
July 15, 2023
July 15, 2023
Mr. Daniel Harris
Internship Program Director
Illinois Department of Public Health
535 West Jefferson Street
Springfield, IL 62761
Dear Mr. Harris,
As my internship with the Illinois Department of Public Health comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to work with such a dedicated and knowledgeable team.
I have gained invaluable experience in public health policy and program development, which will undoubtedly shape my future career in this field. I am particularly grateful for the mentorship and guidance I received during my time here, which has been instrumental in my professional growth.
Thank you again for the opportunity to contribute to the important work of the Illinois Department of Public Health. I hope to stay in touch and look forward to the possibility of working together again in the future.
Sincerely,
Laura Bennett
8. Letter of Recommendation Request
Olivia Brown
333 Maple Lane
Seattle, WA 98104
August 25, 2023
August 25, 2023
Ms. Sophia Rodriguez
Internship Supervisor
Washington State Department of Transportation
310 Maple Street, Room 400
Seattle, WA 98104
Dear Ms. Rodriguez,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to ask if you would be willing to provide a letter of recommendation for me as I apply for graduate programs in public administration.
I greatly value the experience I gained during my internship with the Washington State Department of Transportation, and I believe that your insights would be highly beneficial in supporting my application. Your supervision and guidance during my time at WSDOT were instrumental in my professional development, and I would be grateful for your endorsement.
Thank you for considering my request. I would be happy to provide any additional information or materials you may need to write the recommendation.
Sincerely,
Olivia Brown
9. Application for International Government Internship
Ethan Kim
777 Cedar Court
New York, NY 10001
September 5, 2023
September 5, 2023
Ms. Isabella Garcia
Internship Program Coordinator
United Nations Development Programme
1 UN Plaza, Room DC1-2036
New York, NY 10017
Dear Ms. Garcia,
I am writing to express my interest in the international internship program with the United Nations Development Programme. As a student of international relations with a focus on global development, I am eager to contribute to the UN’s mission of fostering sustainable development worldwide.
I am particularly drawn to the opportunity to work on projects related to poverty reduction and sustainable development, which align with my academic and career goals. My coursework has provided me with a strong foundation in international development, and I am excited about the prospect of applying this knowledge in a global context.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the important work of the United Nations Development Programme.
Sincerely,
Ethan Kim
10. Request for Internship Accommodation
Ava Moore
999 Oak Way
Miami, FL 33101
October 10, 2023
October 10, 2023
Mr. Liam O’Connor
Internship Program Manager
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
2600 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Dear Mr. O’Connor,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to request a reasonable accommodation for my upcoming internship with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, which is scheduled to begin on November 1, 2023.
Due to a medical condition, I require a flexible work schedule to accommodate regular medical appointments. I believe that with a minor adjustment to my working hours, I can fully meet the expectations of the internship and contribute effectively to the team. I am confident that this accommodation will allow me to perform at my best and make meaningful contributions to the department’s initiatives.
Thank you for considering my request. Please let me know if you need any additional information or documentation to facilitate this accommodation.
Sincerely,
Ava Moore
11. Letter of Withdrawal from Internship
Noah Clark
888 Pine Road
Dallas, TX 75201
November 20, 2023
November 20, 2023
Ms. Sophia Martinez
Internship Program Director
Texas Department of Health and Human Services
701 West 51st Street
Austin, TX 78701
Dear Ms. Martinez,
It is with regret that I submit my withdrawal from the internship program with the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, which was scheduled to begin on December 1, 2023.
Due to unforeseen personal circumstances, I am no longer able to participate in the program at this time. I am deeply disappointed to miss this opportunity, as I was truly looking forward to contributing to the department’s important work in public health.
I hope to have the opportunity to apply for future internships with the Texas Department of Health and Human Services and contribute to the department’s mission in the future.
Sincerely,
Noah Clark
12. Application for Part-Time Government Internship
Charlotte Hall
777 Maple Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
December 5, 2023
December 5, 2023
Mr. Ethan Brooks
Internship Program Coordinator
Arizona Department of Education
1535 West Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Dear Mr. Brooks,
I am writing to express my interest in the part-time internship opportunity with the Arizona Department of Education. As a student of education policy, I am eager to gain hands-on experience in supporting the department’s initiatives in education reform and student achievement.
I am particularly interested in the opportunity to work on policy analysis and program development, which align with my academic and career goals. My coursework has provided me with a strong foundation in education policy, and I am excited about the prospect of applying this knowledge in a real-world setting.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the important work of the Arizona Department of Education.
Sincerely,
Charlotte Hall
13. Letter of Interest for Government Internship
Alexander White
666 Oak Lane
Los Angeles, CA 90001
January 8, 2024
January 8, 2024
Ms. Mia Johnson
Internship Program Manager
California Department of Housing and Community Development
2020 West El Camino Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95833
Dear Ms. Johnson,
I am writing to express my interest in the internship program with the California Department of Housing and Community Development. As a student of urban planning with a focus on affordable housing, I am eager to contribute to the department’s efforts in addressing California’s housing crisis.
I am particularly drawn to the opportunity to work on housing policy and community development initiatives, which align with my academic and career goals. My coursework has provided me with a strong foundation in housing policy, and I am excited about the prospect of applying this knowledge in a real-world setting.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the important work of the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
Sincerely,
Alexander White
14. Internship Application with Focus on Policy Analysis
Isabella Green
555 Cedar Road
San Francisco, CA 94105
February 10, 2024
February 10, 2024
Mr. Daniel Lee
Internship Program Director
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency
11 South Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94103
Dear Mr. Lee,
I am writing to express my interest in the internship program with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, with a specific focus on policy analysis. As a student of urban planning with a concentration in transportation policy, I am eager to gain hands-on experience in analyzing and developing policies that impact public transportation in San Francisco.
I am particularly interested in the opportunity to work on projects related to public transit improvement and sustainable transportation solutions. My coursework has provided me with a strong foundation in policy analysis, and I am excited about the prospect of applying this knowledge in a real-world setting.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the important work of the SFMTA.
Sincerely,
Isabella Green
15. Application for International Relations Internship
Sophie Turner
444 Maple Street
Washington, D.C. 20001
March 15, 2024
March 15, 2024
Ms. Emma Wilson
Internship Program Coordinator
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20520
Dear Ms. Wilson,
I am writing to express my interest in the internship program with the U.S. Department of State. As a student of international relations with a focus on global governance, I am eager to contribute to the department’s efforts in promoting U.S. interests abroad and addressing global challenges.
I am particularly drawn to the opportunity to work on international policy issues, such as diplomacy, human rights, and global health. My coursework has provided me with a strong foundation in international relations, and I am excited about the prospect of applying this knowledge in a real-world setting.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the important work of the U.S. Department of State.
Sincerely,
Sophie Turner
16. Application for Local Government Internship
Benjamin Walker
333 Oak Lane
Seattle, WA 98104
April 20, 2024
April 20, 2024
Ms. Olivia Brown
Internship Program Manager
City of Seattle
600 4th Avenue, 5th Floor
Seattle, WA 98104
Dear Ms. Brown,
I am writing to express my interest in the internship program with the City of Seattle. As a student of public administration with a focus on local governance, I am eager to gain hands-on experience in supporting the city’s initiatives in public service and community development.
I am particularly interested in the opportunity to work on projects related to urban planning and community engagement, which align with my academic and career goals. My coursework has provided me with a strong foundation in local governance, and I am excited about the prospect of applying this knowledge in a real-world setting.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the important work of the City of Seattle.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Walker
Conclusion
Government internships provide invaluable opportunities for students and young professionals to gain hands-on experience in public service. By crafting a well-written and tailored internship letter, you can make a strong impression and increase your chances of securing a position in a government agency. The 16 examples provided in this guide cover a wide range of scenarios and purposes, from applying for federal and state internships to requesting accommodations or extensions. Remember to customize your letter to reflect your specific interests, skills, and career goals, and always proofread carefully before submitting. Good luck with your internship applications!