Recommendation Letter Examples for an Internship

These days, almost all college students must complete internships before moving onward and upwards in their career path. Perhaps a young person you know has asked you to write an internship recommendation letter for them. Or you may be a student who would like to know what a letter of recommendation for an internship should include.

Here's everything you need to know about requesting and writing an internship recommendation letter, with sample templates you can use or reference.

Recommendation Letters for Internships

Some universities require that students complete an internship to graduate. Even if it's not required, some students opt to do an internship to gain on-the-job experience. Internships can be used to beef up a resume and grab the attention of a prospective employer when mentioned in cover letters and during interviews. Some young adults (and career changers) intern as a foray into a particular profession for which they have no training.

No matter what a student's chosen field may be, having a letter of recommendation from a qualified adult can go a long way toward securing a solid internship. So if someone requests that you write a recommendation letter, it’s worth taking the time to write a top-notch letter.

Requesting a Recommendation Letter

If you're a student requesting a recommendation letter, follow these tips:

• Choose your recommender wisely. Reach out to someone who knows you well and has a positive opinion of your work and character.
• Ask politely. Writing a letter takes effort, so make your request politely. Plan ahead and give the person time to write the letter—a few weeks is ideal.
• Provide background information. Professors, for instance, write a lot of letters, and they also have a lot of students. Make their task easier by providing information about the internship and a reminder of how they know you. In addition, you can share a copy of your resume.

Writing an Internship Recommendation Letter

A letter of recommendation needs to be positive, so if you don’t feel like you can endorse the student, you may prefer to politely decline the request. Do this right away so the student will have time to find another recommender.

Once you agree to write the letter, you’ll want your recommendation to shine a bright light on the student’s aptitude and abilities as well as explain why you believe this person would be a perfect fit for the internship.

Note

If you’re not sure exactly what the internship is about, it’s a good idea to ask the student for more information about the type of internship they are seeking.

A copy of the student’s resume, if they have one, will also provide insight into the person’s qualifications and attributes.

What to Include in the Letter

The letter should include:

First Paragraph: Explain your connection to the person you are recommending, including how you know them, and for how long.

Second Paragraph: Mention why the student would be a good fit for the internship, and what they can contribute to the organization. Include examples of the individual's expertise and qualifications.

Third Paragraph: Summarize your recommendation, stating that you "highly recommend" the student or that you "recommend without reservation." These definitive phrases show that you truly stand behind the recommendation; anything less enthusiastic will make it seem like you do not truly endorse the person.

Final Paragraph: Offer to provide more information and include your email address and phone number. Another option is to include a phone number and email address in the return address section of a printed letter or the signature of an email recommendation.

Letter Closing: End the letter with a formal letter closing and your name and job title. If you are mailing a hard copy of the letter, include your signature underneath your typed name.

Note

Having an example internship recommendation letter to follow may help give you some ideas for your letter. Be sure to tailor your recommendation so that it’s a strong match for the internship requirements.

Recommendation Letter Template for an Internship

This is an example of a recommendation letter for an internship. Download the recommendation letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online).

Recommendation Letter Examples for Internships

Recommendation Example for an Internship (Text Version)

Susan Driver
123 Main Street
Anytown, CA 12345
555-555-5555
susan.driver@email.com

February 9, 2024

Diana Lee
Director, Human Resources
Acme Stables
123 Business Rd.
Business City, NY 54321

It is my understanding that Ellen Smyles is applying for an internship with your organization, working with children in your therapeutic riding program. I have known Ellen for over ten years and have had the opportunity to work with her in many capacities. Ellen was a riding student of mine from elementary through high school, during which time she grew from a beginner herself to help teach the basics of horse care and equitation to newer students.

As well as a teaching facility, we also breed a few horses and ponies each year, and Ellen has always been very involved in working with the youngsters. She has helped to provide ground training and grooming to our weanlings, as well as help with saddle training and schooling green horses.

In addition to helping with the horses, Ellen has also been a fantastic babysitter for my three rambunctious children.

I have absolute confidence in her maturity, and ability to make the right decisions to keep children and animals safe and happy. Ellen is a bright, honest, sensible young woman, and I'm sure she would be an asset to your summer program.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by phone or email.

Signature (hard copy letter)

Recommendation Example for a PR Internship

Mary Cole
123 Main Street
Anytown, CA 12345
555-555-5555
mary.cole@email.com

February 9, 2024

Evelyn Lee
Director, Human Resources
Acme Public Relations
123 Business Rd.
Business City, NY 54321

I understand that Joylyn Gu is applying for an internship with Acme Public Relations, working in the media relations department. I was Joylyn's student advisor during her junior year at NBU and worked closely with her throughout the school year.

As you may know, NBU is known for its media department and has a track record of educating students in the many facets of public and media relations. Many of our students go on to successful careers in journalism, work for major corporations, or secure jobs with the top PR firms in the country.

Joylyn not only completed her media relations coursework with the highest grade point average, but the feedback from her professors was consistently positive. Joylyn's professors noted that she was smart, eager to learn, responsible, and had an innate knack for the workings of both traditional and digital media in today's shifting media landscape. I am confident that Joylyn would be an asset to your organization and excel in your fall internship program.

Please call my land phone or cell phone, or email me if you have any questions.

Signature (hard copy letter)

Key Takeaways

1. When requesting a recommendation letter, students should choose someone who knows them well, ask politely, and provide relevant background information to aid the recommender.
2. A recommendation letter should start with an introductory paragraph explaining the writer's relationship to the student and how long they've known them.
3. The middle paragraph (or paragraphs) should detail why the student is a good fit for the internship, using specific examples that showcase their skills and experience.
4. The letter should conclude with a summary of the recommendation, a strong endorsement, an offer to provide further information, and the writer's contact details.