Cover letter for engineering internship with no experience

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• engineering
• engineering intern

Engineering Interns are entry-level employees, often students, who assist engineering teams to gain hands-on experience in their profession. Essential job duties of an Engineering Intern are helping to develop hardware, running tests, ensuring system safety, assisting with launch operations, completing data analysis, completing tasks as assigned by engineers, taking corrective action in case of non-compliance, following work instructions, liaising with suppliers, and observing engineering operations.

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Include These Engineering Intern Skills

• Engineering expertise
• Being able to follow verbal and written instructions
• An interest in learning new things
• Knowledge of safety standards
• Computer competences
• Teamwork
• Availability for work in shifts
• A good academic record
• Attention to details and accuracy
• Effective communication

Below is displayed a cover letter sample for Engineering Intern demonstrating similar abilities and qualities.

Dear Ms. Herrera:

I am sending you the enclosed resume in response to learning of your search for an Engineering Intern. With my avid interest and ongoing education in civil engineering, as well as my skills in team collaboration and project support, I feel confident that I would significantly benefit your organization in this capacity.

My hands-on practicum experience coupled with the growing knowledge base I am amassing during my education at Wyoming State University prepares me to make a solid contribution in an internship position. With a solid foundation in the basics of civil engineering—including urban and regional studies and strategic planning—I am more than prepared to put my knowledge and abilities to work for you, while also gaining immeasurable experience and transferable skills to enable me to advance in my career pursuits. Furthermore, my organizational, communication, and leadership abilities position me ready to thrive in this challenging field.

Highlights of my background include…

Preparing to achieve a BS degree in Civil Engineering from Wyoming State University, performing in-depth research, designing engineering project plans and strategies, writing detailed reports, and delivering formal presentations—all while demonstrating a consistently superior academic record.

Completing an internship with the City of Jackson Hole, studying, dismantling, and ultimately working to improve KVA diesel generators within city buildings.

Observing and analyzing staff throughout my internship to learn more about the time and motion requirements of job responsibilities.

Participating in team-oriented projects and leading peers to project success while also excelling within more independent roles.

Demonstrating a keen willingness to learn, an adaptable and flexible work ethic, the ability to accurately follow instructions, and a sharp technical aptitude.

With my previous excellent academic-based and internship experience, coupled with my enthusiasm and dedication to achieving success, I believe I could swiftly exceed your expectations as your next Engineering Intern. I look forward to discussing this opportunity in detail. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Kenneth W. Mullins

Engineering Internship Cover Letter (With Examples)

A cover letter serves an important purpose when applying for a job, whether it’s a short-term internship or a long-term position. Submitting a good cover letter may be the deciding factor that determines whether your application ends up on the callback or reject pile.

If you’re nervous about crafting a strong cover letter, the good news is there are resources and templates available to help.

Even if a job application lists the cover letter as “optional,” it’s always a good idea to submit one. Taking the extra effort demonstrates that you’re a serious candidate.

What Is a Cover Letter and Why Is It Important?

A cover letter is a brief letter of introduction that usually accompanies a resume. It not only expresses your interest in the job but also gives you a chance to introduce yourself, highlight your skills, accomplishments, and goals, and explain what you hope to bring to the company if hired.

In essence, the cover letter needs to answer this question: “Why am I the best candidate you can hire for this position?”

Parts of an Engineering Internship Cover Letter

Cover letters are used for a broad range of job applications, whether you’re applying for an internship, entry-level position, job promotion, career change, etc. Regardless of which situation applies to you, the cover letter needs to include these key parts:

1. Your contact information

2. The organization’s information

3. Dear [Manager Name],

4. First paragraph: intent and opening hook

5. Second paragraph: main body with key skills and accomplishments in relation to the job requirements

6. Third paragraph: closing lines with a compelling call to action

7. Best regards, followed by name and title

Although it will still follow the same basic format, a college-level cover letter differs in that an applicant will primarily rely on skills and accomplishments rather than previous work experience. With only one page to make your case and grab a hiring manager’s attention, every sentence needs to count.

Your cover letter should be creative but also look professional. If you’re concerned about proper formatting, take advantage of free cover letter templates to guarantee you have a clean layout that meets industry standards.

Search For Engineering Internship Jobs

Engineering Internship Cover Letter Opening

Start with the basics. Be sure to include your contact information at the top so a hiring manager can easily reach out to you.

If possible, address your cover letter to the hiring manager by name. If you don’t know the hiring manager’s name, use a gender-neutral greeting such as “Dear [Company Name] Recruitment Manager.”

Introduce yourself and the position you’re applying for and explain why you’re interested in the role. You may also want to include how you learned about the job, how long you expect the internship to last, and your college, major, and year of education.

The cover letter should be tailored to the specific company, so use exact details to demonstrate that you aren’t sending one generic letter to multiple companies.

Example Cover Letter Opening:

Jane Doe
9876 Home Avenue
Sample, NC 27010
123-867-5309

linkedin.com/in/janedoe

March 10, 2021

John Smith
Recruitment Manager
Global Engineering
5432 Bustle Street
Commerce, CA 94108

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am writing to express my interest in the undergraduate chemical engineering internship position at Global Engineering for summer 2021. I am currently a sophomore in the College of Engineering at Cornell University, majoring in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Management. I am particularly interested in sustainability and process engineering, and I would love to be a part of Global Engineering’s innovative energy research team developing highly efficient gas products.

The applicant in the example covered all of the basics in the first paragraph, including her specific career interests. She has set herself up to smoothly flow right into the main body of the cover letter and highlight her skills and character traits.

Engineering Internship Cover Letter Body

The body of the letter is your primary sales pitch, and the product you want to sell is yourself. To do that, you need to demonstrate:

1. Why you want this job

2. The skills that qualify you for the specific requirements of the job

3. Why you are the perfect fit for the position

It’s essential to show that you clearly understand the position requirements and tie your skill set directly to these expectations. This is your opportunity to showcase your most valuable character traits and any specific experiences that you can provide to illustrate why you are the best fit for the organization and role.

A common mistake is to repeat exactly what is on your resume. Instead, seize the chance to elaborate in much more detail and ensure the right skills are being highlighted.

Example Cover Letter Body:

Last summer, I had the opportunity to study abroad in London, where I served as an intern in a research-based environment of a carbon capture pilot plant for eight weeks. I spearheaded a research project involving nanostructure surfaces and was fortunate to gain hands-on experience in the field. Through my work and school experiences, I’ve realized that my true passion lies in chemical engineering processes and applications.

I had the privilege of speaking with several Global Engineering representatives at the university career fair. After my one-on-one interview with Ms. Swanson, I was truly inspired by her history as a process engineer and project manager. She spoke very highly of the company and explained how the hands-on experiences she had at Global Engineering prepared her for the role of project manager and helped her succeed in her career.

The applicant in this example has not only listed her experience and accomplishments, but also drawn a personal connection to an employee at the company. This is great information to include and is sure to set her apart from other applicants who applied after reading the online job description but didn’t have any personal ties to the company.

Engineering Internship Cover Letter Closing Lines

The ending should be a concise summary of your qualifications. Keep it short and sweet; you’ve already made your primary pitch, so you don’t want to drag out the closing and lose the hiring manager’s interest.

Example Cover Letter Closing:

After researching the culture and history of Global Engineering, I discovered that my personal values closely align with the company’s main pillars. I am a fast learner and frequently draw upon my background in engineering, management, and research, and I know I can make a positive contribution to Global Engineering’s success. I would love the opportunity to further discuss the value I have to offer your company. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

Jane Doe
123-867-5309

Note that the applicant wrapped up her closing in a way that demonstrates her experience, knowledge, enthusiasm, and desire for the company’s success. She also thanked the hiring manager and listed her contact information again.

Example of an Engineer Cover Letter

Jane Doe
9876 Home Avenue
Sample, NC 27010
123-867-5309

linkedin.com/in/janedoe

March 10, 2021

John Smith
Recruitment Manager
Global Engineering
5432 Bustle Street
Commerce, CA 94108

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am writing to express my interest in the undergraduate chemical engineering internship position at Global Engineering for summer 2021. I am currently a sophomore in the College of Engineering at Cornell University, majoring in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Management. I am particularly interested in sustainability and process engineering, and I would love to be a part of Global Engineering’s innovative energy research team developing highly efficient gas products.

Last summer, I had the opportunity to study abroad in London, where I served as an intern in a research-based environment of a carbon capture pilot plant for eight weeks. I spearheaded a research project involving nanostructure surfaces and was fortunate to gain hands-on experience in the field. Through my work and school experiences, I’ve realized that my true passion lies in chemical engineering processes and applications.

I had the privilege of speaking with several Global Engineering representatives at the university career fair. After my one-on-one interview with Ms. Swanson, I was truly inspired by her history as a process engineer and project manager. She spoke very highly of the company and explained how the hands-on experiences she had at Global Engineering prepared her for the role of project manager and helped her succeed in her career.

After researching the culture and history of Global Engineering, I discovered that my personal values closely align with the company’s main pillars. I am a fast learner and frequently draw upon my background in engineering, management, and research, and I know I can make a positive contribution to Global Engineering’s success. I would love the opportunity to further discuss the value I have to offer your company. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

Jane Doe
123-867-5309

Tips for an Engineering Internship Cover Letter

• Don’t squander valuable space by repeating your resume skills verbatim. You might have “research” listed under a bullet point on your resume, but this is your opportunity to expand upon it and explain what type of research you did, where you completed it, and how you can apply those valuable lessons to future work.

• Check the job application and look at the required skills section. Whenever possible, use this list as a reference guide to highlight your own skills. The more crossover you can have to illustrate that you are the best candidate for the job, the better.

• Focus on academic achievements. It’s not uncommon for college students to lack experience, especially if you’re writing a cover letter for your first internship position. In lieu of work experience, highlight your school accomplishments, research projects, primary interests, and most valuable skills and character traits.

Final Thoughts

You’ll likely be facing steep competition for a coveted internship position, with many applicants from many other universities vying for those same roles. Utilizing the cover letter as a professional introduction can be an important tool to break through the noise.

The best cover letters show off your enthusiasm and personality in addition to your skills. Share personal but relevant stories and experiences to build up your value. Your primary goal is to illustrate why you are the right person for this internship. If you can successfully do that, your chances of landing an interview are good.

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