Tracy Volz, Ph.D.tmvolz@rice.edu

Cain ProjectRice University

Write an Application Letter that Lands an Internship

Successful Internship Applicants

Manage the application process

Analyze situation and audience

Organize knowledge and experience

Write effective application letters

http://careerone.com.au/webdav/site/jobs/shared/interpersonal_large.jpg

Managing the Process

Research companies and academic research programs

Review application proceduresUpdate resuméRequest letters of reference (if necessary)

START NOW!!!

Analyze Situation and Audience

Research Potential Employer

Mission Divisions/depts, clients, faculty Products and services Research and development program Organizational structure and culture History Financial/management structure Facilities

Sources of Information Web sites Advisors, peers, employees Career services Professional organizations Promotional materials Annual report Journals

Characteristics Employers Seek in Interns Academic

preparation Understanding of

profession Communication

skills

Work ethic

Motivation for career

Maturity

What can you contribute to the organization?

Organize Knowledge and Experience

Get to Know Yourself! Rank personal values List adjectives to describe yourself Draft mission statement of life & career goals Create table of key job satisfaction factors Stay aware of current events

Reflect on Work Experience

Analyze past work experiences Note specific responsibilities Recall accomplishments/failures Assess strengths and weaknesses

Review notes on potential employer

Match your qualifications to employer’s needs

http://www.units.muohio.edu/cryolab/about/images/Elnitsky_coldbath_web.jpg

Time to Write: Letters of Application

Discuss Motivation and Qualifications

What has motivated you to seek a career in bioengineering?

What people, experiences, or events have contributed to your decision?

What do you expect to learn from the internship?

What are your professional goals?

How have you prepared to fulfill your goals? Research Laboratory skills Clinical work Other work experience

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/bay/cbnerr/jenn2%20intern.jpg

Select Relevant Material

Academic performance Rigor of undergraduate

curriculum Past or current

employment Extracurricular activities

Personal attributes Leadership Intellectual curiosity Initiative Maturity

Skills Computer Communication Problem solving Teamwork

Get Organized!

Opening Express interest in position and how you learned about it

Body Refer to experience in resumé that fits employer’s needs Provide concrete examples

Closing Summarize qualifications Reinforce interest in position Request interview Provide contact information

Application Letter FormatYour nameStreet addressCity, State Zip codeEmail

Date

Employer’s name, TitleCorporation or Research InstitutionStreet addressCity, State Zip code

Dear XXXX:

Body

Sincerely,

Space for your signature

Your name (Typed)

Enclosure:

Double space

Double space

Double space

Double space

Double space

4 spaces

Double space

All margins: 1”

Review and Revise Craft transitions Energize writing with active verbs Edit for brevity Use business letter format Proofread carefully

Don’t . . .

Create endless lists Fall into abstract generalizations Insert a phrase where a word will work Use clichés and empty qualifiers Exaggerate qualifications Begin every sentence with “I” Recycle the same letter for different jobs!

Don’t Create Lists

I have been lucky to channel my talent, energy and enthusiasm further through high school varsity athletics, college club teams, band, and academic competitions. All of these have offered me opportunities to develop my leadership abilities, interests and skills as a team player.

Don’t Use Abstract Generalizations

Empty Generalization My background allowed me to further investigate my

passion in medical instrumentation.

Revision I took a neurology course at Baylor College of Medicine

that required independent design projects in medical instrumentation. For my project, I designed and tested a novel gamma-ray camera for a cardiac PET scanner. After weeks of delicate soldering and programming, I improved the resolution of a standard PET scan by an order of magnitude.

Add concrete details

Don’t Use a Phrase if a Word Works

Draft I attempted to elucidate the effects of protein

factors on tumor cells.

Revision I studied the effects of protein factors on tumor

cells.

Don’t Use Empty Qualifers and Start Every Sentence with “I”

I aspire to become a bioengineer who is knowledgeable and capable of advancing the unlimited frontiers of engineering. I am a young man who possesses great creative energies and unquenchable curiosity. I am a good and humble human being who enjoys providing others with happiness and comfort. I want nothing more than to deeply engage myself in the wellbeing of others. Bioengineering allows me to affect others positively and will give me purpose and happiness in my life.

Keys to Success Highlight qualifications and motivation Show interest in position and knowledge of

company/research program Write a letter that is accurate, memorable,

sincere, convincing, and error-free