Name Address Email | Phone # Date Dear (name of intern coordinator)/ To Whom it May Concern: I am writing to apply for an internship with the International Crisis Group in Washington, D.C. for the summer 2013. It would enable me to gain first-hand experience in the field of public policy and help me better define my career goals. My academic career and extracurricular activities have equipped me well for this internship. I bring the administrative, analytical, and personal skills to excel in this position. My two most recent internships have helped prepare me well. Last fall, I spent four months in Dodoma, Tanzania as an intern with the U.N. World Food Programme. Working in a developing country with the United Nations has provided me a firsthand understanding of the key relationships between government, NGOs, and international organizations. I have a strong understanding of the importance of field based understanding of today’s challenges on which the International Crisis Group bases its recommendations. I am currently interning in the office of U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, working on constituent relations. The job involves drafting letters, researching positions, and a variety of administrative tasks. The fast paced environment and variety of tasks from small administrative tasks to larger research projects have helped me develop excellent communication, writing, and analytical skills. Lastly, through the International Studies program at the University of North Florida, I have gained a strong understanding of governmental structures, advocacy, and the United States’ role in the international community. Most notable was Ambassador Nancy Soderberg’s class in which we studied U.S. foreign policymaking. We selected the issue of XXX and developed a series of recommendations to strengthen U.S. policy which we presented to a variety of senior officials in Washington, D.C. It would be an extraordinary honor and privilege to serve in your organization. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to meeting you next week. Sincerely, (Your Name)