Some Examples of Internship E-Mails That Have Resulted in the Acquisition of Successful

Some examples of internship e-mails that have resulted in the acquisition of successful SIP internship sites are shown below (used by permission):

1st Example:

My name is Joan Smith, and I am a junior psychology major at Kalamazoo College in Kalamazoo, MI. I am interested in becoming integrally involved in a research project for the summer months. The research you've been conducting on (insert the general area of research) intrigues me, and I am wondering if you could use a research assistant in your lab. Though I would gladly accept a paid position, it is not a requirement. If you do not have a need for a research assistant, but know of others in a similar field that may, I would appreciate it if you could pass my name along.

Thank you very much, and I look forward to hearing from you.

2nd example:

My name is John Doe and I am a third year psychology major at Kalamazoo, College in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Upon graduating in Spring of 2008, I intend to enroll in a graduate level program to further my current studies eventually entering academia as a researcher.

I am very interested in research that you are conducting about familial risk in relation to a child’s socio-emotion development. In my Social Development class we have been talking about the influences of family on a child’s development and ability to move on to school, and I am very interested in looking at this further.

This summer I will begin working on my senior project, and I am seeking the guidance of an experienced researcher pursuing research in the areas of developmental psychology. I am writing to inquire if you have any opportunities to serve as a research assistant during the summer of 2007. Though funding is appreciated, I am able to provide myself with housing and a stipend through my school and therefore do not need any kind of additional funding through your lab. I am self-motivated and a quick learner; able to work independently while upholding my responsibilities. I have had experience as a research assistant during the summer of 2006 when I worked with Dr. Barbara Schneider, John A. Hannah Distinguished Chair of the College of Education at Michigan State University. With her guidance, I studied the differences between rural schools and suburban schools in regards to a student’s academic aspirations and outcomes. I am presenting our paper at the American Education Research Association National Conference this coming April.

As a psychology major, I have taken the necessary course work to be a useful and efficient research assistant, including Abnormal, Developmental, and Social Development Psychology, Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods, Calculus, and Experimental Methods, a seminar outlining research methods in modern day psychology. I am proficient with SPSS and large-scale data sets, including the National Educational Longitudinal Survey of 1988 and the Educational Longitudinal Survey of 2002.

You may contact my advisor, Dr. at for recommendations.

I appreciate your consideration in this matter and look forward to speaking with you. I can be contacted most easily at or at (insert phone) and # (PO Box) Hicks Center, 1200 Academy St., Kalamazoo, MI.