Presenting Yourself to a Prospective Internship Supervisor

You are seeking valuable professional skills that will help you get a job beyond the college classroom in exchange for one to three academic credits, and the chance to take a leadership role in public history, which the National Council on Public History defines this way:

The many and diverse ways in which history is put to work in the world.  In this sense, it is history that is applied to real-world issues.  

It is very important that every part of your application conveys you as a mature, highly motivated, well- organized person who is ready to serve the public interest in a variety of ways, such as:

• Reviewing fragile documents and other objects with respect and care;
• Creating an organizational rubric for arranging such historical materials for storage and eventual use by others;
• The desire to learn new skills and work independently toward the completion of a specific project;
• The willingness to learn how to convey your expertise to thoughtful people who may not possess your high degree of understanding (creating displays, lessons, finding aids, websites);
• The ability to interact confidently and respectfully with members of the public.

Successful applications will include a clear and compelling cover letter in which you introduce yourself and explain the value you bring to this opportunity.

“The cover letter should be no longer than two pages and should consist of three to five paragraphs…. Craft the letter to the job. Make it personal by addressing it to the committee chair. Be specific about what attracts you to the particular position at the particular institution. Play to your strengths and interests… The aim is to explain why you want the position and describe the… experiences that make you a compelling candidate.

Include basic information in a brief opening paragraph. Explain why you are writing (to apply for the position), how you learned of the position (your advisor, AHA job listing, etc.), what your educational status is… and a brief summary of why you are right for this position…

Finally, spare no effort to ensure the cover letter contains the finest prose you can muster. Poorly written letters generate little enthusiasm…. be sure to take the time to do your best.”

Sarah Sooner

1890 Land Run Road
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73xxx
(405) xxx-xxxx

November 3, 2018

Dear Ms. Stiefmiller:

I am writing you today because I am interested in applying for a spring internship at the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. I recently became aware of this opportunity through my counselor at the University of Oklahoma. At this time, I am a senior history major. I have lived in Oklahoma my entire life and have loved learning about the past since I was a child.               

Throughout my time at OU, I’ve become increasingly interested in the preservation and categorization of history. I want to study and help preserve documents for the future. The Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum specifically is important to me because the murder of 168 Oklahoma residents has impacted me my entire life, both emotionally and civically. The events of April 19, 1995 began the changes in national security that were fully put into place after the attacks on September 11, 2001.

Though I have little experience relating to classification and preservation of work, I’m experienced at sorting through source material. I’m passionate about history, research, and preserving of the past for the future. I am hardworking and determined to be helpful. I am confident I will be able to learn the processes and skills necessary for this internship. Through work my in retail, I have learned many valuable skills such as problem solving and negotiation, as well as attention to detail. I’m capable of learning new skills yet strong in following directions and established procedures. With the skills that I have acquired through my course work and my passion for the field of history, I feel I would be an asset to your organization.

I hope that you will consider me for this opportunity to intern with the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Sincerely,

Ms. Sarah Sooner