Your letter of intent will have two purposes.  First, it will be submitted with your application packet for admission consideration to the UCDC program.  Second, (if admitted to the program), your letter of intent will be converted into a cover letter and sent by you, along with your resume and other requested documents (i.e. reference letters, transcripts) to potential internship organizations. 

You may address your letter of intent generally to the “Internship Coordinator” (or if known, to a specific individual).  You can focus your letter on a general career field OR if known, a specific organization/employer with whom you plan to apply.  The example provided can be used as a general guide for format and content.

Suggested key points to discuss in your letter:

• Name the career field or organization/employer with whom you are interested in applying to and for which quarter
• Share why you're interested in working with that particular organization/employer or career field
• Indicate how you can contribute your personal strengths, skills, and educational background to that organization/employer or career field
• Use specific examples of technical or general skills, knowledge, experience (paid or unpaid), languages, and computer software that are relevant to the field
• Discuss how you think your career and academic goals will be supported by the experience of the internship

Remember this letter could also serve as your writing sample. Potential "employers" have neither the time nor the desire to read long letters. Be sure that your letter is well-written, edited and approximately 350 words long (3/4 to 1 page in length).

Please note:  The “sample letter of intent” discusses skills/qualifications relevant to a particular position.  This is NOT a template.  Please write your own original letter.