Although the computer science field continues to grow rapidly, breaking into the industry can be challenging for entry-level job seekers. Pursuing an internship is a great way to get your foot in the door. Crafting an eye-catching cover letter that emphasizes your most impressive technical skills and academic projects can help you stand out from the competition. Our guide provides examples and expert advice to support you during the writing process and secure your next internship.

Computer Science Intern Cover Letter Templates and Examples

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  • Mid-Career
  • Senior-Level
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How To Write a Computer Science Intern Cover Letter

A great computer science intern cover letter has five main elements:

1. Heading. Use a professional template to enhance the style and presentation of your cover letter. Be sure your heading includes:

  • Your name, title, and contact info
  • The current date
  • The addressee’s details

2. Salutation. Greet the hiring manager by name — Mr. or Ms. [Last Name]. If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager.”

3. Introduction. Open your first paragraph with a compelling professional achievement. Featuring hard numbers and metrics can help grab the hiring manager’s attention, but you may not be able to quantify your accomplishments early in your career. In this case, you might mention your GPA or highlight key technology skills that the organization is looking for. If you completed a particularly challenging or innovative project while pursuing your degree, consider building your introduction around it.

Example


During my summer internship with Apple, I had the opportunity to support the development of AI and machine learning solutions for self-driving vehicles. I also collaborated with diverse teams of data science and software engineering staff to execute complex projects. My expertise in data science will allow me to deliver valuable contributions to your company as the new computer science intern.

4. Body paragraphs. Continue to emphasize academic projects and any professional experience in your body paragraphs. Focus on providing specific details from your completed projects that align with the job posting. For example, if a company places a particular emphasis on machine learning, showcase academic achievements that demonstrate your knowledge of data science.

Mention the company’s reputation and why it drew you to apply for the position. Highlighting how your values align with the organization’s culture will help to differentiate you from other candidates and convey your genuine interest in the opportunity.

Example


Advanced AI Inc. has a strong reputation for disrupting stagnant markets by delivering world-class machine-learning technology. This resonates with me as a creative professional passionate about creating and developing technology solutions. I am confident that I can create value for your organization based on the following achievements from my career:

  • Collaborated with software engineering and product development teams to develop product features for AI and machine learning technology for the automotive industry
  • Conducted complex coding in Python and utilized knowledge of deep learning to support projects
  • Utilized knowledge of Big Data to create complex data models and identify statistical patterns

5. Closing section. Think of your conclusion as a call to action. Ask the hiring manager to contact you so you can learn more about the position. Be sure to thank them for their time and consideration.

Example


I hope to speak with you further regarding how my background in machine learning and AI can benefit Advanced AI Inc. You can contact me for additional information at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

Lina Goldstein

Computer Science Intern Cover Letter Tips

1. Align your cover letter with the company you’re applying to

Mentioning specific details about the company’s reputation, mission, or products is a great way to make a lasting impression on the reader. This shows potential employers you’ve taken the time to research their organization before applying, which speaks to your professionalism and enthusiasm. In the example below, the candidate conveys their desire to utilize their technical skills to make a difference in others’ lives, which is perfectly aligned with the organization’s previous work:

Your organization’s efforts in creating applications to improve health care monitoring systems during COVID-19 is what draws me to apply for this opportunity. As a computer science professional, I want to apply my technical knowledge to solve real-world problems. My experience in application development can benefit Healthcare Software Partners Inc. as the new computer science intern based on my professional achievements:

2. Feature your most impressive academic projects

As a student or recent graduate, it’s unlikely that you have hands-on experience working at a company. To increase your odds of landing the internship, feature academic projects that highlight your most relevant technical skills and qualifications. In the example below, the candidate details the use case of each application they developed and the programming languages they used to build them:

  • Developed an application using Python to categorize songs, albums, and musical groups into appropriate genres based on audio
  • Created quality code for the creation of a Black Jack application simulating different hands and quizzing users on correct play based on statistical chances of success
  • Developed a mobile alert application for students to manage assignment deadlines and deliver reminders before the start of class

3. Showcase your ability to collaborate with diverse teams

Computer science projects often require a great deal of cross-functional collaboration to execute successfully. While this can be difficult due to your limited work history, demonstrating your ability to collaborate effectively in team-based environments can give you an edge over the competition. In the example below, the applicant highlights their experience working with diverse student teams and their extracurricular activities:

  • Coordinated with a diverse team of students to develop facial recognition software, which included implementing features and writing scalable code
  • Executed a machine learning project to predict potential stock prices for biotechnology companies during the pandemic
  • Served as president of the university technology club, which included planning events and providing tutoring services to computer science and information technology students

Computer Science Intern Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples

  • Example #1
  • Example #2
  • Example #3

Lina Goldstein
Computer Science Intern | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Los Angeles, CA 12345 | LinkedIn

January 1, 2024

Martha Simmons
Hiring Manager
Advanced AI Inc.
(987) 654-3210
[email protected]

Dear Ms. Simmons,

During my summer internship with Apple, I supported the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning solutions for self-driving vehicles. I also collaborated with diverse teams of data science and software engineering staff to execute complex projects. My expertise in data science will allow me to deliver valuable contributions to your company as the new computer science intern.

Advanced AI Inc. has a strong reputation for disrupting stagnant markets by delivering world-class machine learning technology. This resonates with me as a creative professional passionate about creating and developing technology solutions. I am confident that I can create value for your organization based on the following achievements from my career:

  • Collaborated with software engineering and product development teams to develop product features for AI and machine learning technology for the automotive industry
  • Conducted complex coding in Python and utilized knowledge of deep learning to support projects
  • Utilized knowledge of Big Data to create complex data models and identify statistical patterns

I hope to speak with you further regarding how my background in machine learning and AI can benefit Advanced AI Inc. You can contact me for additional information at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Lina Goldstein

Computer Science Intern Cover Letter FAQs

Why should I submit a computer science intern cover letter?-

Including a cover letter can provide unique value for entry-level job seekers. This allows you to compensate for a lack of hands-on work experience with a strong introduction that captures who you are as a computer science professional. By speaking to the company directly, you also increase your odds of making a lasting impression on the reader.

How do I make my cover letter stand out?-

To stand out from the competition, it’s important to provide insights into the strongest aspects of your computer science background. In lieu of a robust work history, it’s best to showcase your most compelling academic projects. This allows you to demonstrate your creative approach to software development, sure to grab the eye of potential employers.

Should I use artificial intelligence to write my cover letter?-

The power of AI is undeniable, but relying on these tools to write your cover letter is generally not advisable. Using an AI tool to give yourself a starting framework might be acceptable, but without infusing the content with your own unique voice, you’re likely to be left with a generic and uninspiring document.

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Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

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