An internship in finance is a critical stepping stone in the professional development of any aspirant individual. Such an opportunity offers invaluable training that one will later benefit from in one's career. If you are in the process of applying for a finance internship, here are some professional responsibilities that you can expect from the position:
Analytical assignment of support workAssistance with the preparation of monthly reports, billing and accounting reportsDevelopment or application of spreadsheets and professional documentsData entry and other duties of operation maintenance
With early exposure to the real-world working environment in finance, interns can learn technical skills that are relevant and desirable in the industry. Moreover, the transferable skills one will learn from real-world working dynamics will increase the intern’s employability in the long run.
Your
cover letter for a finance internship is a powerful tool for an internship application because it helps introduce your skills and experience along with your resume. As an applicant for a finance internship, you want to clearly articulate your strengths and relevant experience to catch the recruiter’s eye; your ability to write a good
cover letter for the role is thus essential.
In this article, we’ve compiled a detailed guide to help you write a perfect
cover letter for different finance intern jobs.
Table of Contents
How to Write a Finance Internship
Cover Letter
Tips on Writing a Good Finance Internship
Cover Letter
Finance Internship
Cover Letter Template
Finance Internship
Cover Letter Examples
How to Write a Finance Internship
Cover Letter
Created by Cake
To maximize the impact of your
cover letter, it's essential to pay attention to its structure and the small details that contribute to the success of a finance internship application. Formality plays a significant role in ensuring your
cover letter stands out, as it demonstrates your attention to detail, professionalism, and ability to communicate effectively.
Here are six key elements to include in your finance internship
cover letter:
A Clear Subject Line (for Email Applications): A concise and professional subject line is crucial when sending your resume and
cover letter via email. Ensure it follows the correct format and uses proper capitalization.Greeting: Begin your
cover letter with a greeting that appropriately addresses the recipient’s title or pronouns. Always be sure to address the hiring manager or recipient correctly to show respect and professionalism.Body Paragraph(s): This is the core of your
cover letter, where you should highlight your relevant experience and skills. Be succinct and focused, as hiring managers may review several applications for a single position. Avoid unnecessary detail and keep your points clear and relevant.Closing: End your
cover letter with a strong closing statement that reinforces your qualifications and leaves a lasting impression. This is where you can emphasize key skills or experiences that you want the reader to remember about you.Sign-Off: Every professional
letter requires a proper sign-off. Use formal closing phrases such as “Sincerely,” “Best Regards,” or “With Gratitude” to maintain professionalism.Contact Information (for Email Applications): Include your contact information below your name when submitting your application by email. This makes it easier for the hiring manager to reach out to you for follow-up communication.
While applicants for a finance internship should pay attention to the content and its relevance in the
cover letter, the
cover letter format can be easily perfected by using a template as the reference. Thus, we included a
cover letter template written for a finance internship for our readers:Finance Internship
Cover Letter Template
[Full Name][Phone Number][Email][LinkedIn, Website (if applicable)]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name][Hiring Manager’s Job Title][Company Name][Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the finance internship position at [Company Name]. With my academic background as a finance major and a strong passion for financial analysis and strategy, I am confident that my skills and experiences can contribute to your team.
Throughout my studies at [University Name], I have acquired a solid foundation in finance, including courses in macroeconomics, microeconomics, personal finance, and project management. Additionally, my involvement with the student council provided me with valuable opportunities to enhance my communication, organizational, and leadership skills—abilities I believe will be beneficial in this internship role.
I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because of your [mention any company values, goals, or business models that resonate with you]. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and enthusiasm can contribute to your continued success.
Thank you for considering my application. I am available for an interview at your convenience and look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.
Sincerely,[Your Name]
Tips on Writing a Good Finance Internship
Cover Letter
In addition to adhering to the proper format, the content of your finance internship
cover letter is just as crucial. To help you craft a professional and compelling
cover letter, we’ve outlined five key tips to implement in your application:
1) Customize Your
Cover Letter for Different Companies: Customizing your
cover letter demonstrates genuine interest in the position and the company. This shows respect for the organization and reflects your initiative and commitment to securing the internship.
2) Highlight Relevant Skills: When drafting the body of your
cover letter, focus on relevant skills and experiences that align with the role. Including unrelated or unnecessary skills can leave a negative impression on the hiring manager.
To create a strong finance internship
cover letter, candidates should pay close attention to the specific skills they highlight. In addition to hard skills, such as technical expertise, you should also consider including soft skills to give a well-rounded picture of your capabilities.
Here are ten common skills often required for a finance internship:
Financial ReportingTime ManagementCommunication SkillsAnalytical ThinkingProblem-SolvingFinancial LiteracyTechnological LiteracyAttention to DetailAccounting SkillsInterpersonal Skills
3) End with a Compelling Call to Action: Conclude your
cover letter by reaffirming why you’re the ideal candidate for the internship. Briefly restate your motivation and summarize what you bring to the table.
4) Proofread Your
Cover Letter: Attention to detail is a key trait valued by financial professionals. Mistakes in your
cover letter could signal carelessness, so be sure to proofread your document carefully before submitting it.
5) Be Timely: The finance industry operates on strict timelines, where even a small delay can have significant consequences. Make sure to track your submission deadline and respond promptly to any requests or follow-ups.
Finance Internship
Cover Letter Examples
The following sample
cover letters are ideal
examples for applicants to use as references when composing their
cover letters for finance internships. The first
cover letter is written for an internship position in finance, while the second one is a
cover letter for a finance analyst internship.
1) Finance Intern
Cover Letter
Sophia
[email protected]/in/sophiabrown
February 16, 2022Susan BakerHuman Resource ManagerSmart Analytics Inc.7584 Lilac Ave.Aberdeen, SD 57401
Dear Ms. Baker,
I am writing to express my interest in the Finance Intern position at Smart Analytics Inc., as advertised through Cake. The opportunity aligns perfectly with both my professional aspirations and my academic background in finance.
During my undergraduate studies, I gained extensive knowledge in finance, including courses in statistics, macroeconomics, and financial management. These have equipped me with the analytical and quantitative skills required for a finance internship. Additionally, my role as a teaching assistant for a financial statistics course allowed me to develop strong communication and organizational skills, and it motivated me to pursue certifications like the CFA.
I believe my skills and enthusiasm would be a valuable addition to your team, and I would love the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your organization. Please feel free to contact me for any further information. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,Sophia Brown
Why This
Cover Letter Works
Clear, relevant opening: The
letter begins with a clear statement of interest, showing the applicant’s motivation right away.Skills alignment: The candidate clearly ties their academic experience and extracurricular activities to the skills necessary for the position.Evidence of initiative: The mention of pursuing a CFA certification shows the candidate’s dedication to furthering their professional development.Professional tone: The
letter maintains a formal tone while also showcasing enthusiasm for the role, which strikes a good balance.
2) Financial Analyst Intern
Cover Letter
Jason
[email protected]/in/jasonhall
March 25, 2021Emma WallaceHuman Resource DirectorVision Analytics Inc.608 1st AvenueCedar Falls, IA 50613
Dear Ms. Wallace,
I am excited to apply for the Financial Analyst Intern position at Vision Analytics Inc. As a student with a strong foundation in financial analysis and data visualization, I am confident that my technical skills and enthusiasm for finance would contribute significantly to your team.
During my time at [University Name], I had the privilege of working as a student ambassador for Future Analytical Inc., where I gained hands-on experience in FPA and data visualization using Tableau. This role allowed me to contribute valuable insights into investment valuation and risk management for stakeholders, refining both my technical and communication skills. The experience also deepened my understanding of the collaborative and data-driven environment that defines financial analytics.
The opportunity to work at Vision Analytics aligns perfectly with my career goals, and I am eager to discuss how I can contribute to the firm’s success. Please do not hesitate to contact me to schedule an interview. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,Jason Hall
Why This
Cover Letter Works:
Specific skill match: Jason effectively highlights relevant technical skills, like data visualization with Tableau, that are essential for the role.Clear connection to experience: The applicant connects their previous internship to the responsibilities of the new role, showing both direct experience and the ability to learn and adapt.Demonstrates teamwork: By emphasizing interdepartmental collaboration, Jason showcases a key soft skill—working effectively with others—that is crucial in a financial analyst role.Concise yet detailed: The
letter is structured to be clear and to the point, highlighting achievements without overloading the reader with information.
3) Financial Advisor Intern
Hector
[email protected]/in/hectorbatista
Dear Tito Camacha,
I am currently a student at Boston University and was thrilled to come across the opportunity to intern as a financial advisor through my college’s job portal. As an economics major with a focus on international trade, I believe my academic background and hands-on experience make me a strong candidate for your team.
During my previous internship with the Boston City Council, I supported a team of financial advisors and accountants in ensuring compliance with financial regulations. This experience honed my attention to detail and gave me the opportunity to resolve compliance errors, which contributed to improving the team's efficiency and effectiveness. Additionally, I am completing the Excel for Business Specialization, which has enhanced my ability to analyze and organize financial data.
With your company’s expansion into South America, I am particularly excited about contributing to your projects in Chile. I have strong personal ties to the region, and my career aspirations are focused on international business. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills can support your team’s goals.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how I can contribute to your company’s success.
Best Regards,Hector Batista
Why This
Cover Letter Works:
Tailored to the company: Hector directly links his personal interests and ties to the company’s expansion into South America, demonstrating genuine enthusiasm for the position.Experience-based: The
letter effectively outlines the applicant’s relevant experience in government finance, highlighting transferable skills such as attention to detail and problem-solving.Shows initiative: Hector’s pursuit of further certifications (Excel for Business Specialization) demonstrates his proactive approach to professional development.Personal connection: By mentioning personal ties to the region, Hector makes a compelling case for why he’s uniquely suited for the role beyond just his technical skills.
💡 Pro Tip: If you have prior internship experience, it will go a long way in showing your skill and maturity. Chances are your internship will either be a different job or industry from what you are applying to for your second internship. Still, many of the skills and attributes transfer over well which you can highlight in your
cover letter. The company’s expansion into a new market coincides with the intern’s goal of an international career, you want the company to understand why you are applying to them.4) Loan Officer Intern
Linda
[email protected]
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am a junior at Ohio State University, majoring in finance, with a passion for supporting non-profit organizations through financial expertise. I dis
covered the Loan Officer Intern opportunity at Small Lenders during a job fair at Ohio State, and I am excited to apply due to my interest in both finance and the meaningful impact of your organization.
As the President of the Generation Serve club at OSU, I led initiatives that raised over $8,000 for local non-profits addressing critical issues such as food deserts and educational disparities. This leadership experience, combined with my finance coursework, has provided me with a solid understanding of financial feasibility and how non-profits manage their finances.
Although I am new to formal financial roles, I bring a unique perspective on how to assess and meet the financial needs of non-profits. I am confident that my background in community-focused finance will allow me to make a meaningful contribution to your team.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how I can support your mission and contribute to your team.
Sincerely,Linda Chen
Why This
Cover Letter Works:
Strong personal connection: Linda ties her passion for finance to her leadership experience with non-profits, showing that her values align with the company’s mission.Relevant experience: Despite being new to formal finance roles, Linda demonstrates transferable skills such as leadership and fundraising, which are valuable in the loan officer role.Demonstrate the passionate: Linda Chen demonstrates her passion by highlighting the work she has done with non-profits, even if it is not directly related to the specific job she is applying for. Often, small companies and institutions prioritize candidates who genuinely want to be part of their team over those who are simply the most skilled.Clear alignment with company goals: Linda makes it clear that she understands the company’s mission and is motivated to contribute to it.Humility and confidence: Linda acknowledges her limited formal experience but confidently presents her unique perspective and willingness to learn.
5) Loan Processing Intern
Ricky Sterling555-555-5555RickySterling@outlook.comRickySterlingPortfolio.com
Dear Ashley Steinberg and D’Angelo Cronwell,
Last winter, I dis
covered your internship opportunity for loan processing officers, and since then, I have dedicated the semester to developing the skills necessary to excel in this role. I believe your company provides a strong foundation for launching a successful career in loan processing, and your outstanding reputation for internships is highly regarded at my college.
I am a double major in accounting and finance, with formal training in data modeling, account processing, and data categorization. Additionally, I have been reading industry blogs to deepen my understanding of loan processing and have self-taught analytical techniques, such as trend analysis and Monte Carlo simulations, to improve my ability to review and evaluate loans effectively.
I have applied these skills as the treasurer of the African American Culture Club at my college. In this role, I manage compliance with the university’s financial rules for borrowed and allocated funds. I have consistently met deadlines and provided accurate, detailed reports on our financial standing to my colleagues.
Your business’s dedication to supporting the African American community and other minorities in our area inspired me to tailor my skills specifically for this internship. I am confident that my background and enthusiasm align with your mission and commitment to developing interns through meaningful educational experiences.
Regardless of whether I am selected for this position, I am grateful for the opportunity to align my skills with the values your company represents. It would be an honor to intern with your team, and I sincerely appreciate your time and consideration.
Kind Regards,Ricky Sterling
Why This
Cover Letter Works:
Research-driven approach: Ricky shows that he has been aware of the company for a while and has tailored his skills to meet the requirements of the job. This demonstrates initiative and genuine interest.Skill alignment: Mentioning technical skills like "trend analysis" and "Monte Carlo simulations" directly aligns with qualifications often listed in loan processing roles.Value match: By referencing the company’s dedication to supporting the African American community, Ricky demonstrates an understanding of the company’s mission and how his background fits within it.Gratitude and professionalism: Ricky ends the
letter on a gracious note, regardless of the outcome, which portrays maturity and professionalism.
6) Credit Analyst Intern
Maria Jackson555-555-5555Boston,
[email protected]
Dear Professor Clark,
I am a rising senior at the University of Michigan, majoring in business administration. I dis
covered your bank through Cake’s job finder, and I believe the size of your institution offers the perfect environment for both my professional development and meaningful contributions.
My coursework in Credit Risk Analysis sparked my interest in pursuing a career in credit. Through this course, I gained hands-on experience using credit risk analysis models to estimate key factors such as exposure at default and probability of default. These skills align well with your company’s specialization in collateral assessment, making this internship an ideal opportunity for me to contribute effectively while continuing to learn.
What excites me most about your program is the emphasis on having interns shadow multiple employees. The opportunity to learn from two or three professionals with different areas of focus is incredibly appealing and aligns with my passion for gaining a well-rounded understanding of the industry.
Working for a smaller, more interpersonal company has always been one of my aspirations. I would be honored to bring my skills and enthusiasm to your team. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your company’s success.
Thank you very much!Respectfully,Maria Jackson
Why This
Cover Letter Works:
Targeted enthusiasm: Maria demonstrates her knowledge about the company's program, particularly highlighting the opportunity to shadow multiple professionals, which shows she has carefully researched the company’s internship structure.Clear alignment with skills and role: By mentioning specific coursework, Maria makes a direct connection between her academic background and the tasks she will undertake in the internship, such as credit risk analysis.Interest in company size and culture: Maria explains why she is drawn to a smaller, more interpersonal company, showcasing an understanding of how the size and culture of a company can impact learning and growth.Polished and professional tone: The closing is courteous and professional, reflecting Maria's understanding of proper business etiquette.
Wondering if your resume is working against you? Our AI-powered tool identifies weak spots and shows you exactly how to fix them.
Find Weak Spots
— Originally written by Chris Grudge—