5 Great Internship Cold Email Templates To Copy & Paste

Cold emailing is a powerful way to land an internship that isn't publicly listed.

Knowing what to say can be tough, but you don't have to start from scratch. Using a template provides a solid framework, helping you craft a clear and effective message that gets noticed.

Tips for Writing Internship Cold Emails

• Nail the subject line. Skip the generic “Internship Application.” Instead, try something that sparks curiosity, like “Question from a design student” or mentioning a mutual connection. Your goal is to sound like a person, not an automated message.
• Personalize your opening. Find a specific project, article, or even a design element you genuinely admire. Mentioning it in the first two sentences proves you’re interested in what they do, not just what they can do for you.
• Show, don’t just tell. Instead of listing skills, link to a portfolio piece or a project that connects to their work. A single, relevant example of what you can do is more powerful than a paragraph of what you say you can do.
• Make your ask easy. Don’t ask for an internship right away. That’s a big commitment. Instead, ask for a brief 15-minute chat to learn more about their role. It’s a smaller, simpler request that’s much easier for a busy person to say “yes” to.

Types of Internship Cold Email Templates We Will Cover

1. Introduction Email Template
2. Networking Email Template
3. Follow-Up Email Template
4. Referral Request Email Template
5. Thank You Email Template

5 Internship Cold Email Templates

1) Introduction Email Template

<template>

Subject: Inquiry from an aspiring [*Your Field*] professional

Hi [*Hiring Manager Name*],

I'm reaching out because I've been following [*Company Name*]'s work, and I was particularly impressed by [*mention a specific project, article, or achievement*]. The way your team approached [*mention a specific detail*] really stood out to me.

My name is [*Your Name*], and I'm a [*Your Year/Title*] at [*Your University/Company*] specializing in [*Your Field*]. My work focuses on [*mention a relevant skill or area of interest*], and I believe my experience with [*mention a specific project or skill*] could align with the work your team is doing. You can see an example of this in my portfolio: [*Link to Your Portfolio*].

I know your time is valuable, but I would appreciate the opportunity to learn more about your work at [*Company Name*]. Would you be open to a brief 15-minute chat in the coming weeks?

Thank you for your consideration.

Best,

[*Your Name*]

[*Your Title/Major*]

[*Link to Your Portfolio or LinkedIn*]

[*Your Phone Number*]

</template>

2) Networking Email Template

<template>

Subject: [*Mutual Connection's Name*] suggested I reach out

Hi [*Recipient’s Name*],

I hope this email finds you well. Our mutual connection, [*Mutual Connection’s Name*], mentioned your impressive work in [*mention their area of expertise*] and thought it would be a good idea for us to connect.

My name is [*Your Name*], and I’m a [*Your Title/Major*] deeply interested in [*Your Field*]. I’ve been following your career journey and was particularly drawn to your experience with [*mention a specific project, skill, or company*]. I am currently exploring career paths in this area and would value your perspective.

I know you have a demanding schedule, but I would be grateful for 15 minutes of your time for a brief chat to learn more about your experience. Please let me know if you might be available in the coming weeks.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best,

[*Your Name*]

[*Your Title/Major*]

[*Link to Your LinkedIn or Portfolio*]

[*Your Phone Number*]

</template>

3) Follow-Up Email Template

<template>

Subject: Following up on my previous email

Hi [*Recipient’s Name*],

I hope you’re having a productive week. I’m writing to follow up on the email I sent last [*Day of the week, e.g., Tuesday*] regarding an internship opportunity at [*Company Name*].

I’m still very interested in the possibility of contributing to your team. My passion for [*Your Field*] and experience with [*mention a relevant skill*] would make me a dedicated and effective addition, and I’m particularly drawn to the work you’ve done on [*mention a specific project*].

I know your schedule is full, but I would appreciate 15 minutes of your time to discuss how my skills could benefit [*Company Name*]. Are you available for a brief chat sometime next week?

Thank you for your consideration.

Best,

[*Your Name*]

[*Your Title/Major*]

[*Link to Your LinkedIn or Portfolio*]

[*Your Phone Number*]

</template>

4) Referral Request Email Template

<template>

Subject: Hoping for your help with a referral at [*Company Name*]

Hi [*Recipient’s Name*],

I hope you’re doing well. I’m writing to you today because I saw an opening for the [*Job Title or Internship Role*] position at [*Company Name*], and I was hoping you might be willing to help with a referral.

Based on our previous conversations about [*mention a shared interest or topic*], I believe my background in [*mention 1-2 key skills or experiences*] would be a strong match for this role. I’ve attached my resume for your convenience, which provides more detail on my qualifications.

Would you be comfortable referring me for this position? I'm happy to provide any additional information that would be helpful. I truly appreciate you considering this.

Thank you for your time and support.

Best,

[*Your Name*]

[*Your Title/Major*]

[*Link to Your LinkedIn or Portfolio*]

[*Your Phone Number*]

</template>

5) Thank You Email Template

<template>

Subject: Thank you - following up on our conversation

Hi [*Recipient’s Name*],

Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me today about the [*Internship Role or topic of discussion*] at [*Company Name*]. I genuinely enjoyed our conversation and learning more about your work.

I was particularly interested in what you shared about [*mention a specific project or detail from the conversation*]. It confirmed my enthusiasm for the work your team is doing and how my experience with [*mention a relevant skill or project*] could contribute to your goals.

I am very interested in moving forward. Please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide from my end. I look forward to hearing from you about the next steps.

Thank you for your consideration.

Best,

[*Your Name*]

[*Your Title/Major*]

[*Link to Your LinkedIn or Portfolio*]

[*Your Phone Number*]

</template>

What About Using Flodesk?

While these five templates provide a solid foundation for what to say, Flodesk gives you the tools to send your cold emails effectively. We offer an intuitive email marketing platform that helps you manage your outreach without needing any coding or design skills. Our system allows you to create, send, and automate emails that connect with your audience, all in one place.

Our platform is built for both beginners and experts who want a straightforward way to handle their email campaigns. With a user-friendly email builder, capable automations, and clean forms, Flodesk provides everything you need for effective email marketing. We focus on giving you the ability to send professional-looking emails without unnecessary complexity.

Wrapping Up

Sending a great cold email is about more than just the words you use; it’s also about how you present them.

Flodesk provides the tools to design and send emails that look professional and get noticed. Sign up to get started.