Application Materials

You're ready to take the next step and apply for opportunities that excite you—now, let’s make sure your application materials reflect your skills, experience, and passion in the best possible way! Below, we’ll walk you through each essential component of a successful application.

Crafting a Compelling Resume

View our resume sample and/or resume template before beginning.

What to Include

  • Your name and contact information: Name, phone number, and UC Davis email centered at the top. Make sure your voicemail greeting is professional.
  • Education: Name of university, degree, major(s)/minor(s), expected graduation Month and Year. Only include GPA if the organization has a stated GPA requirement in their position listing.
  • Experience: Job title, company name, dates (Month Year - Month Year), job duties, skills, accomplishments.

What if I have less than one page?

If you don't have enough direct experience to fill a page, you may include:

  • Relevant Coursework/Projects: List courses by name, not code (e.g., "Introduction to History", not HIS 001). You can modify titles to be more descriptive (e.g., “Intro to Biology”).
  • Research Publications: Project title, publication details, and brief description.
  • Certifications/Licenses: List only if applicable.

How to Elaborate on Your Skillsets

Avoid standard descriptions like "Wrote reports." Focus on these areas:

  • Who: Who did your job help? (Constituents? Clients? Colleagues?)
  • What: What were the results? Was research published?
  • When: How often did you do this? (Daily, weekly?)
  • Where: Did you interact outside the organization? Did you travel?
  • Why & How: Why was this task important?

Tip: Start each bullet with a strong action verb. Quantify experiences (e.g., "Increased sales by 10%") whenever possible.

Helpful Hints

  • Avoid adding high school information: The only exception is if it is extremely relevant.
  • One Page Limit: Strictly one page unless all info is pertinent. No margin manipulation.
  • Professional Font: Size 12, single spacing (Times New Roman, Calibri, etc.). Be aware that Word sometimes defaults to 1.16" spacing (change this to single spacing).
  • Formatting: No "Character Traits" or separate "Skills" sections. Weave these into your bullet points under your experience section.
  • Bullet Points: You should include 3-5 bullet points per job or experience. They should each be singular sentences with a max of two lines.
  • Proofread: Have us review your resume before applying!

Writing a Standout Cover Letter

A cover letter is your first impression. It allows you to demonstrate articulation and provide info not found in your resume. View our Cover Letter sample.

Structure

  • Header: Your address, Date, Employer Address.
  • Greeting: Formal (Dear Ms./Mr./Dr. Last Name:). Use a colon.
  • Introductory Paragraph: Introduce yourself (Year/Major). Express interest in the position. Briefly explain why this organization fits your goals.
  • 2 Body Paragraphs: Two independent paragraphs explaining why you are the right person. Give 1-2 examples of related experience. Provide a narrative of how you used specific skills.
  • Concluding Paragraph:
    • State that you are a participant of the "University of California UCDC Program".
    • List your specific available dates. Note: The first available date you are able to intern is always the Tuesday after arrival in DC.
    • Provide contact info (phone/email) and reiterate interest.
  • Closing: "Sincerely," followed by your name.

Helpful Hints

  • Edit for every organization: Demonstrate you did your research.
  • Address to a specific individual: If you do not know who the internship coordinator is, you may instead say, "Dear Internship Coordinator:"
  • One page maximum. No exceptions.

Selecting a Writing Sample

Writing samples show your thought process and organizational capability. Unless requested, do not submit creative writing.

  • Style: Consider the internship type. Don't submit a research paper for a role requiring memos.
  • Content: Relevant content is preferred, but quality is paramount.
  • Length: 2-5 pages is customary. You can use an excerpt from a longer paper.
  • Context: Start with a brief paragraph explaining the topic and the class it was written for.
  • Proofread: Double-check for errors. The UC Davis Washington Program does not have the capacity to review writing samples for students, but we recommend contacting the UC Davis Writing Center for assistance.

References

References are not commonly requested for internship applications, however, if you are asked for references, they should be on a separate document (PDF). Choose 3-5 people to include who have known you for at least 3 months (employers, faculty, advisors). Family/friends should not be listed. Washington Program staff should not be included as references.

Format:
Name
Title
Organization
Phone Number
Email

Always ask permission before listing someone!

Letters of Recommendation

Not all organizations request these, but planning in advance for the possibility is not a bad idea. 

Tips for requesting new letters:

  • Ask at least 3 weeks in advance.
  • Provide a “resource packet”: Include the position description, your cover letter, and resume.
  • Inform the recommender of specific skills you want highlighted.

Transcripts

Do not provide transcripts unless requested.

  • Unofficial vs. Official: Note which is required. Unofficial copies can be accessed . Official copies must come from the Registrar.
  • Follow the organization's specific instructions on how/when to send them.

Submitting Your Application Packet to Organizations

Getting this step right will impress the internship coordinator. Follow instructions exactly!

General Guidelines

  • Format: Unless otherwise stated, use PDF. Unless requested, do not combine the documents into a singular file.
  • Naming: Last Name, First Name – [Document type i.e. resume] - [Internship Name] Application - [Organization Name]
  • The Email: Reference the position title in the subject line. Include a full signature. Need help? View our email templates.
  • Proofread: Check that you are sending the correct materials to the correct person!