New Employer Outreach Guide

You have found the perfect business, but they have never hosted an intern before. This guide gives you a script to follow to pitch yourself and hopefully secure an internship. Good luck trailblazer!

Before you Reach Out

Before contacting a business, you should fill in these blanks for yourself. Also, bring a resume!

Why this business?

I am interested in this business because __________________________.

A specific thing I noticed about your work is __________________________.

I would especially like to learn about __________________________.

What I bring

One reason I would be dependable is __________________________.

A skill I have that could help is __________________________.

An example of me working hard is __________________________.

What I’m asking for

I am hoping for an internship where I can __________________________.

I am available __________________________.

I would be happy to start with a short conversation or interview.

Scenario 1 - Front Desk in Person/Call

This script should be used if you are calling a business, or walk into a business and talk to the person at the front desk.

“Hi, my name is [Name], and I’m a student at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. I’m [calling/here] because I’m really interested in [business/field], and I’m looking for an internship where I can learn more and help out. We have a school-supported internship program, and I was wondering who the best person would be to speak with about that.”

Manager or Owner in Person/Call

This script should be used if you are passed along to the manager, owner, or whoever would be able to make an internship happen.

“Hi, my name is [Name], and I’m a student at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. I’m [calling/here] because I’m very interested in [field/business], especially [specific reason]. I’m looking for an internship where I can learn, contribute, and get real experience. I’m hardworking, dependable, and really interested in learning from your team. Would you be open to a quick conversation about whether something like that could work?”

Email First Contact

NOTE- be sure to use a personal email, not your mcpsmd.net email.

Subject: B-CC student interested in internship opportunity

Body:

Hello [Mr./Ms./Name],

My name is [Name], and I am a student at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. I am reaching out because I am very interested in [business/field], and I would love the opportunity to learn more through an internship experience.

I am especially interested in your organization because [specific reason]. For example, [something specific you noticed, admire, or want to learn about].

I’m hardworking, dependable, and eager to learn. If you might be open to a brief conversation, I’d be very grateful. I would be happy to share more information about the program as well.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best,

[Name]

[Grade]

Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School

[Email]

Follow Up Questions/ Responses

There are a few common follow up questions that emmployers may ask. Here are a some sample questions and responses.

They ask about what an internship means / what they would have to do.

“Our school has a structured internship program for students. The employer side is meant to be manageable: mainly communication with the school, verifying time worked, and completing a few simple rubric-based evaluations. I’m especially interested in your organization because [reason]. I’m hardworking and eager to learn, and I’d love the chance to speak with the right person if this might be a fit.”

We're busy right now.

“I understand. Is there a better time I could come in in the future? Even a small opportunity to observe and help would mean a lot.”

We don’t really have anything for a student to do.

“I understand. I’d be open to helping with basic tasks, learning how the organization works, shaddowing, and supporting wherever a student could be useful. I’m mainly looking for a chance to learn and contribute.”

We're busy right now

“I understand. Is there a better time I could come in in the future? Even a small opportunity to observe and help would mean a lot.”

What are you interested in doing here?

“I’m especially interested in learning about __________________, but I’m also open to helping wherever I’m needed. I’m hoping to learn how your organization works day to day and gain real experience.”

Why should we choose you?

“I’m dependable, willing to learn, and ready to work hard. I know I still have a lot to learn, but I would take the opportunity seriously and do my best to be helpful.”

What kind of schedule are you looking for?

“I’m available [days/times], and I’m happy to discuss a schedule that works for your team. I would be interested in coming in [5/10/15] hours per week in total.”

Are you looking to be paid?

“I’m mainly looking for the learning experience and course credit through my school program.”

What do you hope to learn?

“I’d like to better understand the daily work in this field, build professional skills, and contribute in a real workplace environment.”

Follow up email, use after 1 week if no response.

Hello [Name],

I wanted to follow up on my earlier message about a possible internship opportunity. I know you may be busy, but I remained very interested in learning more about your organization and whether there might be a way for a student intern to contribute and learn.

Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Name]

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