If you are seeking an internship in an industry where writing plays a significant role, you might be required to provide a written example as part of your application. Selecting or creating a writing sample can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s a task you haven’t encountered before. Depending on your prior involvement with internships that emphasize writing, you may not have a clear understanding of what a writing sample entails. If this is the situation, there’s no need to fret! We’ll elucidate what a writing sample means in the context of an internship application. Additionally, we’ll guide you through the process of either selecting an existing sample or composing an original one if necessary.
What is a Writing Sample for An Internship?
A writing sample for an internship is a piece of written work that you provide to a prospective employer to demonstrate your writing skills, communication abilities, and overall suitability for the internship position. Writing samples are commonly requested by employers during the application process to assess your ability to convey information, analyze data, and express ideas effectively.
Here’s how to prepare and present a strong writing sample for an internship:
- Choose Relevant Content: Select a writing sample that is relevant to the internship you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing internship, choose a sample related to marketing or communication. If the internship requires technical writing, choose a sample in that field.
- Fresh and Error-Free: Ensure your writing sample is current and free of errors. Review, proofread, and edit the document to eliminate grammatical and spelling mistakes. Make sure it’s well-structured and coherent.
- Appropriate Length: The length of your writing sample will depend on the employer’s instructions. If no specific length is mentioned, aim for a document that is long enough to showcase your skills but not overly lengthy. Typically, 2-5 pages is a reasonable range.
- Confidentiality: Be mindful of any confidential information in your writing sample, especially if it was produced for a previous employer. Remove any sensitive or proprietary data.
- Introduction: Provide a brief introduction to your writing sample. Explain the context and purpose of the document, such as whether it’s a research paper, marketing plan, or other type of document.
- Formatting: Ensure your writing sample is well-formatted. Use a standard font and formatting style. Include headings, subheadings, and proper citations if necessary.
- Organize and Label: If you have multiple writing samples, organize them in a portfolio or separate files. Label each sample clearly so the employer knows what they are reading.
- Tailor to the Internship: If possible, tailor your writing sample to the specific internship or industry. For example, if you’re applying for a journalism internship, a news article or blog post you’ve written would be relevant.
- Permission: If the writing sample is from a class assignment or a previous job, seek permission from the instructor or employer if necessary. Make it clear if you’re providing the document with permission.
- Online or Print: Follow the employer’s instructions regarding whether to submit the writing sample online through their application portal or bring a printed copy to an interview.
- Accompanying Explanation: Sometimes it’s beneficial to provide a brief explanation of the writing sample. This can highlight key points, your role in creating it, and why it’s relevant to the internship.
Remember that your writing sample should showcase your writing and communication skills, critical thinking, and ability to convey information effectively. It should align with the requirements and expectations of the internship, demonstrating that you are a strong candidate for the position.
Tips on Offering a High-Quality Writing Sample
Employers may request writing samples as part of your job or internship application. A writing sample demonstrates how you structure and articulate your ideas. The aim is to persuade the employer of your ability to create the written materials and handle the job responsibilities. Writing samples are commonly requested for positions in media, law, or research assistant roles across various sectors.
Guidelines for Selecting a Writing Sample
To choose a writing sample, consider a piece that highlights your skills, is pertinent to the intended audience or job application, and effectively communicates your abilities. Opt for recent work, meticulously proofread it, and if possible, customize it to match the specific requirements or interests of the recipient or employer.
Whenever feasible, use writing examples that align with the type of writing expected in the role.
- For journalism positions, provide “clips” – genuine articles published in a campus newspaper, blog, or another outlet.
- For research roles, furnish a comprehensive analysis of an issue or topic.
- For PR positions, offer a press release from a prior internship or your role as the marketing chair of a campus group. If you lack such samples, you can create a press release for an upcoming event, clearly indicating it’s not yet published.
Submit Your Finest Written Work
If you lack specific experience or pertinent samples, a class paper from your Columbia courses could suffice. When deciding between two papers, consider the following:
- Opt for the better-written paper, even if the other is more topically relevant.
- You may also enhance the relevant paper before submission.
- Remember, the employer is primarily assessing your writing skills, with topical relevance being a bonus.
Provide Excerpts for Lengthy Samples
Most employers specify the desired length, typically 2-5 pages, double-spaced (unless it’s a clip). This can include one or more writing samples. If your chosen paper exceeds five pages, offer an excerpt with a note specifying it’s part of a (number)-page paper on (topic) and indicating its location within the paper. Share the introduction, sections of the body, and the conclusion to ensure the reader can follow your thought process.
Refine Your Writing Samples
Thoroughly proofread your document to eliminate errors or typos, and seek input from someone else. Ensure your samples are free from your professor’s comments. Submit clean copies of your writing and make revisions as needed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a well-prepared writing sample is a crucial component of your internship application. It serves as a tangible representation of your writing skills, communication abilities, and suitability for the specific internship you’re pursuing.
Remember, your writing sample should not only meet the employer’s expectations but also highlight your ability to convey information effectively and think critically. Whether you’re an experienced writer or new to the world of internship applications, a well-crafted writing sample can significantly boost your chances of securing the position you desire.
