Best examples of referral request email examples for internships

Real examples of referral request email examples for internships

Let’s skip theory and start with what you actually need: words you can send.

Below are several real‑world style examples of referral request email examples for internships you can customize. Read them like scripts. Then plug in your details, adjust the tone, and hit send.

Example of a referral request email to a professor

This works if you’re asking a current or former professor to refer you for a research, tech, policy, or business internship.

Subject: Request for referral for Summer 2025 Data Analyst Internship

Email:
Dear Professor Nguyen,

I hope you’re doing well. I really enjoyed your Statistics for Data Science course last semester, especially our final project on forecasting energy demand.

I’m applying for the Summer 2025 Data Analyst Internship at GreenGrid Analytics. The role focuses on cleaning large data sets, building dashboards, and presenting findings to non‑technical teams. I immediately thought of your course because it gave me hands‑on experience with regression models and data visualization.

Would you feel comfortable referring me for this internship or allowing me to mention you as a reference in my application? I’ve attached my resume and a one‑page summary of the project I completed in your class in case it’s helpful.

Thank you for considering this. I truly appreciate your time and everything I’ve learned from you.

Best regards,
Jordan Lee
B.S. in Statistics, Class of 2026
[LinkedIn URL]

This is one of the best examples for students who already have a strong academic connection. Notice how it reminds the professor who you are, connects your skills to the role, and makes a clear ask.

Example of a referral request email to a former manager

Use this if you’ve had a part‑time job, previous internship, or summer role and want that manager to vouch for you.

Subject: Could I list you as a referral for a Product Design Internship?

Email:
Hi Maria,

I hope things are going well at BrightSide Studio. I still think about the way you walked our team through feedback on the fall campaign—it changed how I approach design critiques.

I’m applying for a Product Design Internship at Lumina Tech for Summer 2025. The role focuses on user research, wireframing, and collaborating with engineers—very similar to what I worked on with you for the Back‑to‑School social campaign.

Would you be open to referring me for this internship or being listed as a reference? I’d be glad to send the job description and my updated portfolio so you can see how my work has evolved since last summer.

Thank you again for all the guidance you gave me. I really appreciate your support.

Best,
Alex Rivera
[Phone] | [Portfolio URL]

Examples like this show how to remind the person of specific work you did together, which makes it easier for them to write a strong referral.

Example of a referral request email to a family friend or acquaintance

Maybe you know someone through your parents, a neighbor, or a community group. You’re not best friends, but there’s enough connection to reach out.

Subject: Quick favor: Internship referral at Horizon Marketing?

Email:
Hi Mr. Patel,

I hope you and your family are doing well. My mom mentioned you recently started a new role at Horizon Marketing—congratulations!

I’m currently a junior majoring in Marketing at State University, and I’m applying for the Horizon Marketing Summer 2025 Internship. The program focuses on social media analytics and campaign planning, which matches my coursework and my role as social media coordinator for our campus entrepreneurship club.

If you feel comfortable, would you be willing to submit a referral for me or forward my resume to the internship hiring manager? I’ve attached my resume and a short note you could use or edit if that makes it easier.

Thank you for considering this, and no worries at all if you’re not able to help. I appreciate your time either way.

Best regards,
Taylor Johnson
[LinkedIn URL]

This is one of the most realistic examples of referral request email examples for internships when you have a loose connection and want to be respectful of their time.

Example of a referral request email to a LinkedIn connection you barely know

In 2024–2025, a huge share of internship networking happens on LinkedIn. According to surveys from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), referrals and networking remain among the most effective ways students get internships. When you connect with someone online, keep your referral request short and specific.

Subject: Question about Software Engineering Internship at CloudBridge

Email:
Hi Chris,

Thanks again for connecting with me here on LinkedIn. I’ve been following your posts about early‑career engineering at CloudBridge and found your advice on code readability really helpful.

I’m a sophomore Computer Science major at Riverside College, and I’m applying for the 2025 Software Engineering Internship at CloudBridge. Since you’ve been with the company for a few years, I wanted to ask if you’d be open to referring me for the role or pointing me toward the best person to contact.

I’ve attached my resume and a link to my GitHub profile below. Totally understand if company policy doesn’t allow referrals, but I’d appreciate any guidance you’re able to share.

Thank you for your time,
Samir Desai
[GitHub URL]

Examples include this kind of short, respectful outreach that acknowledges company policies and gives the person an easy way to say no.

Example of a referral request email after a career fair

You met someone briefly at a booth. You had a quick chat. Now you want to turn that into a referral.

Subject: Great meeting you at the State University Career Fair

Email:
Hi Ms. Alvarez,

Thank you for speaking with me at the State University Career Fair last Thursday. I enjoyed hearing about your path from public health intern to program manager at CityHealth.

As we discussed, I’m very interested in the Public Health Internship for Summer 2025. The opportunity to support community outreach and health education aligns with my volunteer work at the campus wellness center and my coursework in epidemiology.

If you feel it’s appropriate, would you be willing to refer me for the internship or share my resume with the internship coordinator? I’ve attached my resume and a short paragraph about my experience to make it easier.

I appreciate your time at the fair and your consideration now.

Best,
Morgan Lee
B.A. in Public Health, Class of 2026

This is a strong example of referral request email examples for internships that builds on a brief in‑person interaction and keeps the momentum going.

Example of a referral request email for a remote internship

Remote internships remain popular in 2024–2025, especially in tech, marketing, and content roles. Here’s how you might ask for a referral when the internship is fully remote.

Subject: Referral request for Remote Content Marketing Internship

Email:
Hi Jordan,

I hope you’re doing well. I’ve enjoyed reading your posts about remote work and content strategy at BrightPixel.

I’m applying for the Remote Content Marketing Internship posted on the BrightPixel careers page for Summer 2025. The role focuses on blog writing, SEO research, and social media content—areas I’ve been working on as editor of our student newspaper’s online edition.

Would you be open to referring me for this internship or forwarding my resume to the hiring manager? I’ve attached my resume and two writing samples that reflect the type of content BrightPixel publishes.

Thank you for considering this. I know you’re busy, and I really appreciate any help you’re able to offer.

Best regards,
Priya Shah
[Portfolio URL]

This is one of the best examples of referral request email examples for internships in remote‑friendly fields because it highlights relevant online work and keeps the ask specific.

Example of a referral request email when you don’t know anyone at the company

Sometimes you have no direct contact. You can still write to an alum or a second‑degree connection and ask for both insight and, if it feels right, a referral.

Subject: Fellow State University alum interested in 2025 Finance Internship

Email:
Hi Daniel,

I found your profile through the State University alumni group and noticed that you’re now a Senior Analyst at Harbor Capital. I’m a junior Finance major at State, and I’m applying for the Harbor Capital Summer 2025 Finance Internship.

Would you be open to a brief 15‑minute conversation about your experience at the firm and any advice you’d offer a student applicant? If, after we talk, you feel comfortable referring me for the internship, I’d be very grateful—but I completely understand if that’s not possible.

I’ve attached my resume for context, but I’m mainly interested in learning from your experience.

Thank you for considering this, and I hope to hear from you.

Best,
Erin Brooks

This email shows how to ask for insight first and treat any referral as a bonus. It’s one of the more subtle examples of referral request email examples for internships.

How to write strong referral request email examples for internships

Now that you’ve seen several real examples, let’s break down what they have in common so you can write your own from scratch.

Start with a clear, friendly subject line

Your subject line should answer two questions: who are you, and what do you want? For instance, instead of something vague like “Hello,” think along the lines of:

• “State University junior seeking referral for 2025 Accounting Internship”
• “Request for referral: UX Design Internship at PixelPath”
• “Quick question about Summer 2025 Policy Internship”

The best examples keep it short, specific, and respectful.

Remind them who you are in one sentence

Most professionals are busy and meet many students. In almost every example of a good referral request email, the second line jogs their memory:

• “I enjoyed your presentation at the Engineering Society meeting last month.”
• “I was in your Introduction to Microbiology course last fall.”
• “We met at the campus career fair at your company’s booth.”

That simple reminder makes it easier for them to say yes.

Connect your skills to the internship

Don’t just say, “I’m applying for an internship, can you refer me?” The stronger examples of referral request email examples for internships briefly explain why you’re a match:

• Mention 1–2 relevant courses.
• Highlight a project, club, or part‑time job related to the role.
• Use language from the job description so they can see the fit.

You’re not rewriting your resume; you’re giving them a quick story they can use if they decide to refer you.

Make a specific, low‑pressure ask

People are more likely to help when you:

• Say exactly what you’re asking for (a referral, a reference, or a resume forward).
• Give them an easy out (“If you’re not able to, I completely understand”).

Many of the best examples include wording like:

“Would you feel comfortable referring me for this internship?”
“If company policy doesn’t allow referrals, any advice you can share would still be very helpful.”

That combination of clarity and respect builds trust.

Attach helpful context (but don’t overload)

Most of the realistic examples of referral request email examples for internships include:

• A resume (always).
• Sometimes a portfolio, GitHub, or writing samples.
• Occasionally a brief summary of a project.

Keep attachments relevant and easy to skim. You want to make their job easier, not bury them in files.

Follow up once, then move on

If you don’t hear back, it’s normal. Professionals are juggling a lot. A polite follow‑up after 7–10 days is reasonable:

“I know you’re busy, so no pressure at all, but I wanted to gently follow up on my note below in case it got buried.”

If they still don’t respond, move on to other contacts and opportunities. According to NACE and other career services data, students often apply to many internships before landing one, and referrals are just one piece of that process.

For guidance on broader internship search strategies, many university career centers publish helpful resources. For example, you can find internship tips and networking advice from sites like Harvard’s Office of Career Services, the U.S. Department of Labor’s youth employment resources, and the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

FAQ: examples of referral request email examples for internships

How long should a referral request email for an internship be?
Aim for 150–250 words. The best examples are short enough to read on a phone but long enough to explain who you are, what you’re applying for, and what you’re asking.

Can you give another quick example of a very short referral request email?
Here’s a lean version:

Subject: Referral request for Summer 2025 HR Internship

Hi Jamie,

I hope you’re doing well. I’m a junior majoring in Human Resources at State University, and I’m applying for the Summer 2025 HR Internship at BrightWorks, where you work.

If you feel comfortable, would you be willing to refer me for the role? I’ve attached my resume and the job description for context.

Thank you for considering this.

Best,
Casey

This is one of the simplest examples of referral request email examples for internships that still gets the job done.

Who should I ask for a referral if I don’t know anyone at the company?
Look for alumni, student organization speakers, or people in entry‑level roles on LinkedIn. Many students find success by searching their university name plus the company name, then sending a short, respectful message like the alum example earlier.

Is it okay to send the same email to multiple people?
You can reuse a structure, but personalize each message. The strongest examples include a line or two that’s specific to that person—how you know them, something they’ve posted, or a shared connection.

Do referrals really help with internships in 2024–2025?
Yes, but they don’t replace qualifications. Employer surveys from organizations like NACE consistently show that referrals can help your application get seen, but your skills, coursework, and interview performance still matter. Think of referrals as a spotlight, not a guarantee.

When you look at all these examples of referral request email examples for internships side by side, a pattern appears: clear subject lines, quick reminders of who you are, a short case for why you’re a fit, and a respectful, specific ask. If you borrow that pattern and fill it with your own details, you’ll have emails that sound confident, polite, and very human—which is exactly what you want.