COVER LETTER

MBA Career Guide

COVER LETTER SAMPLES The following cover letter samples provide you with a beginning to your writing process. There is one example per specialization. However, we encourage you to read through all examples to pull out various tips to make yours stand out. Although there may be targeted content appropriate for your career area, getting feedback in general across specializations will benefit you long-term.

Arts Administration - Internship Date Student Student Student Student

Address City, State, Zip Email Phone

Recruiter Name Company Name Company Address Company City, State Zip Dear [Recruiter Name], I am writing to express my interest in interning for your organization this summer, ideally in your Marketing department. XXX XXXX, General Director at Company Y as well as my current supervisor, recommended I contact you directly and will be following up with you to discuss my qualifications. As a native State-onian, I grew up hearing the reputation Company A has for excellence and innovation. I was able to see this for myself when [Referral name], who I met at the XX convention in Date X, arranged for me to have a fantastic seat in the orchestra to see Performance A and Performance B. I was extremely impressed by the voices, sets, and overall experience, and know I would learn an immense amount by working for such an accomplished organization. Additionally, my skills and experience as an arts administrator, as well as my love of opera, will be a great match for your company. I share Company A’s passion for innovation, both in artistic and administrative endeavors. As the Associate Director of Finance at Company C, I was able to make a considerable contribution to the Marketing of the organization through data analysis. I developed a new dynamic pricing model that allowed us to capitalize on an additional six percent of revenue on an already sold-out house of Performance C. When Company C’s ticket sales declined at the onset of the recession, my model allowed us to adjust quickly and roll out fresh offers and incentives. Because of that, sixty-one percent of all single ticket buyers that season were new customers. These new single ticket buyers not only generated revenue, but also offered a new base of people to pursue as future subscribers. It is because of this drive for innovation that I decided to enroll in the rigorous Arts Administration MBA program at the University of Wisconsin to better equip myself for the challenges we will face in the arts community in the future. As an alumni of that program yourself, I know you appreciate the value and importance of this training. With four years arts administration experience, including three years specifically in opera, I am prepared to contribute to Company A from day one. In addition to my coursework, I am currently expanding my marketing and development skills at my position at the Company Y. I look forward to applying my experiences and gaining exposure to the challenges that face a tier one opera company. Sincerely, Signature

COVER LETTER

MBA Career Guide

Applied Securities Analysis – Internship Date Student Student Student Student

Address City, State, Zip Email Phone

Recruiter Name Company Name Company Address Company City, State Zip Dear [Recruiter Name], I am writing to express my interest in applying for Equity Research Internship posted on The University of Wisconsin’s MBA career website. I am a first year MBA candidate studying Applied Security Analysis and believe that my skill set would be a good fit with Robert W. Baird & Co.

Baird is of particular interest because of its reputation for integrity, long-term focus, and employee-owned structure. I like Baird both for its Midwest roots and global reach of more than $73 billion in AUM. I am a firm believer that satisfied employees are productive employees and was happy to learn that Baird has been chosen one of Fortune magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For.”

The Equity Research Intern position requires a variety of different skills and experiences. Prior to beginning my MBA studies, I worked as a copywriter for Bozell, a regional advertising agency in Omaha, Nebraska. Over nine years, I was able to work in almost every sector of Bozell’s industry, from financial services and healthcare, to telecom and IT. Having seen the inner-workings of many industries gives me an edge when it comes to qualitative analysis. Your position also entails writing detailed reports which is something I have done at Bozell. I had the opportunity to write several annual reports, including one for a Fortune 500 company, which showed me the informational dynamics between management and the capital markets. Working in the advertising industry also honed my communication skills which will be useful at Baird.

In my first year at Wisconsin’s Applied Security Analysis program, I am learning tools and techniques to perform investment research. My curriculum focuses on analyzing securities, discussing different investment theories, and communicating investment theses to portfolio managers.

I am very passionate about investing, a voracious reader and a quick learner. I believe the opportunity to see Baird’s investment process up close is a learning opportunity second to none. My unique background, analytical skills, and critical thinking will add to you value from day one. I look forward to discussing the position with you further.

Sincerely,

Signature

COVER LETTER

MBA Career Guide

Brand and Product Management – Internship Date Student Student Student Student

Address City, State, Zip Email Phone

Recruiter Name Company Name Company Address Company City, State Zip Dear [Recruiter Name], Thank you for this opportunity to introduce myself and express my interest in the Product & Retail General Management Internship at Company X for the summer of 2011. I am currently an MBA student at the Wisconsin School of Business at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where I am specializing in Brand and Product Management. I learned about your internship opportunities through an alumnus of our program and current Company X employee, Name. I am excited about the prospect of joining your internship program, and I would welcome the opportunity to discuss it in-person.

My professional background in marketing and consumer behavior provides me with a strong foundation for success at Company X. My interest in brand marketing began when I was a student at x University. There I majored in x, with a focus on x. After receiving my BA, I worked for x years as an x Manager for the x, a non-profit institution committed to x. From there, I moved to City, State to become the Marketing Manager at Company x, a technology firm that complemented my passion for technology and innovation, as well as marketing and consumer behavior.

Combined, my professional experiences helped to crystallize my desire to pursue a career in marketing and brand management. I am drawn to this field for the excitement, insights, and challenges it presents as we work to better understand consumers and their purchase decisions. I cannot think of a more dynamic application for these skills than a role at Company X, a company that redefined the state of commerce in the 21st century.

I look forward to talking to you in person about my experiences, qualifications, and commitment to joining the Company X team. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Signature

COVER LETTER

MBA Career Guide

Corporate Finance and Investment Banking - Internship Date Student Student Student Student

Address City, State, Zip Email Phone

Recruiter Name Company Name Company Address Company City, State Zip Dear [Recruiter Name], I would like to express my interest in the Finance Intern position at Company X, which I learned about at the recent National Black MBA Conference. This opportunity would allow me to apply the skills I have gained from my background in corporate finance as well as the skills I am acquiring as an MBA student in the Corporate Finance and Investment Banking specialization at the Wisconsin School of Business.

I am particularly interested in Company X because of its focus on research and developing in-house expertise through its own data collection and analysis efforts. The opportunity to be exposed to and learn from this level of in-house knowledge would be of tremendous value and would represent an entire curriculum unto itself. This position’s San Francisco location is also very desirable to me. I was born in (nearby city/state) and lived for a few years as a child in (nearby city/state). The west coast exerts a certain pull on me and it would be wonderful to reconnect with that part of the country.

My most recent work experience is in corporate finance, where I dealt with heavy budgeting and forecasting duties. In my role, I also worked at improving efficiency and workflow on a variety of projects such as financial modeling improvements and database design. My career began in human resources after I graduated from University X’s program in year x, but I quickly transitioned into accounting and finance roles. I would like to make a similar although less abrupt shift from corporate finance into the more interesting world of M&A, valuation, and financial advisory services. Much of my coursework at Wisconsin is specifically in these areas, and I’d eagerly welcome the chance to gain in-depth knowledge about these subjects at Company X.

I appreciate your consideration for this position and look forward to speaking with you further.

Sincerely,

Signature

COVER LETTER

MBA Career Guide

Marketing Research - Internship Date Student Student Student Student

Address City, State, Zip Email Phone

Recruiter Name Company Name Company Address Company City, State Zip Dear [Recruiter Name], It was my pleasure to meet you at the A.C. Nielsen Center Summit this month. I am writing because I am interested in applying for the Marketing Research Analyst Internship position for the summer of 2011. I am a first-year MBA Candidate at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, specializing in Marketing Research. I learned about this opportunity through an alumnus of our program, and I am excited about the Company X culture, the unique challenge of industry x, and the variety of projects that I would be able to work on. I feel that my constant initiative, curious approach to problems, and ability to influence would be a great asset in the role.

My resume displays my initiative to take on complex projects and implement the findings within multiple teams. While working for the x, my role required careful presentation of data and information to guide the management team to meet our ultimate goals. While at the x, I examined underutilized customer information using skills I had gained through my economics degree. The projects resulted in increased revenue and improved customer relations.

I have worked hard to develop my skills for finding the facts within the details, but my strength has always been in taking what information I have to help move the team in the right direction. I feel I will be a great fit for a role at Company X where I can capitalize on my quantitative and presentation skills to make a positive impact.

Thank you, Ms. X, for considering my application. I have enclosed my resume and would like to schedule an interview if possible. Please contact me via email or phone if you have any additional questions.

Sincerely,

Signature

COVER LETTER

MBA Career Guide

Operations and Technology Management - Internship Date Student Student Student Student

Address City, State, Zip Email Phone

Recruiter Name Company Name Company Address Company City, State Zip Dear [Recruiter Name], I am writing to express my interest in applying for the Marketing Internship Program at X Corporation. I am a first-year MBA candidate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison specializing in Operations Management. This internship position was posted on our MBA Career Center’s website, and I am very excited to have the chance to apply. Prior to enrolling in the MBA program at Wisconsin, I worked for four years at X Consultancy Services, the top IT consulting firm in Asia. In my role, I led corporate initiatives in the areas of organizational change management, process improvements, corporate strategy and IT governance. My position provided me with valuable experience in working closely under Company X’s top management to formulate and drive corporate strategies across the organization. A few highlights of my professional accomplishments: •

Winner of x Award-2010 for business idea generation for x group, a $70 billion enterprise

•

Identified and curbed a revenue leakage of $3.63 million for x consulting operating unit

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Initiated and led an organizational change which saved $0.7 million for x annually

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Led a team of eight to drive operations rigor in New Growth Markets of x

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Recognized for “Leadership, Ownership & Communication Excellence” in 2008

I am currently working on a strategy consulting project for x, a subsidiary of your company. I am conducting market research on the x country apparel retail market and developing a go-to market strategy for x to enter x country. I am very excited about the prospect of an internship with x company. I think my passion for leadership, my ability to work with cross-cultural teams, and the marketing experience I have gained through my work on the x company strategy consulting project will make me an exceptional fit for Company X. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to discussing the position with you further.

Sincerely,

Signature

COVER LETTER

MBA Career Guide

Real Estate - Internship Date Student Student Student Student

Address City, State, Zip Email Phone

Recruiter Name Company Name Company Address Company City, State Zip Dear [Recruiter Name], I am writing to express my interest in the Corporate Workplace Summer MBA internship position offered at Company A. During the Corporate Workplace recruiting event at the University of Wisconsin-Madison this past fall, I was excited to learn about the cutting-edge, hardworking and highly motivated culture within the Corporate Workplace division. I am confident that I am an excellent candidate for your team given my finance, communication, and technical skills and enthusiasm for Corporate Workplace’s mission of providing sustainable and innovative workplace solutions.

My most recent position at the Washington, D.C. office of Company B, one of the nation’s largest and most successful commercial real estate capital intermediaries, proves my ability to excel in a fast-paced and dynamic environment similar to Company A. During my three years as a Real Estate Analyst in one of the top five commercial real estate markets in the U.S., I proved to be a highly motivated and organized team player.

I provided market research and analysis for $7.2 billion of transactional volume (investment sales and debt placement) in the Washington, D.C. metro. To that end, I was the sole source of research support and market analysis for 16 debt and investment sales producers, which required excellent organizational and communication skills. I was also solely responsible for the research analysis, creation and execution of Company B’s yearly Capital Markets Forecast marketing event to approximately 200 top-tier clients. While working at Company B, I completed relevant real estate finance coursework in addition to my full-time job, including two CCIM real estate finance courses and a classroom-based Introduction to ARGUS.

Through my previous work experience and rigorous Real Estate MBA coursework at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I am building a toolset to successfully manage a commercial real estate portfolio. A summer internship with Company A will assist me in refining these skills in preparation for a career in commercial real estate portfolio management upon graduation. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and to review my resume. I look forward to speaking with you further during an interview.

Sincerely,

Signature

COVER LETTER

MBA Career Guide

Supply Chain - Internship Date Student Student Student Student

Address City, State, Zip Email Phone

Recruiter Name Company Name Company Address Company City, State Zip Dear [Recruiter Name], As a Wisconsin MBA candidate focusing in Supply Chain Management, I was excited to hear from Verda Blythe; my Center Director at the Wisconsin School of Business, that Company X was taking applications for a purchasing internship. The x industry is at a turning point right now, making it an exciting venture from a supply chain perspective as companies align, buy or sell specific brands, and look to alternative energy solutions for automotive transportation. I feel that my supply chain background as an undergraduate and now as an MBA candidate, combined with my practical experience in contracting and procurement, would allow me to bring a great skill set to Company X and to make a positive impact through an internship. My role as a Supply Chain Analyst at X Company provided me with a lot of good experience in purchasing. Responsibilities for the role included the management of the engineered topsides equipment, commissioning service, and inspection service categories for Company X’s upstream offshore projects in the Americas, totaling roughly $200 million. From a sourcing perspective, my job was cradle-to-grave, which provided me with opportunities to work through contracting strategy and tactics, bid list development, RFQ creation, bid process management, bid evaluation, negotiation, and post award contract management and closeout. Additionally, I was the focal for my group’s relationship with one of Company X’s strategic suppliers in the area of rotating equipment. In addition to my normal job responsibilities, I was also selected by my manager to be the contracting and procurement focal for a project to remove an offshore asset that was damaged beyond repair by hurricane activity in the Gulf of Mexico. This opportunity provided me a chance to work on a unique project that did not fit within our normal procurement process, resulting in close work between myself and the engineering project lead to develop a fit for purpose approach to meet our project goals. I consider this assignment the most valuable experience of my career with Company X, and feel that the skills I learned from this experience could add value at Company X. I am confident that my combination of a professional background in purchasing and an educational grounding in supply chain management would allow me to excel in this internship opportunity. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to interview for the Purchasing Internship program at Company X. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to the opportunity to take the next step in the application process.

Sincerely, Signature

COVER LETTER

MBA Career Guide

Strategic Human Resource Management - Internship Date Student Student Student Student

Address City, State, Zip Email Phone

Recruiter Name Company Name Company Address Company City, State Zip Dear [Recruiter Name], I would like to submit my resume for consideration for company X’s Management Associate Internship position. I learned about this opportunity through a recent graduate from our MBA Program, [employee name], who is currently a part of your Human Resources Leadership Program. I recently started my MBA in Strategic Human Resource Management at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I expect to graduate with my MBA in 2016. Currently, I am looking for a summer internship opportunity focusing in Human Resource Management that will enhance my graduate studies and expand my previous experience.

Prior to graduate school, I spent four years at Company X, a 4,000 employee engineering/consulting firm based in City, State. Most recently at Company X, I was the program manager for the firm’s National Cooperative Education and Internship Program which hired between 150-200 students annually. Within this function, I served as a member of our College Relations team and traveled to universities across the country to educate students about CDM and identify top candidates. Additionally, I administered Company X’s diversity scholarship program which awarded up to nine internship/scholarships to student members of the United Negro College Fund and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers.

My goal is to find an internship in a dynamic Human Resource function, where I can leverage my problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership skills to create positive change for employees and clients company-wide. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you about summer internship possibilities.

Sincerely,

Signature

COVER LETTER

MBA Career Guide

Risk Management and Insurance- Internship Date Student Student Student Student

Address City, State, Zip Email Phone

Recruiter Name Company Name Company Address Company City, State Zip Dear [Recruiter Name], I first learned about xxx through a job posting on my school’s career portal. Since then I have talked to XXX Associate/Consultants and learned a lot about the firm’s culture, different businesses and practice areas. What struck me as unique about Company A was the symbiotic learning relationship that each one of my contacts shared with me.

I am currently a first year MBA student specializing in Risk Management and Insurance at the Wisconsin School of Business. I am seeking an internship position that will not only challenge my intellectual capacity, but will also provide me with an opportunity to learn and add value to the overall organization. My conversations with Company A consultants, YYY and YYY, have convinced me that Company A is a great place to start my career post-MBA. In my previous position as a Business Analyst, I was able to polish my communication and relationship building skills. In this role, I was responsible for gathering detailed requirements from the business units and bridging the communication gap between the technical team and our clients. I specifically managed the entire project; collecting proposals from the clients, preparing documentation using MS Office suite and assuring high quality deliverables that aligned with our organizational goals. I also had the unique opportunity to work as a lead business analyst where I designed a social network based on point of sales information.

My work experience coupled with my education as an undergraduate in Chemical Engineering and an MBA has provided me with the necessary tools and skills to be a successful management consultant. After careful consideration of the different Company A practice areas on the company, I believe that my background and aspirations make me a great fit for your Software Electronics and Services Team or your Private Equity Team. I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to work as an Intern at Company A and I am looking forward to an interview at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely, Signature