Motivational Letter for a clerkship

Question

Hi everyone

I want to apply to a summer clerkship at Harvard and one of the requisites is a letter of motivation. I generally wouldn't have any problem writing it, however I am perfectly aware I have some handicaps when it comes to competing with other students for the same position.

So, I would like to know what tips could you give me in order to make the letter the most appealing possible in order to grant me an interview. I have already written a first draft, but I am not that happy with it so I won't even post it here since I will be starting over.

Thank you*

Joana Pimenta · Accepted Answer

Well, could someone quickly read through my letter and tell me how it feels?

Thank you

Dear Sir or Madam:
I am writing to express my interest in the Research Clerkships at Harvard Medical School. For some time now I have been considering the research medical branch as a valid employment choice and, as a consequence, I face this as an opportunity to expand my knowledge and deepen my interest in scientific research.
As a third year student at Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto I will be finishing this year the basic medical studies and engaging in a more clinical approach. The opportunity to work in any one of the host labs this summer will allow me to apply the knowledge and experience that I have gained thus far as well as form a bridge between the molecular and cellular mechanisms and the actual patients.

In addition to the skills entailed by my academic path, I have also developed a myriad of social and organizational competences, and it is my strong belief these will simply be a great acquisition to the Department that accepts me. My experience at organizing events both as a member of the Course Committee at my Faculty and as part of a volunteering group has granted me the exceptional capacity of solving contingency problems. Also, I often find myself in the position of the leader since colleagues and coworkers tend to trust and rely on me to plan, organize and put into practice group projects or school papers. Unfortunately, I might seem lacking when compared with other applicants who have had published work, however I assure you I am a fast and eager learner whose adaptation and organization skills will enable to overcome an eventual shortcoming.
Even though I feel I should point out my preference in working at the Bonni Lab, since their research focus is the human brain, to me the most fascinating organ, I must reiterate my interest in research studies regardless of the subject, and guarantee I will show the same devotion and passion while working in any other area.
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter and I am looking forward to discuss my candidacy in person.

Yours sincerely,
Joana Sofia Pimenta

Motivational Letter for a clerkship

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