12 Finance Internships for College Students

Internships play a crucial role for college students by bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world experience.

Finance internships are a valuable opportunity for college students to apply academic learning in real-world settings, providing hands-on experience that enhances resumes and demonstrates a commitment to skill development. Practical exposure to the finance industry helps students understand its complexities, improve problem-solving abilities, and gain proficiency in key skills such as financial analysis, data interpretation, and financial modeling. Internships also offer the chance to connect with industry professionals and mentors, fostering relationships that can lead to future job opportunities.

Many internships include projects that enhance critical thinking and technical expertise, essential for excelling in the field. After completing a finance internship, students will have a deeper understanding of financial concepts, a network of industry contacts, and a portfolio of work to showcase during job interviews.

1. Ladder Internships - University Program (Finance Track)

Location: Virtual
Cost: $2490 for 8-week program; financial aid available
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. Spring Cohort Application Deadline: January 14, 2025
Internship Dates: Fall (September), Winter (December), Spring (February), Summer (June), Summer II (July)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (no specific GPA requirement), interest in finance

Ladder Internships, founded by Harvard alumni, offers a finance track designed for college students pursuing careers in investment banking, wealth management, and financial analysis. You will participate in structured training sessions, work on hands-on financial projects, and benefit from dual mentorship by industry professionals and Ladder coaches. As an intern, you’ll engage in activities like data collection, analysis, and interpretation, contributing to meaningful research while improving skills such as communication and time management.

By the end of the internship, you will have developed essential financial skills, expanded your professional network, and completed projects that can enhance your portfolio. Basic knowledge of Excel and financial modeling is recommended. The program is competitive due to its high value and relevance. Apply here for the Winter cohort.

2. Goldman Sachs Summer Analyst Program

Location: New York City, USA and various locations worldwide
Cost: None
Application Deadline: Varies by region
Internship Dates: 9-10 weeks, starting in June 2025
Eligibility: Currently pursuing a college or university degree, typically during the second or third year of study

Goldman Sachs’ Summer Analyst Program offers a comprehensive 10-week internship where you will work alongside professionals in areas such as financial markets, corporate finance, and wealth management. During the program, you’ll analyze financial data, build models, and provide strategic recommendations while gaining exposure to real-world financial projects.

This program is highly competitive and designed for students with a strong understanding of finance and proficiency in tools like Excel. A minimum 3.5 GPA is required for consideration. While the fast-paced environment demands high performance under pressure, successful interns often secure full-time offers upon graduation. Apply here for various opportunities.

3. J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. Investment Banking Internship

Location: Various locations throughout the USA
Cost: None
Application Deadline: Varies by position
Internship Dates: 10-12 weeks, starting June 2025
Eligibility: Undergraduate students in their penultimate year of study (typically juniors), with a strong academic record and a background in finance or economics.

J.P. Morgan’s Investment Banking Internship offers a 10-week experience where you will assist in creating financial models, conducting company valuations, and working on mergers and acquisitions. You’ll work closely with professionals, contributing to strategic planning and financial advisory projects while developing key skills in financial modeling, accounting, and valuation techniques.

This internship is highly demanding, with intense work hours and high-pressure expectations, but it provides invaluable experience in one of the world’s top financial institutions. Strong academic performance (minimum 3.3 GPA) and a background in finance or economics are essential. The program also offers a clear pathway to a full-time investment banking analyst role.

4. Morgan Stanley Parametric Investment Operations Internship

Location: Seattle, WA and Minneapolis, MN
Cost: None
Application Deadline: December 13, 2024
Internship Dates: June 9 - August 15, 2025
Eligibility: Currently pursuing a college or university degree, typically in the second or third year of study, with advanced coursework in finance fundamentals

Morgan Stanley’s Global Capital Markets Internship is a 12-week program where you will gain hands-on experience in financial advisory, trading, and market analysis. You’ll work directly with capital market professionals, contributing to financial strategies and gaining a deeper understanding of global markets.

Open to finance or business majors, the internship requires strong analytical skills and advanced coursework in finance fundamentals. While relocation may be necessary, the program offers invaluable exposure to a leading global financial institution and a potential pathway to a full-time position.

5. BlackRock Summer Analyst Program

Location: San Francisco, CA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Depends on position
Internship Dates: 9 weeks, June-August
Eligibility: Undergraduate or master’s students graduating between September 2024 and July 2025, studying finance, business, or economics

BlackRock’s Summer Analyst Program offers a 10-week experience in portfolio management, client relations, and financial analysis within the asset management industry. You’ll work on investment strategies and financial technology projects, gaining hands-on exposure at one of the world’s leading asset management firms.

Open to juniors and seniors majoring in finance, business, or economics, the program requires a basic understanding of portfolio management and investment principles. While the competitive environment presents a steep learning curve, the internship provides valuable insights into financial markets and the potential for a full-time offer after graduation.

6. Citi Finance Internship Program

Location: Various locations.
Cost: Registration and application form fees applicable based on positions.
Application Deadline: Varies depending on position.
Internship Dates: Summer program.
Eligibility: Open to sophomores and juniors with a minimum GPA of 3.4.

Citi’s Finance Internship Program offers hands-on experience in financial analysis, market research, and data interpretation across multiple finance departments. You’ll rotate through various teams, gaining exposure to global banking and markets while sharpening your analytical skills.

This program is ideal for students pursuing a career in finance, provided you have proficiency in Excel and a basic understanding of accounting principles. While the internship comes with high expectations, particularly in financial modeling, it offers valuable insights and a well-rounded foundation for aspiring global finance professionals.

7. HSBC Global Banking and Markets Internship

Location: Various locations.
Cost: Registration and application form fees may apply based on positions.
Application Deadline: Depends on position
Internship Dates: 8 weeks during the summer
Eligibility: Juniors majoring in finance, economics, or related fields

HSBC’s Global Banking and Markets Internship offers an 8-week intensive experience in corporate finance, sales, trading, and market analysis. You’ll work on real-world projects, gaining hands-on exposure to global financial markets while collaborating with senior professionals.

This internship is open to juniors majoring in finance or economics and requires a strong understanding of international finance and capital markets. While competition is fierce due to HSBC’s global reputation, the program provides excellent networking opportunities and a pathway to full-time roles. It’s an ideal opportunity to gain experience in international financial operations.

8. UBS Financial Services Internship

Location: Various locations.
Cost: Registration and application form fees may apply based on positions.
Application Deadline: November 30, 2024
Internship Dates: June 2025
Eligibility: Juniors majoring in finance or related disciplines with a GPA of 3.0 or higher

The UBS Financial Services Internship provides a 10-week summer program focused on wealth management, financial advisory, and risk management. You’ll gain hands-on experience in financial analysis, client advisory, and strategic planning, working closely with professionals in the field.

Open to juniors majoring in finance or related disciplines, the program requires strong skills in financial analysis and data interpretation. While relocation costs may pose challenges for international students, this internship offers a valuable pathway to full-time roles in the financial services industry, making it a competitive and rewarding opportunity.

9. Deloitte Risk & Financial Advisory (Business) Internship

Location: Onsite only (no virtual internships available)
Duration: Minimum 6 weeks (varies by internship)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (12th grade)
Application Process: High school students are encouraged to directly contact GRASP faculty members whose research aligns with their interests.

Deloitte’s Financial Advisory Internship provides an opportunity to gain practical experience in financial risk analysis, valuation services, and transaction advisory. During this summer program, you’ll develop skills in financial reporting and advisory services while working on real client projects.

Open to sophomores and juniors majoring in business, accounting, or finance, the internship requires intermediate accounting knowledge and strong Excel skills. Although the application process is highly competitive, this program offers invaluable exposure to consulting and advisory work, making it a strong choice for students aiming to build a career in financial consulting.

10. Bank of America Internship

Location: Various locations.
Cost: Fees may apply based on position
Application Deadline: Varies by position
Internship Dates: Summer program
Eligibility: Juniors and seniors majoring in finance or economics

Bank of America's Internship offers students hands-on experience in financial planning, investment management, and client relations. During this 10-week summer program, you will assist wealth managers with financial analysis and planning for high-net-worth individuals.

Open to juniors and seniors majoring in finance or economics, the internship requires financial planning knowledge and proficiency in Excel. While the program provides strong networking opportunities and practical experience in wealth management, it may involve long hours and high expectations. Successful interns often receive full-time offers to join the wealth management team, making it a valuable career stepping stone.

11. Barclays Corporate Banking Internship

Location: Various locations.
Cost: Fees may apply based on position
Application Deadline: Varies by position
Internship Dates: 8-10 weeks in summer
Eligibility: Juniors majoring in finance or business

Barclays' Corporate Banking Internship provides students with exposure to corporate lending, business development, and client relationship management. Over the course of 8-10 weeks, you will assist in developing financial strategies and gaining an understanding of corporate banking operations.

This program is open to juniors studying finance or business and requires a basic understanding of corporate finance. While it offers strong networking opportunities within the corporate banking sector, the fast-paced environment can be demanding, with intensive training and high pressure. Successful interns often receive full-time offers from Barclays, making it a valuable opportunity for those looking to pursue a career in corporate finance.

12. PwC Deals - Capital Markets Advisory Internship

Location: Various locations
Cost: Fees may apply based on position
Application Deadline: March 2025
Internship Dates: Summer 2025
Eligibility: Juniors and seniors studying finance, business, or economics

PwC’s Deals - Capital Markets Advisory (CMAAS) Internship provides students with the opportunity to work on projects that help businesses improve financial processes and manage complex transactions. Open to juniors and seniors majoring in finance, business, or economics, this competitive summer program offers exposure to a range of industries. Interns assist with financial reporting, valuations, financial modeling, and strategic planning, gaining hands-on experience in consulting. The program offers strong career advancement opportunities for those interested in finance consulting. Some projects may require travel, contributing to the dynamic nature of the role.

Looking for an immersive internship experience?
Check out Ladder Internships.

Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual program where you’ll have the chance to work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! These startups span a variety of industries, including computer science, tech, and engineering. During your internship, you’ll work on a meaningful, real-world project that directly contributes to the startup’s needs, and you’ll present your work at the end of the program.

You’ll collaborate closely with your manager from the startup and also receive guidance from a Ladder Coach throughout your experience. Ready to take the next step? Apply now!