15 Finance Internships for Freshman in College
If you have just come out of high school and finance is your passion, joining an internship in your freshman year can be a great way to step into the real world of business early on. It moves your learning beyond textbooks and introduces you to how financial systems, markets, and decisions actually function in professional settings. Through this early exposure, you will begin to build practical skills such as financial analysis, research, communication, and workplace discipline. You will also gain insight into different paths within finance, such as banking, investment, consulting, or fintech, helping you understand what truly interests you.
If you want to see what other finance internships are available, find a list of summer-specific internships here & general internships here.
Why should I do a finance internship in college?
Finance internships are offered across banks, investment firms, startups, and consulting companies, exposing you to tasks like analyzing data, reviewing reports, supporting budgeting processes, and observing how professionals assess risk and make financial decisions. These experiences help you understand how financial systems operate in real-world settings. Along the way, you’ll develop technical and communication skills, gain familiarity with professional workflows, and build connections with mentors and professionals who can support your future career growth.
In narrowing down our list of 15 finance internships for first-year undergraduates, we considered factors such as program prestige, the rigor of the experience, quality of mentorship, and opportunities for professional growth.
Key takeaways
This list rounds up 15 finance internships and insight programs for college freshmen spanning major banks, hedge funds, and corporate finance teams, with standout hosts including Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, Jane Street, and Charles Schwab.
Most of these are paid or fully funded, with strong hourly rates like $17 at one nonprofit-focused leadership program, while a few of the shorter "insight" or accelerator-style programs don't offer a stipend, focusing instead on early exposure and mentorship.
Many of these are short, multi-day "insight" or discovery programs specifically designed to introduce first-year students to finance before the traditional summer analyst internship track, giving freshmen a lower-commitment way to explore the industry early.
Most of these are based in major U.S. financial hubs, while a handful of global insight programs are located internationally, and a couple, including Ladder and one virtual accelerator, are fully remote.
A couple of the earliest deadlines fall in October and January for two of the corporate finance-focused internships, with several bank insight programs opening applications later in the academic year, so it's worth checking each program's specific timeline individually.
1. Deloitte Summer Discovery Internship
Location: Placements available at 45 U.S. and global offices
Stipend: Paid per hour
Dates: 8 to 10 weeks (typically running from June to August)
Application Deadline: Varies based on the specific office location
Eligibility: Current college freshmen and sophomores pursuing a bachelor's degree in business, accounting, economics, STEM, or a related field; 3.0 minimum GPA
The Deloitte Summer Discovery Internship offers undergraduates an introduction to the world of management consulting through hands-on project experience. As part of client engagement teams, you will contribute to solving business challenges by analyzing data, supporting strategic recommendations, and assisting with decision-making processes. Throughout the program, you will receive guidance from two mentors, including a senior professional and a consultant, who will help support your learning and professional development. Alongside project work, the internship also features networking events, training sessions, professional development workshops, and “lunch and learn” discussions that provide deeper insight into the consulting industry.
2. Ladder University Internships
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Undergraduate students
Ladder’s university internship program is an eight-week online experience where you work directly with a startup. These startups operate across different sectors, including healthtech, finance, communications, nonprofit, and media. During the internship, you’re matched with a company that aligns with your interests and offers experience in financial tasks and projects. You’ll work with a manager who provides guidance and feedback as you complete a main project tailored to both your skills and the company’s goals. Over the course of the program, you’ll work on specific deliverables and finish by presenting your results to the organization.
3. Citi Freshman Discovery Program
Location: Virtual
Stipend: Paid program
Dates: May 19-21
Application Deadline: April 27
Eligibility: Open to first-year undergraduate students interested in finance, banking, markets, technology, or related business areas. The program is designed to provide early exposure to careers in financial services, especially for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
The Citigroup Freshman Discovery Program is an early-career initiative that introduces first-year college students to the financial services industry through workshops, networking sessions, and career development programming. You will gain exposure to areas such as banking, markets, technology, and corporate finance while connecting with Citi professionals and senior leaders. The program also offers mentorship, professional guidance, and insight into career pathways in finance, making it a strong starting point for students exploring the industry early in college.
4. Deutsche Bank Internship Programme
Location: Multiple global locations, including New York, London, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Frankfurt
Stipend: Paid internship (varies by role and location)
Dates: Typically 8–10 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Primarily open to undergraduate students in their penultimate year of study. Some early insight and spring programs may be available for first-year students, depending on region and division.
The Deutsche Bank Internship Programme gives undergraduate students practical exposure to the global banking and financial services industry through hands-on project work, mentorship, and professional training. You will work across divisions such as investment banking, corporate banking, technology, risk management, and asset management while collaborating with experienced professionals on real business challenges. The program also includes networking events, training workshops, speaker sessions, and mentorship opportunities that help students build technical knowledge, strengthen professional skills, and gain insight into careers in finance.
5. UBS (Tomorrow's Talent Virtual Accelerator)
Location: Virtual
Stipend: None
Dates: 6-month program
Application Deadline: Varies by region
Eligibility: Undergraduates (freshmen and sophomores)
The UBS Tomorrow’s Talent Virtual Accelerator is a multi-month program designed to help you explore career pathways in global finance and wealth management. Throughout the experience, you will learn about areas such as global banking, asset management, and financial technology through case study workshops, virtual seminars, and discussions with senior industry professionals. You will also receive structured mentorship, participate in professional development sessions, and strengthen your recruitment readiness through mock interviews and career guidance. A major benefit of the program is its connection to UBS’s future internship recruitment pipeline, giving you early exposure to opportunities within the firm.
6. Jane Street INSIGHT Program
Location: New York City, New York (in-person)
Stipend: Fully funded program
Dates: August 17–22
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students, especially first-year students and those from underrepresented backgrounds who are interested in trading, software engineering, mathematics, or quantitative finance.
The Jane Street INSIGHT Program is a multi-day immersive experience designed to introduce students to the fast-paced world of quantitative finance, trading, and technology. Throughout the program, you will take part in interactive workshops, mock trading sessions, and collaborative problem-solving activities that show how math, data, and programming are used in real financial markets. You will also meet Jane Street professionals through mentorship sessions and networking events, gaining insight into the firm’s collaborative culture and different career paths in trading, strategy, and software engineering. Since no prior finance background is required, the program is especially valuable for students exploring quantitative finance for the first time.
7. Goldman Sachs Undergraduate Camp
Location: New York, Salt Lake City, Dallas/Irving, or Virtual
Stipend: None
Dates: Typically a multi-day event in mid-May
Application Deadline: Varies annually (Historically between January and April)
Eligibility: Undergraduates (freshmen and sophomores), specifically Black, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, and/or first-generation college students
The Goldman Sachs Undergraduate Camp is a multi-day program designed to introduce first-generation and underrepresented college students to careers in the financial services industry. Throughout the program, you will explore areas such as investment banking, market analysis, and corporate operations through business case studies, technical workshops, and career development sessions. Participants also get the opportunity to network with Goldman Sachs professionals, learn about the internship recruitment process, and gain insight into the firm’s work culture. To make the program more accessible, Goldman Sachs typically covers domestic travel and accommodation costs for selected participants.
8. Charles Schwab Internship Academy
Location: Multiple U.S. locations, including Austin, Phoenix, Chicago, Denver, Omaha, Orlando, San Francisco, and Westlake
Stipend: Paid internship
Dates: June 7–August 6
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Some roles may consider freshmen depending on the position, academic background, and relevant skills.
The Charles Schwab Internship Academy is a nine-week paid summer program that gives college students hands-on experience in the financial services industry through real-world business projects, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. During the internship, you will work within a specific business area such as finance, technology, investor services, or marketing while also taking part in networking events, team-building activities, and training sessions. The program combines practical project work with a shared learning curriculum that helps you understand Schwab’s culture, financial literacy, and career pathways in finance.
9. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Various locations around the US
Stipend: $17/hr
Dates: 6 weeks during June and July
Application Deadline: Mid-March
Eligibility: First-year college students (freshmen) who are at least 18
In this six-week paid summer internship, you will work with a local nonprofit organization to support community-focused projects while developing leadership and professional skills. The Bank of America Student Leaders Program gives first-year college students hands-on experience in teamwork, communication, and project work through meaningful community engagement. You will also attend a fully funded Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., where you can participate in workshops, meet fellow Student Leaders from across the country, and connect with Bank of America professionals. Through practical experience, mentorship, and leadership training, the program helps students gain early professional exposure and build valuable career skills.
10. Nomura Insight Programs
Location: Primarily London, with some programs available virtually or in other regional offices
Stipend: Generally unpaid, though travel or accommodation support may be provided for select programs
Dates: Usually held over several days during spring or summer
Application Deadline: Typically between October and January
Eligibility: Open to first-year undergraduate students interested in investment banking, global markets, or financial services. Some programs especially encourage applications from students from underrepresented backgrounds or those with limited prior exposure to finance.
The Nomura Insight Programs are designed to introduce first-year undergraduate students to careers in investment banking and financial services through interactive learning and professional exposure. During the program, you will take part in workshops, case studies, desk shadowing opportunities, and training sessions that provide insight into areas such as investment banking, global markets, and corporate infrastructure. You will also connect with Nomura professionals through networking events and mentorship sessions while developing technical, communication, and teamwork skills. The program helps students better understand the finance industry and serves as an early pathway to future internship opportunities at the firm.
11. Bank of Canada Student and Internship Program
Location: Primarily Ottawa, Ontario
Stipend: Paid positions
Dates: Offered throughout the year, including summer, fall, and winter terms
Application Deadline: Varies by position
Eligibility: Open to first-year undergraduate students interested in investment banking, global markets, or financial services. Some programs especially encourage applications from students from underrepresented backgrounds or those with limited prior exposure to finance.
The Bank of Canada Student and Internship Programs give undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in areas such as economics, finance, research, cybersecurity, technology, and operations. Through student work placements, internships, and research assistant roles, you will contribute to real projects that support the Bank’s policy research and financial operations while working alongside economists, analysts, and industry professionals. The programs also offer mentorship, professional development, and exposure to how a central bank operates in areas like monetary policy, financial stability, and economic research. Depending on the role, students may work in hybrid settings and gain practical experience through both collaborative projects and independent research.
12. Highmark Health Financial Analytics Undergraduate Intern
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Stipend: Paid
Dates: June 1–30
Application Deadline: January 14
Eligibility: Students enrolled in a bachelor’s program (finance, data analytics, economics, or related fields) and authorized to work in the U.S.
The Financial Analytics Undergraduate Internship gives college students practical experience in finance and data analysis within a large healthcare organization. During the internship, you will work on projects involving financial data analysis, budgeting, forecasting, trend identification, and reporting to help teams make informed business decisions. You will also gain exposure to financial modeling, analytics tools, and cross-functional teamwork while learning from experienced professionals through mentorship and guidance. The program is a strong opportunity for students interested in finance, analytics, and business strategy to build real-world skills early in their careers.
13. Point72 Academy Insight Program
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Stipend:
Dates: August 24–28
Application Deadline: June 14
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students, particularly early-year students such as freshmen and sophomores, who are interested in investing, markets, finance, or quantitative research. No prior finance experience is required.
The Point72 Academy Insight Program (Japan) is a short introduction to investing and hedge fund careers designed for undergraduate students. Over five days in the Tokyo office, you will observe how investment professionals analyze companies, develop investment ideas, and make decisions in financial markets. The program includes interactive learning sessions, skills workshops, and exposure to real investment discussions, along with opportunities to reflect on what you are learning with coaches and mentors. You will also take part in networking sessions with professionals and other students, helping you understand both the technical side of investing and the culture of working in a global hedge fund.
14. Hydrite Finance Internship Program
Location: Hydrite, Brookfield, WI
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Not specified
Application Deadline: October 8
Eligibility: Undergraduates pursuing degrees in finance or related fields; freshmen can apply
The Hydrite Finance Internship (Summer 2026) is a hands-on program where you work with the finance and accounting team of Hydrite on real-world business tasks such as budgeting, financial analysis, reporting, and forecasting. You will use tools like Excel to analyze data, support financial processes, and help prepare insights that guide business decisions. Alongside project work, you will receive mentorship, attend training sessions, and learn how finance operates within a large industrial company, helping you build practical skills and gain early exposure to a corporate finance environment.
15. Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) Summer Internships
Location: D&B office in Jacksonville, FL, or Austin, TX
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 10 weeks in the summer; Dates vary by role
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: U.S.-based college/university and graduate students from diverse backgrounds
The Dun & Bradstreet Internship Program gives you an opportunity to work on real-world projects in areas such as finance, data analytics, technology, marketing, and business operations. You will collaborate with professionals across teams, apply what you have learned in the classroom to practical tasks, and gain insight into how a global company uses data and insights to make business decisions. You will also receive mentorship, take part in networking opportunities, and attend career development sessions that help you build skills, understand corporate environments, and prepare for your future career.
Questions freshmen often ask about these internships
1. Do I need finance coursework already to apply to these internships as a freshman?
No, most of these are designed specifically for students exploring finance for the first time, so no prior coursework is expected. A few of the more advanced quantitative programs do favor students with strong math backgrounds, but that's the exception here.
2. Some of these programs are described as "insight" programs rather than full internships. What's the difference?
Insight programs are typically shorter, multi-day experiences focused on exposure and networking rather than a full summer of project work. They're a great low-commitment way to explore a firm and industry before applying to a longer internship later in college.
3. A couple of these programs are limited to students from underrepresented backgrounds. Are the rest open to any freshman?
Yes, most of the programs on this list are open to any eligible freshman regardless of background. A couple specifically prioritize underrepresented or first-generation students, so check the eligibility section for those two.