15 Finance Internships for First Year Undergraduates
Internships are a fantastic way for college students to bridge the gap between the classroom and professional environments. By doing an internship, you develop skills such as communication and problem-solving. You also gain valuable industry exposure, giving you a clear picture of what day-to-day work in your field looks like. You’ll also build a network of connections and mentors who can help guide your career. If commuting or relocating is challenging, online internships are accessible options.
Why should I do a finance internship in college?
Internship experience makes a solid addition to your resume, helping you stand out to future employers when it is time to graduate. You get experience dealing with numbers, analyzing data, and seeing how businesses make critical decisions, which builds a practical skill set. You might even land a full-time job offer from the company you intern with before you receive your degree. Plus, it is a great way to figure out which specific area of the industry you enjoy working in day-to-day.
If you are interested in finance and are in your first year of college, we have listed 15 finance internships below to help you get started. We weighed the overall prestige of the organization, the rigor of professional experience, and the opportunities to network with mentors who can support your long-term growth.
1. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; financial aid available / No stipend
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Undergraduate and gap year students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
The Ladder University Internship Program is an eight-week online internship that places students to work with startups. Ladder’s startups span various fields like healthtech, finance, communications, nonprofit, and media. As an intern, you will be matched with a startup that can offer you exposure to financial functions.You will work with a manager who will mentor you throughout the internship. You will work on a primary project based on your skills and the company’s needs, and complete a series of deliverables with support from your mentor. At the end of the internship, you will present your work to the organization. This internship follows a flexible structure, offers room for independent work, and provides collaboration and networking opportunities. Apply now!
2. Morgan Stanley Early Insights Program
Location: Virtual (Historically held in New York City, Baltimore, and Alpharetta)
Stipend: None
Dates: January and February (Typically runs as a two-week virtual series per track)
Application Deadline: Historically, mid-November
Eligibility: All undergraduate students
The Morgan Stanley Early Insights Program is a multi-week virtual series designed to introduce you to the financial services industry and the firm's business divisions. You will cover essential topics including investment banking, global capital markets, sales and trading, wealth management, research, and corporate risk management. Throughout the event, you will attend educational workshops, participate in panel discussions, network with senior leaders, and review business case studies. A unique feature of this program is its specialized business tracks that provide a direct pipeline to accelerated interviews for future summer analyst positions.
3. 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 exploratory program specifically designed to introduce first-generation and underrepresented students to the vast career paths within the financial services industry. During the camp, you will explore core topics like investment banking, market analysis, corporate operations, and the summer internship recruitment process. As a participant, you will work on business case studies, attend career workshops, participate in technical training sessions, and network with industry professionals. The program strongly commits to diversity, offering fully funded domestic travel and hotel accommodations for attendees, so there is no financial barrier to participation.
4. Deloitte Summer Discovery Internship
Location: Placements available at 45 U.S. and global offices
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not publicly disclosed
Dates: 8 to 10 weeks during the summer (typically running from June to August)
Application Deadline: Varies based on the specific office location and business track
Eligibility: Current college freshmen and sophomores pursuing a bachelor's degree in business, accounting, economics, STEM, or a related field; a 3.0 minimum GPA
The Deloitte Summer Discovery Internship is an immersive experience designed to introduce undergraduates to the fundamentals of management consulting. During the program, you will join client engagement teams and contribute to solving business challenges. You will help analyze data, shape strategic recommendations, and support decision-making processes. You are paired with two mentors, one at the manager or senior level and another at the consultant level, who will guide your professional growth, provide feedback, and help you navigate project work. Beyond client engagements, the program includes “lunch and learn” sessions, networking events, structured training, and professional development workshops.
5. KPMG Embark Scholars Program
Location: Multiple KPMG office locations across the US (Candidates apply to specific city offices based on their preference)
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Dates: 8 to 10 weeks during the summer (typically running from June to August)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: First-generation or Community College students pursuing or intending to pursue a Bachelor's or Master of Accounting (or other equivalent) or IT-related degree from an accredited college/university
The KPMG Embark Scholars Program is a structured, paid internship designed for early undergraduate students who want to build foundational experience in accounting, finance, and advisory services. Through this multi-week program, you will work alongside professionals on client engagements across areas such as audit, tax, and advisory. You contribute to team projects by assisting with research, data analysis, and client deliverables. In addition to project work, the program offers formal training sessions, mentorship from experienced professionals, and networking opportunities that help you develop both technical and professional skills.
6. Highmark Health Business Analyst Undergraduate Intern
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Stipend: Paid, amount not publicly disclosed
Dates: 10 to 12 weeks during the summer (typically running from late May or early June through August)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students enrolled full-time or part-time in an accredited bachelor’s program; legally authorized to work in the U.S. without needing sponsorship
The Finance Undergraduate Internship at Highmark Health is a summer program that allows college students to gain practical experience within a professional finance environment. During the internship, you will support the finance team by contributing to tasks such as reviewing financial data, assisting with budgeting and forecasting activities, preparing reports, and helping with research for business initiatives. You will also have the opportunity to collaborate with professionals across different departments and see how financial planning supports the operations of a large healthcare organization. Overall, the program helps you develop important skills in analysis, communication, and problem-solving.
7. Highmark Health Financial Analytics Undergraduate Intern
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Stipend: Paid, amount not publicly disclosed
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 is designed for college students who want hands-on experience in finance and data analysis within a large healthcare organization. In this role, you will work on business projects such as analyzing financial data, identifying trends, supporting forecasting and budgeting processes, and building reports that help teams make informed decisions. The internship offers practical exposure to financial modeling, analytics tools, and cross-functional collaboration, all while working alongside experienced professionals who provide mentorship and guidance. It’s a strong early-career opportunity for students interested in finance, analytics, or business strategy.
8. Citi Freshman Discovery Diversity Program
Location: New York City (Citi Global Headquarters) or Virtual, depending on the specific track
Stipend: None
Dates: Two-day event in May
Application Deadline: Typically, April
Eligibility: Current college freshmen enrolled in a four-year bachelor's degree program
The Citi Freshman Discovery Diversity Program is an introductory experience designed to help you explore the financial services industry and kickstart your career planning. You will cover essential business topics ranging from banking and risk management to marketing and corporate technology. During the program, you will network with peers and professionals, analyze business case studies, and complete technical skills training. The program focuses on underrepresented groups, offering fully covered travel and lodging to eliminate financial barriers. By participating, you will build foundational financial knowledge, refine your professional communication, and develop strategic career-planning skills.
9. EY Launch Internship
Location: Multiple EY offices across the US (typically with hybrid work expectations), plus travel to a centralized National Launch Training event.
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not publicly disclosed
Dates: 8 to 10 weeks during the summer (typically running from late May or June through August)
Application Deadline: Varies by office and track (Recruiting usually begins in the early fall and concludes in the spring)
Eligibility: Undergraduates who are two or more years from graduation (freshmen or sophomores) pursuing a relevant business or STEM degree
The EY Launch Internship is an exploratory summer program designed to introduce underrepresented early-career students to the professional services industry. Throughout the experience, you will explore all of the firm's core business areas, including assurance, tax, consulting, strategy, transactions, and enterprise technology. As a participant, you will shadow teams, analyze client business challenges, complete structured technical training modules, and attend the specialized National Launch Training conference. The program provides a low-stakes, high-exposure rotational structure, which prioritizes early-career mentorship and diversity over demanding billable client hours.
10. Barclays Discovery Program
Location: Virtual (Online)
Stipend: None
Dates: April 15–16
Application Deadline: Rolling basis (Early applications are strongly encouraged)
Eligibility: Undergraduates two years from graduation; freshmen are eligible
This program provides a firsthand look into life at a global bank, focusing on business areas like Finance, Technology, Retail Banking, and Operations. You will spend two days participating in professional development workshops, attending senior leadership seminars, and joining breakout sessions tailored to your interests. The program also acts as a direct pipeline; the second day often involves interviews that can lead to a formal Summer Internship offer for the following year. Through these activities, you will learn to navigate the recruitment process, strengthen your networking abilities, and gain a clearer understanding of how various banking divisions collaborate to drive global strategy.
11. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Various locations around the US
Stipend: $17/hr or local minimum wage, whichever is higher
Dates: 6 weeks during June and July (National Summit is June 16–18)
Application Deadline: March 16
Eligibility: First-year college students (freshmen) who are at least 18, have graduated from high school in the last 2 years, and have earned between 12 and 18 post-secondary credit hours
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program is a six‑week, paid summer internship that gives first‑year college students hands-on experience working with a local nonprofit in their community. As a Student Leader, you contribute to meaningful projects that support the nonprofit’s operations, develop leadership and professional skills, and collaborate with staff and peers to create impact. The program also includes a three‑day Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., where you meet other Student Leaders, attend workshops, and connect with Bank of America professionals. Through this combination of practical work, mentorship, and leadership training, the program helps you build real-world skills and gain professional exposure.
12. Bank of America Elevate Diversity Forum
Location: New York City, NY (Bank of America Tower)
Stipend: None
Dates: Typically two days in mid-May
Application Deadline: Historically late March
Eligibility: Current college freshmen and sophomores from underrepresented backgrounds
The Bank of America Elevate Diversity Forum is a two-day summit in New York City designed to introduce you to the world of global banking and markets. During the event, you will explore various business tracks, including investment banking, sales and trading, and global capital markets, to see how these teams drive the firm's international operations. You will participate in business simulations, attend technical skills workshops, and join structured networking meals with senior executives and current analysts. The program has a direct link to the recruitment process; high-performing attendees are often fast-tracked into early interviews for the following summer’s paid analyst program.
13. Abbott Laboratories Finance Internship
Location: Abbott Park, IL (Headquarters), plus various manufacturing and commercial sites across the U.S. and globally
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not publicly disclosed
Dates: 10 to 12 weeks during the summer (typically starting in late May or early June)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Undergraduate freshmen typically majoring in Finance, Accounting, or Economics with a 3.0+ GPA
In this program, you will get to see how a global healthcare giant operates from the inside, focusing on topics like commercial finance, manufacturing accounting, and supply chain logistics. During your time there, you will perform tasks such as tracking department budgets, preparing performance reports, and supporting the monthly Best Estimate cycles. The program often serves as a direct pipeline into their competitive Financial Professional Development Program after you graduate. You will also get the chance to present your specific summer project results to actual business leaders, which is an excellent way to build your professional confidence.
14. Wells Fargo (Early Talent Programs)
Location: Major Wells Fargo hubs (Charlotte, NC; Minneapolis, MN; Phoenix, AZ; Des Moines, IA; Dallas, TX; and others)
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed publicly
Dates: 10 weeks during the summer (typically June through August)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Undergraduates currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree program (targets vary by specific track, including freshmen and sophomores)
The Wells Fargo Early Talent Programs provide a structured introduction to various sectors of the financial world, ranging from commercial banking and corporate finance to consumer lending and technology. You will gain exposure to core topics like credit analysis, risk management, and financial reporting while working alongside experienced professionals on real-world business challenges. As a participant, you will complete a capstone project, attend professional development seminars, and participate in organized community service events with your cohort. The program provides dedicated mentorship from senior leaders and the opportunity to rotate through different business functions to find your ideal career path.
15. UBS (Tomorrow's Talent Virtual Accelerator)
Location: Virtual
Stipend: None
Dates: Typically a 6-month journey starting with a kick-off in March or April
Application Deadline: Varies by region (Historically late March for the Spring intake)
Eligibility: Undergraduates (freshmen and sophomores)
The UBS Tomorrow’s Talent Virtual Accelerator is a comprehensive multi-month experience that helps you navigate the diverse career paths within a global wealth manager. Over the course of the program, you will explore core topics such as global banking, asset management, and the role of AI in financial technology. As a participant, you will engage in case study workshops, attend virtual seminars with senior leaders, and benefit from structured 1:1 mentorship sessions. A unique feature of this accelerator is its "recruitment readiness" framework, which includes a real mock interview experience and a direct pipeline to be considered for the following year's summer internship program.
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