Are you looking for the most prestigious finance internships out there? You're in the right place! With so many intriguing opportunities, deciding which program is right for you can be overwhelming.

In this blog post, we will highlight some of the most successful and sought-after finance internships that are great options if you want to jumpstart your career in finance.

We’ll discuss the essential qualities these programs have, what sort of work experience they offer, and provide advice on how to get accepted into each internship.

What to Look For When Applying for a Finance Internship

When applying for a finance internship, there are several factors to consider.

Rigor: Most prestigious finance internships require a rigorous application process and a competitive GPA, so ensure you’re up to the challenge before applying.

Company Reputation: It’s also important to research potential companies to ensure they have a good reputation in the industry and offer meaningful experiences that can help propel your career.

Networking Opportunities: Most finance internships offer incredible networking opportunities, so take advantage of the chance to build relationships and collaborate with industry leaders while in the program.

Salary & Benefits: Most finance internships provide a salary or stipend, so it’s important to research what potential companies are offering to ensure you’re getting the compensation that is both fair and competitive.

Some programs offer additional benefits such as health insurance or housing assistance for qualifying students.

Location: Make sure the internship location fits your needs and is somewhere you would be comfortable living during your time in the program.

Work Experience: Most finance internships offer the chance to gain valuable work experience and apply the skills learned in the classroom to a professional setting. Ensure you get an opportunity that provides meaningful and challenging work instead of just busy work.

Ultimately, when applying for a finance internship, make sure to do your research on potential companies, consider the features they offer, and decide if they’re right for you.

Most importantly, focus on finding an opportunity to help you grow your skillset, build relationships with other professionals in the industry, and get one step closer to achieving your career goals.

Top 10 Most Prestigious Finance Internships

Plenty of top-notch internships are available if you want to gain experience in investment banking, corporate finance, or other finance-related fields.

From small startups to global banks, here are 10 of the most prestigious finance internships out there:

Goldman Sachs Summer Analyst Program: This is one of the most competitive programs — and also one of the most rewarding. It's open exclusively to college students and offers an introduction to various fields, including asset management, investment banking, private equity, and more.

Morgan Stanley Investment Banking Internship: This program focuses on giving interns hands-on experience with mergers and acquisitions (M&A), debt capital markets (DCM), and equity capital markets (ECM). It’s tailored to give interns an in-depth look at the financial sector.

JPMorgan Chase & Co Investment Banking Summer Analyst Program: This program is designed for people who want to break into investment banking and those looking to gain experience with a leading global bank. Interns get exposure to various areas of finance, including corporate finance, M&A, and more.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch Corporate Banking Summer Analyst Program: This program provides its intern class with comprehensive training on doing deals, client service and sales, client presentations, and market research analysis.

Citigroup Global Markets Summer Analyst Program: This summer analyst program exposes interns to the global markets division, which includes foreign exchange, commodities, and derivatives trading.

Credit Suisse Investment Banking Summer Analyst Program: This program is designed to introduce its intern class to all areas of investment banking, including M&A and capital markets.

UBS Investment Bank Internship: This internship exposes interns to various investment banking services, including corporate finance and mergers & acquisitions.

Blackstone Summer Analyst Program: The Blackstone Group is one of the world's leading alternative asset managers, with over $500 billion in assets under management. Its summer analyst program introduces students to private equity investing and provides hands-on training through deal execution and portfolio company meetings.

Evercore Summer Analyst Program: This program provides interns with a wide range of experiences, from working on live deals to participating in weekly seminars and panel discussions. Interns also get the chance to present their ideas to senior bankers.

KKR Investment Banking Internship: KKR is one of the world's largest private equity firms. Its internship program introduces interns to leveraged finance, M&A, and capital markets.

How to Prepare Your Resume for a Financial Internship Application

When applying for a finance internship, your resume is the most important thing to consider. Most employers require resumes as part of the application process, and it's your chance to make an impression on them before they even meet you.

Preparing your resume for a financial internship application takes time and effort but can be well worth it.

The goal of your resume should be to stand out from other applicants by highlighting your relevant experience and qualifications in a concise format tailored to the position you are applying for.

Spend some time researching what skills and experiences employers of finance internships look for, then focus on those when crafting your resume.

Include any relevant coursework or academic achievements, and describe any projects you have worked on related to the position. Most importantly, it would be best to tailor your resume to reflect why your experience and skills make you a great candidate for the job.

When you have finished writing your resume, it's important to proofread it thoroughly before sending in your application. Check for any mistakes or typos, and ensure all the information is accurate and up-to-date. Consider having someone else review it for an objective opinion.

Finally, ensure that the document looks professional; use consistent formatting throughout and include a clear contact section at the end, so employers know how to reach you if they want to set up an interview.

Taking extra care when preparing your resume for a financial internship application can make all the difference in helping you stand out from other applicants. Put in the effort to make sure that yours is as perfect and complete as possible, and you'll be well on your way to landing an amazing opportunity.

FAQs

What are the benefits of interning in finance?

Interning in finance offers a range of benefits that can help you jumpstart your career. Most internships provide invaluable work experience, allowing you to develop skills and gain knowledge in a professional environment.

You’ll also network with industry professionals who may be able to offer advice or mentorship as you pursue a career in finance.

What skills do I need to intern in finance?

To intern in finance, you must have good analytical and problem-solving skills. You should also be comfortable working with numbers and can think critically and work independently.

Most programs also require strong communication skills; effectively collaborating with colleagues is essential for financial success.

What are the best ways to prepare for a finance internship?

The best way to prepare for a finance internship is to have comprehensive financial knowledge. Most programs don’t require you to have a degree or certifications, but they can help.

Ensure you are comfortable with key concepts such as accounting, investing, and taxes. Having some prior work experience in the field is also beneficial.

Conclusion

A wide selection of finance internships is available for aspiring financiers, but the most prestigious and sought-after ones are those available at the top companies. Getting into one of these exclusive positions takes dedication, skill, and knowledge. To stand a better chance of getting accepted, ideal candidates should ensure their resumes are in order before applying and take the time to research what each program has to offer.