Five Great Summer Experiences for Finance Students
- Blackstone University
- Deutsche Bank
- Goldman Sachs
- Lazard
- Morgan Stanley
The best finance internships occur the summer between the first and second year of a Master’s in Finance program. Summer internship experiences are paid, competitive opportunities to try out for a full-time position at prestigious financial institutions. Here are five of the most well-known summer options for graduate students.
1. Blackstone University
Both undergraduate and graduate students are heavily recruited by the firm Blackstone. They target elite universities and high-performing students for a range of Blackstone University options. You can apply for a full-time position as an analyst or associate, starting right after graduation. Or you can join the 12-week summer program. Expect heavy competition for these paid, prestigious opportunities.
2. Deutsche Bank
Join one of the world’s largest financial institutions for an international experience. Deutsche Bank’s summer program features around the globe. Most positions are based in Europe. Although acceptance is highly competitive, earning good grades at a high-ranking American university can help you compete with international applicants. Foreign language knowledge is a plus, as is a demonstrated desire to work in international banking. Visit the Deutsche Bank site to learn more about open positions, benefits and job duties.
3. Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs is one of the biggest financial players. Landing a summer position here will catapult your career to the next level. The Goldman Sachs Summer Associate Internship is designed specifically for graduate-level law, business and accounting students. You’ll spend 10 weeks working directly with staff to manage internal and external clients. The program is considered an extended audition for a full-time position with the firm. Successful summer staff are frequently recruited for entry-level roles after graduation.
4. Lazard
Like competitor Goldman Sachs, Lazard recruits graduate students in financial subjects for summer positions to evaluate their fitness as a full-time employee. As you can see from the Lazard’s Students’ Page, many summer interns have advanced to prestigious positions in the firm in:
- asset management
- financial advising
- market analysis
The firm also funds an extremely competitive Lazard MBA Diversity Fellowship. It provides $30,000 towards graduate school costs and a signing bonus of $45,000 if the participant completes a summer program and later joins the firm. Both women and underrepresented minorities are encouraged to apply.
5. Morgan Stanley
Morgan Stanley offers summer positions in all of its departments, including:
- institutional securities
- wealth management
- investment management
You can tailor your summer to your career interests and gain hands-on experience on high-level projects in an elite firm. Positions are offered in:
- New York
- London
- Hong Kong
- other cities around the globe
Some offices even offer relocation or travel expenses in addition to the competitive stipend and benefits. If you’re rounding off your list of programs to apply to, make sure you include Morgan Stanley’s impressive range of student and recent graduate programs.
Unlike other fields, finance internships offer:
- stipends
- salaries
- benefits
You don’t have to worry about affording three months of working for free in a high-cost city. Once you’re accepted to a Master’s in Finance graduate program, your biggest decision will be choosing which of these great financial internship programs is best for you.
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