10 Finance Internships for High School Students
For high school students interested in accounting, finance, or business, gaining practical experience early on can be super valuable. Such experience not only provides a solid foundation for future studies but also helps determine if a career in finance is the right fit for you. Internships offer a unique opportunity to develop critical problem-solving skills, understand the intricacies of your chosen field, and build a strong professional network.
In this blog, we've compiled a list of 10 great finance internships for high school students. These programs provide hands-on experience, skill development, and the chance to enhance your resume and college applications. Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of finance or simply explore your interest, these internships offer a significant step toward a career in the industry!
1. Ladder Internship Program - Finance Track
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost: $1,490 (Financial Aid Available)
Application deadline: April 16 and May 14
Internship Dates: 8 weeks, June to August
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates and gap year students!
Ladder Internship is a selective program equipping students with virtual internship experiences at startups and nonprofits around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries, and each student can select which field they would most love to deep dive into. This is also a great opportunity for students to explore areas they think they might be interested in, and better understand professional career opportunities in those areas. The startups are based all across the world, with the majority being in the United States, Asia and then Europe and the UK.
You can explore all the options here on their application form. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. In addition to working closely with their manager from the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship - the Ladder Coach serves as a second mentor and a sounding board, guiding you through the internship and helping you navigate the startup environment.
Interns are offered one-on-one training in communication, time management, and other such valuable skills and will also have the opportunity to attend group training sessions with other interns in their cohort. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
Location: New York City, NY
Stipend: Paid four-year internship and a full-tuition scholarship
Application Deadline: January (tentatively, based on previous years)
Internship Dates: Four years through college
Eligibility: High-achieving graduating seniors in New York City, who can balance their education with work.
The JP Morgan Smart Start Program, also known as the Thomas G. Labrecque Smart Start Program, offers an exceptional opportunity for graduating high school seniors passionate about finance. This prestigious initiative combines a long-term internship with a full four-year scholarship to an approved college or university. Participants work part-time during the academic year and transition to full-time roles in the summer, gaining hands-on experience across various J.P. Morgan business areas.
The program’s rotational structure ensures interns gain comprehensive exposure by working in different departments each year. This approach helps students develop both technical and soft skills for future careers in finance. With over 300 alumni continuing to contribute to the success of J.P. Morgan, the program’s lasting impact on participants' professional development is evident.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Hourly stipend provided
Application Deadline: Applications for the 2024 program are currently closed. The application process for the 2025 program will open in fall 2024.
Internship Dates: 8 weeks (June - August)
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors.
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program offers a unique opportunity for students to delve into the world of finance and accounting. Participants engage in practical projects that cover budgeting, financial analysis, and planning, while also honing their problem-solving and leadership skills.
A key feature of this program is its emphasis on community engagement and networking. Students connect with banking and financial industry professionals, gaining valuable insights and building important connections. Additionally, the program includes guest lectures and workshops led by seasoned professionals, expanding participants' knowledge of the financial sector and equipping them with a robust skill set for future careers in accounting.
Location: Chicago, IL
Stipend: Paid (amount not specified)
Application Deadline: Applications will open in spring 2024.
Internship Dates: June - August (6 weeks)
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors residing in Chicago with a B or 3.0 average and family income below $80,000/year.
Established in 1991, the Chicago Summer Business Institute (CSBI) is a well-regarded program that offers paid internships to high school students, enhancing their understanding and experience within the financial services sector. Over 6 weeks, students participate in a blend of practical experience and classroom learning, including workshops, seminars, hands-on projects, discussions, career development skills, and networking events.
CSBI emphasizes inclusivity, targeting students from low-income backgrounds to ensure equitable access to professional growth opportunities. Many notable alumni have interned with prestigious organizations such as Siebert Brandford Shank and Co., the City of Chicago Department of Finance, and Cabrera Capital Markets. This program has a track record of inspiring students to pursue further education in economics, business, and finance, including MBAs or college degrees.
Location: New York City, NY
Stipend: $25 an hour
Application Deadline: Unspecified
Internship Dates: 3 weeks in July
Eligibility: Rising Junior or Senior in high school; Commitment to all dates and times of the internship; Live in commutable proximity to the KPMG local office and can participate in person during normal business hours
The KPMG U.S. Empower High School Experience offers an immersive introduction to the world of accounting and professional services. This 3-week program allows participants to delve into key accounting principles, auditing methods, tax concepts, and advisory services through interactive workshops and practical case studies.
Students collaborate on projects, enhancing their problem-solving and critical thinking skills, which are crucial for future careers in finance and accounting. The program also provides extensive networking and mentorship opportunities, allowing participants to connect with KPMG professionals and gain valuable insights into the industry. Additionally, guest lectures and workshops led by industry experts further enrich students' knowledge, fostering a deeper understanding and passion for the field.
Location: Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: The 2024 application is closed; TBA for 2025
Internship Dates: 5 weeks from July - August
Eligibility: High school students.
The Fidelity Investments Asset Management High School Summer Internship offers a comprehensive experience in the fields of accounting and finance, with a particular focus on asset management. Over 5 weeks, participants gain hands-on experience with investment strategies, financial analysis, risk management, and portfolio management. Interns work on real-world projects, applying economic theories to practical scenarios, which sharpens their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
In addition to project work, interns receive mentorship from experienced professionals, providing valuable insight and career guidance. Upon completing the program, participants will have a thorough understanding of asset management and receive a certificate recognizing their proficiency in the field.
Location: Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, MA
Stipend: Paid (exact amount not specified)
Application deadline: No information is available at the moment.
Internship Dates: July - August
Eligibility: High school students who have completed their sophomore year in any Boston public school.
The TIP internship offers underrepresented youth with the chance to develop essential skills and gain practical experience in finance and accounting. Participants engage in job coaching and skill-building workshops, covering key principles of accounting, financial analysis, tax preparation, and audit procedures.
Emphasizing professional growth and networking, the program allows interns to work on real projects under the guidance of mentors and industry professionals. Select students, based on interest and availability, may be chosen for a year-round internship lasting up to three years. This structure ensures that interns not only build crucial skills over the summer but also gain comprehensive, long-term experience.
Location: Various Kaiser Permanente Medical Centers or business offices. Find a location near you.
Stipend: $15.50 - $18 per hour
Application Deadline: Applications typically close end of December.
Internship Dates: June 17 – August 2, 2024
Eligibility: Students aged 16-19 by June 1, 2024, and are current high school students and/or graduating seniors of the Class of 2024. Priority is given to juniors and senior-level students. Those applying must have the right to work in the US.
Kaiser Permanente, a leading global healthcare and insurance provider, offers summer internships that provide high school students with practical experience and insights into the healthcare industry, with a strong focus on professional development. The program offers tracks in various fields related to or associated with healthcare, such as finance, accounting, sales and marketing, communications, product development, and more. Students interested in finance or business roles can choose tracks that align with their interests.
Interns will engage in hands-on activities, shadowing experiences, and educational workshops designed to enhance their understanding of the business side of healthcare. The program emphasizes mentorship, teamwork, and personal development, encouraging students to explore career interests across multiple fields. This immersive experience helps students build essential skills and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare industry’s financial and business aspects.
Stipend: Paid (exact amount not specified)
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.
Internship Dates: 8 weeks, typically from mid-June to August.
Eligibility: High school students aged 16-18 years.
The CLA High School Internship Program offers students a hands-on introduction to the field of accounting. Interns gain practical experience in key areas such as tax preparation, financial analysis, and audit procedures. Throughout the 8-week program, you will collaborate on real-world projects, applying theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios to enhance your problem-solving and analytical skills.
The program also emphasizes networking and professional development. You'll have the opportunity to connect with seasoned professionals, mentors, and peers, building valuable relationships that could benefit your future career, while gaining firsthand experience in the industry.
Location: Varies, interns are placed in a location dependent on KPMG’s decisions on hosting the internship in a particular location.
Cost: No cost; annual scholarships to college offered ($10,000 per year)
Application Deadline: February 1, 2024
Internship Dates: Summer before college (exact dates can vary).
Eligibility: High school seniors.
The KPMG Future Leaders Program is a distinguished work-learn initiative designed to encourage young women to pursue careers in business and STEM fields. This highly selective program admits only 22 high school seniors each year from a large pool of applicants.
As a KPMG scholar, you will be paired with an executive mentor, who is a senior business leader and a past attendee of the KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit. This mentorship provides unique networking opportunities and the chance to learn accounting principles and concepts directly from experienced professionals.
In addition to mentorship, scholars receive comprehensive training and career development support. They also benefit from annual college scholarships, and continuous support throughout their academic journey. This program is designed for young women seeking to build a strong foundation in business and leadership.
One other option - Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research in finance or STEM, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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