How to get a finance internship

Depending on the internship, some programs may have minimum GPA requirements for candidates. You can prepare for internships by tracking your grades, making up missed work, and studying for your exams. When applying for internships, you may also want to ask your instructors to serve as a reference or provide a recommendation.

The next step is to research potential internship opportunities and determine what roles interest you the most. As a finance student, you should be able to contact your college advisor or instructors to find out more about possible internship opportunities. If you know people in the industry, ask them if they are aware of opportunities.

Determine if you want to participate in internships during the summer or during the school year. Make sure these commitments don't conflict with your school requirements and that you are able to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Once you have found an internship that interests you, it is time to update your resume and submit an application.

Applications will typically require your:

• Resume

• Current career goals

• Education

• Skills

• Achievements

• Work history

You may also choose to include a cover letter that briefly summarizes your qualifications as a candidate and provides the employer with a glimpse of who you are and what relevant skills you may have.

You can submit applications to multiple programs at a time and are actually encouraged to do so, as it can take several weeks for applications to be processed. While waiting for a response, you can take time to prepare for potential interviews and help employers assess you as a candidate and verify your qualifications.

Depending on the program, you may need to undergo more than one interview. Prepare for these interviews by researching common questions for the finance industry and practicing your responses. These interviews are also for you to learn more about the position.

Come prepared with questions to help determine if this is the right fit and program for you. Sample questions can include:

• What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this internship?

• How is performance success determined for interns?

• Can you tell me about the core values of your organization?

• Can you tell me more about your company culture?

• Are there opportunities for full-time employment upon graduation for interns?

Prior to your interview, prepare what you will wear and be sure that you are a business professional. Remember that it is better to be overdressed than to be underdressed. You also want to make sure that the rest of your appearance is neat and distraction-free. Keep the focus on your qualifications and skills for the internship.