15 Private Equity Internships for Undergraduates
- Stephen Turban
- Jun 9
- 13 min read
As a college student, internships are an effective way for you to gain practical experience beyond the classroom and explore potential career paths. Internships allow you to develop professional skills, understand workplace dynamics, and apply theoretical knowledge in real business environments. If you are planning a career in finance, an internship can also provide exposure to specialized sectors such as investment banking, venture capital, and private equity. These experiences often involve working alongside industry professionals, analyzing financial data, and contributing to projects that shape investment decisions. In addition to strengthening your resume, internships help you build professional networks that can open doors to future career opportunities.
Why should I do a private equity internship in college?
A private equity internship can significantly strengthen your career prospects in finance. During the internship, you may assist with tasks such as industry research, financial modeling, due diligence, and the evaluation of investment opportunities. These responsibilities help you develop analytical thinking and technical skills that are valued in competitive roles across finance and consulting. A private equity internship can also help you build relationships with professionals in the industry. Networking with partners, analysts, and associates can open doors to future mentorship opportunities and even full-time roles after graduation. Additionally, the overall internship experience can demonstrate initiative and industry exposure to future employers, giving you an advantage in competitive recruitment processes.
We have narrowed down 15 private equity internships for undergraduates to help you with your search.
If you're looking for remote internships, check out this blog here.
Location: Remote; you can participate from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on the cohort; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter)
Application deadline: Varies by cohort (January, May, September, and November cycles)
Eligibility: Undergraduate and gap year students who can commit 10–20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks
Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, virtual program where you work with startups and non-profits from around the world. During the internship, you will work directly with a startup team and contribute to a real-world project that addresses a specific need for the organization. Projects span various areas, including finance and investment. Throughout the program, you will work closely with a manager or mentor at the startup who guides your progress and provides feedback on your work. This structure allows you to gain professional experience in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment while developing skills in communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. At the end of the internship, you will present your project and outcomes, demonstrating the impact of your work and the insights you gained during the program. Apply now.
Location: Multiple global offices, including in New York, London, Hong Kong, Sydney, and other financial hubs
Stipend: Paid; compensation varies by location and division
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: Typically 10 – 12 weeks during the summer
Application deadline: Usually between July and October, depending on division and region
Eligibility: Undergraduate students, typically in their penultimate year of study, with strong academic performance and interest in finance
The Morgan Stanley Summer Analyst Internship allows you to spend 10 to 12 weeks in the summer exploring the operations of a leading financial services organization. During the internship, you will work within one of Morgan Stanley’s divisions, such as investment banking, investment management, private equity, research, or wealth management. You will contribute to real projects that support client strategy, investment analysis, and financial decision-making. Throughout the program, you will participate in training sessions, mentorship opportunities, and networking events with professionals across the firm. Typical responsibilities may include conducting research, preparing financial reports, analyzing market data, and assisting with client presentations. You may also work alongside analysts and associates on live projects, gaining exposure to the fast-paced world of global finance
Location: Multiple global offices, including London, New York, Paris, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, and other major financial centers
Stipend: Paid internship; compensation varies by region and division
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; limited internship positions each year
Dates: Typically 8–10 weeks during the summer
Application deadline: Usually between September and January, depending on site and role
Eligibility: Undergraduate students, typically in their penultimate year of study, with strong academic performance and interest in finance
Rothschild & Co’s internships allow you to gain exposure to advisory and financial services at one of the world’s leading independent investment banks. During the internship, you will work alongside analysts and associates in teams focused on mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, private equity advisory, or wealth and asset management. You will contribute to real projects by supporting financial analysis, conducting market research, and preparing materials for client presentations. Throughout the program, you will also participate in training sessions, mentorship opportunities, and networking events with senior professionals across the firm. This environment allows you to develop technical finance skills while learning how advisory teams evaluate deals and support clients on complex transactions. High-performing interns may receive return offers for full-time analyst roles, making the internship an important entry point into investment banking and private equity careers.
Location: Blackford Capital, Grand Rapids, MI
Stipend: Paid; compensation varies depending on role and schedule
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Spring: January – April (part-time) | Summer: May – August (full-time) | Fall: September – December (part-time)
Application deadline: Rolling; applications accepted year-round
Eligibility: Undergraduate sophomores, juniors, and seniors with an interest in private equity and finance
The Blackford Capital Internship Program allows you to gain hands-on experience in private equity by working directly with the firm’s investment and operational teams. You can join either the Deal Team as a Junior Analyst or the Investor Relations team, depending on your interests. As a Deal Team Junior Analyst, you will assist with projects such as deal sourcing, due diligence, portfolio company governance, and evaluating potential investment opportunities. This role provides exposure to how private equity firms identify and assess companies for acquisition. If you join the Investor Relations team as a Junior Analyst, you will support the firm's fundraising and communication initiatives. Your work may include managing investor databases, assisting with marketing materials, coordinating client communications, and supporting events or outreach to limited partners. In both tracks, you will collaborate with multiple departments, contribute to ongoing projects, and receive training that introduces you to the operational and strategic processes behind private equity investments.
Location: Multiple Goldman Sachs global offices (in the Americas, Europe, and Asia)
Stipend: Paid internship; compensation varies by division and location
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: ~9–10 weeks during the summer
Application deadline: Applications typically open a year in advance and remain open until positions are filled
Eligibility: Undergraduate students currently pursuing a college degree, usually in their penultimate or third year of study
The Goldman Sachs Summer Analyst Program offers undergraduate students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at one of the world’s leading financial institutions. During the internship, you will be fully immersed in the firm’s day-to-day operations and will work alongside professionals across divisions such as investment banking, asset management, global markets, and operations. The program begins with an orientation that introduces you to the firm’s culture, expectations, and professional standards. You will then receive training designed to help you build technical and professional skills relevant to your role. Throughout the internship, you will work on real responsibilities within your team, collaborating with analysts and associates on projects that support client services, financial analysis, and market research. The program provides valuable exposure to the financial industry and networking opportunities with peers and senior professionals across the firm.
Location: JPMorgan Chase offices in New York, NY, and San Francisco, CA
Stipend: Paid based on the salary of ~$100,000/year
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Nine weeks in the summer
Application deadline: October 1
Eligibility: Students pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree (non-MBA) and graduating in the next two years; applicants must attend U.S. colleges/universities, be fluent in both Mandarin and English (verbal and written), and be authorized to work in the U.S. (no immigration sponsorship is offered).
This is a nine-week summer program at JPMorgan Chase within the Asset & Wealth Management division, focused on working with high-net-worth clients through the Global Families Group Asia team. You will work alongside bankers, investment specialists, wealth advisors, and lending specialists to help clients manage and grow their financial portfolios. Your work will include conducting research, developing products, and responding to client needs across areas like market strategy, equity, and alternative investments. The program begins with a week of training and orientation to help you get familiar with the business before contributing to your team. You will also have access to one-on-one mentorship and networking events throughout the summer. Strong performers may receive a full-time job offer upon completing the program.
Location: Adams Street Partners, Chicago, IL (with offices also in New York, NY, and Menlo Park, CA)
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 8–10 weeks in the summer
Application deadline: TBA; recruitment typically opens in spring
Eligibility: Undergraduate students in their second or third year of a four-year degree program (entering junior or senior year during the internship) who do not need H-1B sponsorship
This summer internship at Adams Street Partners, a private markets investment firm, places you on one of several teams, including private equity, private credit, co-investments, secondary investments, or information technology. You will work on real projects, attend investment meetings, and receive mentorship from professionals at the firm. Each week, you can participate in a Summer Symposium that offers access to webinars led by professionals on private equity, private credit, and venture capital. You will also have access to proprietary training resources and social networking events. After the internship ends, you may be invited to join an alumni program that includes market update sessions and networking opportunities.
Location: Multiple AB offices, including in New York, NY, and Nashville, TN
Stipend: Paid (compensation varies by role and location)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: 10 weeks during the summer
Application deadline: Varies by position and location
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who have completed their junior year of college
This program offers you the opportunity to gain practical experience at a leading global asset-management firm. Over the course of 10 weeks, you will work within one of AB’s business units and contribute to projects that support investment research, market analysis, technology development, or business operations. The internship is designed to give you direct exposure to the financial services industry while allowing you to build professional and technical skills in a collaborative environment. At the beginning of the program, you will participate in a firmwide onboarding experience that introduces you to the company’s culture, leadership team, and organizational structure. Throughout the internship, you will attend training sessions focused on presentation skills, capital markets, software tools, and teamwork. You will also gain access to mentoring programs and networking events with senior professionals across the firm.
Location: Multiple PJT Partners global offices, including in New York, London, and Hong Kong
Stipend: Paid internship; compensation varies by location
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Typically 8–10 weeks during the summer
Application deadline: Applications generally open in the spring of the year prior to the internship and close before summer
Eligibility: Undergraduate students in their penultimate year of study
The PJT Partners Summer Analyst Internship Program offers you the opportunity to gain exposure to high-level advisory work within a leading global investment banking and advisory firm. During the internship, you will work on PJT teams on projects in corporate finance, restructuring, strategic advisory, and capital markets. The program is designed to provide early responsibility, allowing you to contribute to live transactions and client-focused work while learning directly from senior bankers and analysts. Throughout the internship, you will develop technical skills in financial analysis, valuation, and strategic problem-solving while collaborating with teams that advise corporations, financial sponsors, and governments. PJT emphasizes mentorship and professional development, giving interns regular opportunities to receive feedback and guidance from experienced professionals.
Location: BDO, Richmond, VA
Stipend: ~$28 – $32/hour depending on location and qualifications
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; limited internship placements
Dates: Summer internship
Application deadline: Varies; applications typically open the year prior to the internship
Eligibility: Undergraduate or master’s students, preferably those who have completed their junior year with a focus in finance, accounting, or related fields
The BDO Capital Advisors (BCA) Summer Analyst Internship gives you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in middle-market investment banking. As an intern, you will work alongside BCA professionals to support transaction-related services, including mergers and acquisitions advisory, capital raising, and strategic financial analysis. The internship is designed to introduce you to the full M&A deal lifecycle, including sell-side advisory, buy-side engagements, and private placements. During the program, you will assist with building financial models and conducting valuation analysis using techniques such as comparable company analysis, precedent transaction analysis, and discounted cash flow (DCF) modeling. You may also contribute to preparing investment banking materials, including pitch books, offering memoranda, management presentations, and valuation reports.
11. Guggenheim Securities Student Positions: Investment Banking Summer Analyst (Private Capital Markets)
Location: Guggenheim Securities, New York, NY
Stipend: Paid based on an annualized rate of $110,000 (pro-rated for the internship period)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 10-week summer internship
Application deadline: Varies by recruitment cycle
Eligibility: Undergraduate or master’s students expected to graduate in the next two years
Guggenheim Securities offers college students the opportunity to gain exposure to financing transactions for global corporations, financial institutions, and infrastructure projects. As part of the Private Capital Markets team, you will support deals involving privately negotiated financing solutions, including senior equity raises, preferred equity placements, growth capital, dividend recapitalizations, and acquisition financing. During the internship, you will work in small deal teams alongside analysts, associates, and senior bankers. Your responsibilities may include conducting industry and company research, analyzing institutional investor activity, preparing financial analyses, and developing client presentations. You will also assist in evaluating market trends in private capital markets and support the execution of financing mandates across multiple sectors.
Location: Union Square Advisors, San Francisco, CA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer (typically 8–10 weeks)
Application deadline: Not specified; interviews begin in January
Eligibility: Undergraduate students expected to graduate in the Spring, typically studying finance, economics, accounting, or related fields
The Union Square Advisors Summer Analyst Internship offers you the opportunity to gain specialized experience in technology-focused investment banking. During the program, you will work closely with analysts and senior bankers on live mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions and private capital-raising engagements in the technology sector. The firm advises leading technology companies, venture capital investors, and private equity firms on strategic transactions. Throughout the internship, you will support deal teams by conducting financial modeling, valuation analysis, and industry research. Your responsibilities may include analyzing financial and operational data, identifying market trends, preparing internal analyses, and developing materials used in client presentations. You will also collaborate with analysts to support due diligence discussions and client calls for ongoing transactions.
Location: Multiple BBH offices, including New York, Boston, and Philadelphia
Stipend: Paid; compensation varies by role and location
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Varies by location and department; typically offered during summer or academic terms.
Application deadline: Rolling applications throughout the year, depending on the internship role
Eligibility: Undergraduate students with an interest in financial services; some programs target sophomores or students from underrepresented backgrounds
BBH’s Internship Program allows you to gain practical experience in financial services while working alongside professionals across the firm. You will contribute to real projects across private banking, investment management, operations, and client services. Additionally, you will collaborate with team members on research, data analysis, and projects that support the firm’s investment and client strategies. The program emphasizes mentorship and professional development, giving you the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals who actively guide interns throughout the experience. BBH also offers early-career initiatives, such as the Undergraduate Mentorship Program (BUMP), which helps first-generation college students develop skills in resume writing, interview preparation, and professional networking while learning about careers in private banking and investment management. Through hands-on work and mentorship, you will gain insight into the financial services industry while building the professional skills needed for future careers in finance.
Location: Multiple Rockefeller Capital Management offices across the U.S.
Stipend: Paid internship with competitive hourly compensation
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: 10-week summer internship (June–August)
Application deadline: Varies by role and recruiting cycle
Eligibility: Undergraduate students currently in their junior year with an interest in financial services
The Rockefeller Capital Management Summer Analyst Program is a 10-week internship designed to introduce you to the firm’s culture and the broader financial services industry. As a summer analyst, you will become fully integrated into the day-to-day operations of the firm while contributing to projects that have a real business impact. During the internship, you will participate in structured training programs that provide an overview of the firm’s business model and the role different teams play in delivering client services. The program also includes weekly speaker series sessions with senior leaders, mentorship opportunities, and roundtable discussions on market developments and industry trends. These activities help you build a deeper understanding of the financial services sector while expanding your professional network.
Location: Multiple Barclays global offices, including New York, London, and Chicago
Stipend: Paid; compensation varies by role and location
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Typically 8–10 weeks during the summer
Application deadline: Applications usually open in the fall and close during the winter recruiting cycle
Eligibility: Undergraduate students in their penultimate year of study with strong academic performance and an interest in finance
The Barclays Summer Internship Program gives you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at one of the world’s leading global investment banks. During the internship, you will work on real projects within a chosen business area such as Investment Banking, Global Markets, Technology, Operations, Risk, Finance, or Wealth Management. You will be integrated into teams from day one and contribute to meaningful work that supports the firm’s clients and operations. Throughout the internship, you will receive guidance from a line manager, a mentor, and a peer buddy who will help you develop technical and professional skills. Training sessions and networking events are also included to give you deeper insight into the financial services industry and help you build connections across the firm. You will often collaborate on tasks such as financial analysis, industry research, preparing presentations, and supporting client-facing projects, depending on their division.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, 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 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here, check out students’ reviews of the program here and 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 graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. 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.