15 Finance Internships for Freshmen in College
- Stephen Turban
- 3 hours ago
- 13 min read
While you are in college, internships can complement your classroom learning and prepare you for life after graduation. Internships can be strong early-career opportunities that give you a practical way to test an academic interest before committing to it long term. Unlike many costly enrichment options, internships can also be a more accessible way to explore a field, as many of them are paid, offer academic credit, or charge no program fee.
If you are interested in markets, investing, banking, regulation, or financial policy, gaining early exposure through internships can help you connect your coursework to professional work. The best finance internships will help you build analytical skills, learn how financial institutions actually work, and meet professionals who can shape your next steps.
Why should I participate in a Finance internship in college?
Finance internships can help you move beyond classroom theory and see how decisions get made in real organizations, whether that means analyzing data, supporting research, evaluating risk, or learning how institutions serve clients and communities. That kind of experience matters when you apply for jobs or graduate school later, as schools and employers often look for students who have already shown initiative, professionalism, and comfort working with data or business problems. These internships can help you decide early whether you want to explore investment roles, corporate finance jobs, policy work, banking supervision, fintech, or research before you invest more time in a specific path.
To narrow the search, we have compiled a list of 15 finance internships for freshmen in college.
If you’re looking for remote internships, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These internships span federal financial regulation (CFPB, SEC Scholars, CFTC, OCC, U.S. Treasury), investment and trading (D. E. Shaw, Jane Street), professional services and consulting (Deloitte, EY, KPMG Embark), corporate finance (Capital One, Shell, Northwestern Mutual), and virtual or startup-based roles (Ladder University), giving freshmen a wide range of finance environments to explore.
Several internships are paid and competitive, with D. E. Shaw offering up to $25,000 monthly base salary, Jane Street offering competitive compensation, and federal programs such as CFPB and OCC offering paid roles on a federal pay scale, while some programs, such as the U.S. Treasury Headquarters Internship and Morgan Stanley Early Insights Program, are unpaid but offer valuable regulatory and industry exposure.
Federal government internships, including those at the CFPB, SEC, CFTC, OCC, and U.S. Treasury, are generally restricted to U.S. citizens and require enrollment in an accredited institution, while private-sector programs like Ladder University, Deloitte, EY, and Jane Street are more broadly accessible to international students depending on work authorization.
Several programs offer structured mentorship, formal mid-term reviews, and pathways to full-time employment, including Shell's Assessed Internship (which can lead to a return offer), KPMG Embark (a multi-year program with rotating assignments), and Morgan Stanley Early Insights (which provides a pathway to accelerated summer analyst interviews).
The KPMG Embark Scholars Program is notably designed for first-generation college students and community college students, making it one of the more equity-focused options on this list for freshmen who may not have traditional access to finance internship pipelines.
Location: Remote; you can work from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies; financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Several cohorts throughout the year (Summer, Spring, Fall, and Winter)
Application deadline: Varies by cohort (January, May, September, and November cycles)
Eligibility: Undergraduate and gap year students who are able to commit 10 to 20 hours per week for 8 to 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, tech, hospitality, and management. 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: CFPB, Washington, D.C., and other U.S. offices
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective
Dates: Typically 12 weeks (summer); some variation by role
Application deadline: Varies by role (listings on USAJOBS)
Eligibility: Students enrolled in accredited institutions with a minimum GPA of 2.5; applicants must be U.S. citizens/U.S. Nationals.
The CFPB Pathways Internship Program is a paid federal internship that allows you to work on projects related to consumer financial protection and regulation. During the program, you will gain hands-on experience in legal research, policy analysis, data analytics, IT systems, and program management. You will engage in tasks like drafting reports, supporting investigations, reviewing regulatory documents, and contributing to policy initiatives. The internship includes structured training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help you understand the role of federal agencies in protecting consumers.
Location: D.E. Shaw offices, New York, NY
Stipend: $25,000 monthly base salary + $10,000 sign-on bonus + an additional $17,300 for housing, study materials, and personal tech
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June – August (10 weeks)
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in four-year undergraduate or graduate degree programs
This 10-week internship places you on the D. E. Shaw Group’s fundamental investing team, where you will conduct in-depth research and analysis on companies and industries to help identify investment opportunities. Your responsibilities will include researching and analyzing specific companies, performing due diligence on potential investments, keeping up with financial news and trends, reading company reports, and analyzing data from traditional and alternative sources. You will work with analysts and gain insight into how investment decisions are made at a leading global investment firm. Over the course of the internship, you will explore investment paths and gain experience solving complex, multifaceted problems.
Location: Jane Street offices in New York, NY; roles also available in London and Hong Kong
Stipend: Paid (competitive compensation; exact figures not publicly specified)
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective
Dates: Typically 10 – 12 weeks (May – September); off-cycle internships also available
Application deadline: Varies by role; generally rolling
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students from diverse academic backgrounds (no finance background required)
The Jane Street Internship Program offers students intensive, project-based experiences where you will work on real problems in quantitative trading, machine learning, software engineering, research, and strategy. During the internship, you will be directly involved in team projects, applying advanced technical and analytical skills to modern financial markets. The program combines hands-on work with structured learning through classes, mock trading sessions, and discussions on topics like algorithms, decision-making, and systems design. You will receive close mentorship and regular feedback while collaborating with teams across offices.
Location: Multiple U.S. and global Deloitte offices; some roles may offer hybrid options
Stipend: Paid internship (exact compensation not publicly specified)
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective
Dates: Typically summer (dates vary by role and program)
Application deadline: Varies by role; often rolling or early recruiting cycles
Eligibility: Undergraduate students; requirements vary by internship type
Deloitte Internship Programs provide hands-on experience in professional services, allowing you to apply academic knowledge to real business challenges. As an intern, you will work on meaningful projects across consulting, audit, tax, and internal services, rather than observing from the sidelines. The program emphasizes structured learning through training sessions, mentorship, and networking events with professionals across the firm. Early-career options, such as the Discovery Internship, are designed to introduce you to client-facing work and build foundational skills in problem-solving, communication, and business strategy.
Location: Multiple KPMG office locations in the U.S.
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multi-year program with internship components (exact dates vary)
Application deadline: Varies by role; typically part of early campus recruiting cycles
Eligibility: First-generation or community college students pursuing accounting, IT, or related degrees; preferred GPA is 3.0 or higher. Applicants must have at least three semesters remaining after program completion.
The KPMG Embark Scholars Program is a multi-year, paid internship designed to develop early-career college students into future leaders in professional services. During the program, you will rotate across key practice areas such as Audit, Tax, and Advisory, exploring different career paths within the firm. You will receive structured training, mentorship from a cross-functional network of professionals, and exposure to real business operations. A central component of the program is a team-based capstone project in which you will collaborate with peers to solve practical problems and develop teamwork skills.
Location: Global EY offices; virtual and hybrid options also available
Stipend: Paid (compensation varies by role and location)
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective
Dates: Typically, summer internships; some year-round and off-cycle opportunities
Application deadline: Varies by role; often early recruiting cycles or rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Undergraduate, graduate, and MBA students; degree requirements vary by role.
EY Internship and Early Career Programs provide structured pathways into professional services, offering exposure to key service lines, including Assurance, Consulting, Strategy & Transactions, Tax, and Core Business Services. As an intern, you will work on real client engagements, applying analytical, business, and problem-solving skills in a professional finance environment. The programs emphasize continuous learning through formal training, mentorship, and hands-on project experience. You will also access networking opportunities and cross-functional collaboration, helping you understand different career pathways within the firm.
Location: Various Shell offices in the U.S.
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 10 – 12 weeks (specific dates vary by role and posting)
Application deadline: Varies by role
Eligibility: Current undergraduate or graduate students who will complete at least one more semester following the internship; students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher and should be authorized to work in the U.S.
The Shell Assessed Internship Program places you on a real project team working alongside experienced Shell professionals in a field of your choice. You can choose the finance track to work full-time with finance professionals at Shell on real projects, which will be assigned based on your interests and skills. You will be assigned a supervisor and a mentor who will provide guidance and conduct a formal mid-term review of your progress. Throughout the internship, you will complete assessments. At the end of the program, you will deliver a final presentation discussing an individual project. Strong internship performance can lead to an offer of full-time employment at Shell.
Location: Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C. (Headquarters) + U.S. Regional Offices
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: 10 weeks (Spring, Summer, Fall cohorts available)
Application deadline: Varies by term (e.g., January for Summer cohort)
Eligibility: Undergraduate, graduate, and law students who are U.S. citizens and have a minimum GPA of 2.5
The SEC Scholars Program is a 10-week internship offered by the U.S.Securities and Exchange Commission that provides exposure to federal regulatory work in finance, law, and technology. As an intern, you will work with SEC staff on projects related to auditing, securities regulation, litigation, compliance, and corporate analysis. The program offers hands-on experience across divisions, helping you understand how financial markets are regulated. You will also gain access to mentorship, training sessions, and networking opportunities within a federal agency setting. This can be an opportunity to explore financial roles within the government.
Location: Treasury Department office, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: January – May (spring) | September – December (fall) | May – August (summer)
Application deadline: October (for spring) | June (for fall) | December (for summer)
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and graduate students who are U.S. citizens enrolled at or accepted to accredited institutions
The U.S. Department of the Treasury Headquarters Student Internship Program is an unpaid, semester-based internship that provides direct exposure to federal policymaking and public service. During the program, you will work within Treasury’s Departmental Offices on tasks such as policy research, data analysis, report writing, and supporting high-level meetings. You may contribute to areas including economic policy, financial regulation, national security, and government operations, depending on your assigned office. The internship emphasizes developing analytical, leadership, and communication skills while helping you understand how a cabinet-level agency functions.
Location: CFTC offices in Washington, D.C., Chicago, IL, Kansas City, MO, and New York, NY
Stipend: Paid and unpaid opportunities available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective
Dates: Year-round (part-time or full-time; varies by role)
Application deadline: Varies by posting (via USAJOBS)
Eligibility: Students, ages 16 and up, enrolled at least half-time in qualifying educational institutions with a minimum GPA of 2.5
The CFTC Pathways Internship Program provides hands-on experience in financial regulation across finance/accounting, information technology, economics, and legal fields. During the internship, you will work on assignments aligned with your academic background, gaining exposure to the regulation of derivatives markets and the functioning of a federal agency. You will be supported by a supervisor or mentor who will help you develop an Individual Development Plan that outlines your training, responsibilities, and career goals. The program emphasizes skill-building through real projects, collaboration, and structured learning opportunities.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective
Dates: January – February (typically a two-week virtual series per track)
Application deadline: Mid-November (dates vary by year)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students
The Morgan Stanley Early Insights Program is a multi-week virtual experience designed to introduce you to the financial services industry and the firm’s core business divisions. During the program, you will explore investment banking, global capital markets, sales and trading, wealth management, research, and corporate risk management through structured sessions. You will attend workshops, engage in panel discussions with professionals, and analyze business case studies to understand real-world financial decision-making. The program also emphasizes networking, allowing you to connect with senior leaders and recruiters. A key advantage is its track-based structure, which can provide a pathway to accelerated interviews for future summer analyst roles.
Location: OCC, Washington, D.C., or other OCC offices in the U.S.
Stipend: Paid (federal pay scale); exact figures not specified
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective
Dates: Summer and year-round opportunities available; dates vary
Application deadline: Varies by role (via USAJOBS)
Eligibility: Students, ages 16 and up, enrolled at least half-time in high school, undergraduate, or graduate programs with good academic standing
The OCC Pathways Internship Program offers you the opportunity to work on meaningful projects supporting the regulation of banks and federal savings associations. During the internship, you will contribute to assignments in areas such as financial management, human capital, or information technology, depending on your role. You will gain practical experience through assignments that align with your academic background while developing analytical, technical, and professional skills. You may assist with research, policy development, records management, and accounting operations. The program includes mentorship and exposure to federal financial oversight functions.
Location: Northwestern Mutual, Red Bank, NJ + other Northwestern Mutual U.S. offices
Stipend: Performance-based earnings + incentives (up to ~$1,000/month) + commissions and bonuses
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Year-round opportunity
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Undergraduate students; while juniors and seniors are preferred, college freshmen can apply.
The Northwestern Mutual College Financial Representative Internship is a paid opportunity to build a financial planning practice while still in college. You will develop skills in client acquisition, financial planning, and business strategy by working directly with individuals to understand their financial goals and recommend solutions. The internship includes structured training, weekly coaching sessions, and access to professional tools and licensing opportunities (such as life and health insurance certifications). You will also gain experience using proprietary financial planning software and engaging with industry professionals.
Location: Various Capital One U.S. locations
Stipend: Available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not officially disclosed
Dates: Typically, 10 weeks; dates vary
Application deadline: Varies by role
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students; major-related requirements vary by role.
Capital One’s internship program is designed for students interested in business, entrepreneurship, and finance. As an intern, you will work on real business challenges across strategy consulting, finance, commercial banking, business analytics, or management, contributing to projects with measurable impact. You will gain experience in market evaluation, analytical thinking, and strategic planning. You will engage in cross-functional collaboration, learn how large organizations make financial decisions, and receive mentorship from professionals throughout. Over the 10-week program, you will develop an understanding of how risk analysis, data, and strategy come together in real business environments.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best finance internships for college freshmen?
Strong options depend on a student's interests and goals. Students interested in financial regulation might consider the CFPB, SEC Scholars, or CFTC Pathways programs; those drawn to investment and trading might look at Jane Street or D. E. Shaw; and those interested in professional services might consider Deloitte, EY, or KPMG Embark.
Are there paid finance internships available to college freshmen?
Yes, many are paid. D. E. Shaw offers a $25,000 monthly base salary plus additional stipends; Jane Street, Deloitte, EY, Shell, and KPMG Embark are all paid programs; and federal programs at the CFPB, CFTC, and OCC also offer paid positions. The U.S. Treasury Headquarters Internship and Morgan Stanley Early Insights Program are unpaid but offer other significant professional benefits.
Which finance internships are open to international students?
Ladder University, Jane Street (with offices in New York, London, and Hong Kong), Deloitte, EY, and Capital One are among the programs that may be accessible to international students depending on work authorization. Federal programs, including CFPB, SEC Scholars, CFTC, and U.S. Treasury, require U.S. citizenship.
Which finance internships are specifically designed for freshmen or early-career students?
Morgan Stanley Early Insights Program explicitly targets undergraduate freshmen and sophomores for early exposure to financial services; KPMG Embark Scholars is a multi-year program designed to begin with early-stage college students; and Ladder University accepts freshmen and gap year students across all cohorts.
Do any finance internships lead to full-time job offers or future internship opportunities?
Yes, Shell's Assessed Internship explicitly notes that strong performance can lead to a full-time offer; KPMG Embark is structured as a multi-year program with the goal of developing students into future hires; and Morgan Stanley Early Insights provides a track to accelerated interviews for future summer analyst roles at the firm.
When should I apply to finance internships as a college freshman?
Deadlines vary significantly. Federal programs such as the U.S. Treasury (December for summer) and SEC Scholars (January for summer) have earlier deadlines, while programs like Ladder University (rolling by cohort), Northwestern Mutual (rolling year-round), and Capital One (varies by role) offer more flexibility. Students should begin researching and applying in the fall semester of their freshman year to maximize their options.
One other option—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.