You can’t get your first finance internship with no experience, and you can’t get experience before landing a finance internship.

Many people have had to solve this age-old puzzle. I’ve also been there.

Through this article, I’m eager to offer industry insights on how to get a finance internship with no experience. I‘ll provide a roadmap with the main steps in becoming a finance intern to help you get started.

Table of Contents

  • Step 1: Craft Your Finance Intern Resume and LinkedIn Profile
  • Step 2: Proactively Acquire Desired Skills
  • Step 3: Apply for Multiple Finance Internships
  • Step 4: Ace Your Finance Interview with Effective Preparation
  • Internships for Finance Majors
  • Submit Your Finance Internships Applications
  • FAQs

Step 1: Craft Your Finance Intern Resume and LinkedIn Profile

Getting the fundamentals right is one of the most important steps when applying for your first finance internship. Your resume should top the list—ensuring it’s robust and excellently crafted.

Here are a few essential tips:

  • Eliminate all typos.
  • Select an attractive one-page layout.
  • Highlight achievements using active verbs.
  • Incorporate job-specific keywords and all pertinent skills.

Your primary aim is to craft a finance internship resume that effectively highlights your skills and qualifications. Seeking feedback from successfully employed peers can offer valuable insights. Be open to their suggestions and implement their advice diligently.

Once your finance intern resume is good to go, ensure you edit your LinkedIn profile. Add a professional photo, edit your headline, and describe your academic achievements and interests. Your finance internship recruiters will likely look you up on LinkedIn and social media, so you must proactively tidy up your online presence.

Review the job description before applying for finance internships and tailor your resume to include relevant keywords from the ad. This approach makes your resume ATS-friendly—meaning it’s optimized for the ‘applicant tracking system’ used by HR. It also increases the likelihood of capturing HR’s attention by showcasing the desired skills.

But what if you’re still developing a diverse skillset and finding it challenging to land an internship in finance?

Step 2: Proactively Acquire Desired Skills

When applying for a finance internship rather than a full-time position, employers prioritize rapidly learnable skills.

To apply for a financial analyst internship, ensure you have:

Proactively enrolling in the 365 Financial Analyst program and acquiring new skills will enhance your resume and boost your interview prospects.

Demonstrating flexibility, a willingness to learn, and creativity in problem-solving will undoubtedly assist you in securing your first internship.

Step 3: Apply for Multiple Finance Internships

The Standard Application Process

Previously, I feared I’d never land my initial finance internship or full-time role, feeling quite disheartened. So, I deeply empathize with this challenge. That’s why I’m keen to offer you both standard and unconventional (outside-the-box) strategies that enabled me to secure three finance internships, ultimately leading to my first position as a financial analyst. 

You should explore company websites and stay aware of application deadlines in your area. For instance, many European companies offer summer and off-cycle finance internships. Understanding the publication timeline for these opportunities and the exact requirements for applying is crucial. This knowledge will significantly aid in planning your application strategy.  

Pondering how to land a finance internship with no experience through the standard process? Consider these requirements:

  • A standout finance intern resume highlighting relevant skills and academic achievements
  • Proficiency in aptitude tests—often required by major companies
  • Strong interviewing capabilities

Finance Internships for College Freshman: Think Outside the Box

Sending standard applications can often feel like sowing seeds in infertile ground when no one responds. If that’s the case, try these proactive strategies.

Consider Startup Companies

Working with a startup is in vogue and significantly benefits your growth and resume. By applying to various startup ventures, you’ll likely secure a finance internship offer soon.

Such roles often come with flexibility—allowing you to craft compelling narratives for future paid, full-time finance internship jobs. Even a brief unpaid internship in finance of two to three months can provide your resume with the vital kickstart it needs, enabling you to gain crucial work experience.

Monitor University Job Boards

Consider monitoring your university’s job board for exclusive finance internships—particularly if your school has strong ties with industry employers. Companies often use these boards to strengthen their academic partnerships, offering exclusive opportunities directly to students. Yet, many students overlook this valuable resource, which would enhance their odds of securing an internship in finance.

Some of the best finance internships typically come from companies with proven track records and a long-standing relationship with some universities. Review the board regularly for appealing positions. This method is notably efficient, typically requiring just a finance internship resume and cover letter submission.

Resort to Cold Calling Only as a Last Measure

Finally, cold calling should be considered a last resort. This strategy is effective when other methods fail. Even without advertised openings, companies might still have opportunities. Offering your services for minimal compensation or even free could pique their interest.

Craft a concise, engaging finance internship cover letter in 100 words, attach your resume, and send it to 50 businesses and professionals on LinkedIn.

Enhance your prospects by following up with a phone call. Target organizations lacking structured hiring processes—such as private equity funds, boutique investment banks, small consulting firms, and public institutions.

With some luck, you’ll receive responses and secure interviews for various finance internships.

Step 4: Ace Your Finance Interview with Effective Preparation

Securing a finance internship largely depends on your interview performance. Initially, interviews felt overwhelmingly stressful until I discovered a simple truth: preparation is key.

Thorough preparation—especially for behavioral, guesstimate, and situational questions—ensures success since most interviewers pose similar queries. Being well-prepared boosts your confidence, helping you excel and manage stress effectively.

Internships for Finance Majors

Wondering how to get a finance internship with no experience? Numerous finance internships across various roles could set you on the path to your ideal career.

Whether you’re seeking a financial analyst internship in cities like Chicago, Boston, or Houston, searching for sophomore-level opportunities, aiming for paid positions, or investigating roles in NYC, the following roles will guide you toward the right path.

Finance Internships: Financial Analyst Internship

Financial Analysts delve into financial data, utilizing their analytical skills to help businesses make informed decisions. They interpret market trends, evaluate financial statements, and predict future financial performance.

Potential Employers: J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Deloitte

Average Salary: $60,000/year

Finance Internships: Investment Banker Internship

Investment Bankers play a crucial role in various financial transactions—helping organizations raise capital through stock offerings and mergers. They analyze investment opportunities and guide their clients through complex financial landscapes.

Potential Employers: Goldman Sachs, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Barclays

Average Salary: $100,000/year (including bonuses)

Finance Internships: Investment Analyst

Investment Analysts assess financial data and investment prospects, advising fund managers or clients based on economic trends, financial analysis, and investment strategy development. “How to get into finance” generally requires a comprehensive strategy, beginning with a solid education in finance, economics, or a similar area.

Potential Employers: BlackRock, Vanguard, Fidelity Investments

Average Salary: $70,000/year

Finance Internships: Business Analysts and Management Consultants

These professionals offer crucial advice and strategies to businesses, aiming to boost efficiency and address financial weak spots. Typically, those with a finance degree bring deep knowledge of finance principles and organizational dynamics.

Potential Employers: EY, Accenture, Wayfair

Average Salary: $70,000/year

Finance Internships: Hedge Fund Analyst

Hedge fund analysts conduct detailed financial market research, develop investment strategies, and assess risks to advise fund managers.

Potential Employers: Bridgewater Associates, Renaissance Technologies, BlackRock

Average Salary: $120,000/year

Finance Internships: Accounting Internship

After a thorough evaluation, accountants scrutinize financial records—guiding clients on effective fund management and organization.

Potential Employers: Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, EY LLP

Average Salary: $50,000/year

Finance Internships: Auditors

Auditors verify the accuracy and legality of financial records—offering recommendations to mitigate financial risks based on their analyses.

Potential Employers: Credit Suisse, CohnReznick LLP, Facebook

Average Salary: $55,000/year

Submit Your Finance Internship Applications

Landing an internship in finance is not easy. Reflecting on my initial finance internship application, I smile. Despite the smile, navigating the process proved challenging and seemingly endless.

Here’s my advice on how to get a finance internship with no experience—exercise patience and diligently follow the four steps above, which will significantly impact your success in securing that job.

Remember, it’s not about if you’ll receive an offer but when.

Expanding your knowledge and skills consistently is essential to maintaining a competitive edge. Our comprehensive course selection is tailored to enhance your finance career and guide you on how to get a finance internship with no experience.

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FAQs

Which internship is best for finance?

The best finance internship depends on your career goals, but investment banking, corporate finance, or asset management internships are highly regarded for their comprehensive learning opportunities and industry exposure.

What does a finance intern do?

A finance intern supports financial analysis, assists in creating financial reports, participates in budgeting processes, and may help conduct research or analysis that informs investment or business decisions. Their role is to provide support while gaining practical experience in financial operations.

What qualifications do you need to be a finance intern?

To be a finance intern, you should pursue a degree in finance or a related field, possess basic knowledge of financial principles, and have strong analytical and numerical skills. Some internships may require specific coursework or experience with financial software.

What is the rate for finance interns?

The pay rate for finance interns can vary widely depending on the company, location, and industry. Finance internships at large firms or major financial hubs generally offer competitive wages, sometimes aligning with entry-level analyst positions.

How do I break into finance with no experience?

Breaking into finance without experience can be challenging but feasible. Start by gaining financial knowledge through courses or certifications, network extensively, consider entry-level positions or internships, and demonstrate your interest and commitment to the field in your applications.

Are finance internships hard to get?

Finance internships can be competitive, especially at top firms or prestigious roles. Success often depends on your academic background, relevant skills, networking efforts, and ability to demonstrate your passion for finance.

Can I get a finance job without an internship?

Yes, securing a finance job without an internship is possible, particularly if you have a solid educational background and relevant skills and can showcase your financial acumen through other experiences or projects. Networking and targeting entry-level positions can also facilitate this transition.