10 Best Finance Internships for High School Students

Thinking about a career in finance? It is undoubtedly an interesting and rewarding career path. However, traditional high school classes often don’t provide the depth you want. This is where finance internships step in! This blog features a curated list of the 10 best finance summer internship programs designed specifically for high school students.

These finance internships go beyond textbooks and provide a solid foundation in financial principles alongside practical experience in real-world scenarios. Whether you’re curious about the stock market, corporate finance, or how finance intersects with business and math, there’s a program here for you.

Benefits of Finance Internships for High School Students

Through these finance internships, you’ll develop critical problem-solving skills, gain insights into financial management, and build a strong foundation for your future in the industry. More importantly, these programs provide practical, real-world experience in finance or accounting that will enhance your resume and make you a standout applicant for colleges.

• Exposure to the industry: Internships provide a peek into the daily workings of the finance field. Students get to see what different finance professionals do and learn about the various career paths available.

• Skill development: Finance internships allow students to develop practical skills that are valuable in any career. These can include financial analysis, data management, communication, and problem-solving.

• Early advantage: Internships can give high school students a leg up on their competition when applying to colleges and future jobs. The experience shows initiative, interest in the field, and acquired skills.

• Solidifying career interests: Working on a finance internship can help students confirm their interest (or disinterest) in pursuing a finance career. It provides a first-hand experience that textbooks simply can’t offer.

• Potential income: While not all high school internships are paid, some do offer financial compensation. This can be a great way to earn some money while gaining valuable experience.

The 10 Best Finance Internships for High School Students

Here are the top 10 finance and accounting internship opportunities for high school students.

1. Yocket High School Summer Internship Program

Get a head start with our Yocket High School Summer Internship program. You’ll get the hands-on experience, expert mentorship, and competitive edge you need to stand out in college applications. Our exclusive summer internship program provides a gateway to the top fields of finance and accounting. You’ll work on a real-world project within your chosen area, such as tax preparation, financial analysis, and audit procedures, and build skills that impress colleges and potential employers. Additionally, weekly mentorship sessions with industry experts will guide you toward crafting a standout college application and enhancing your professional profile.

Weekly mentorship sessions, practice assessments, an official letter of recommendation, and a certificate signed by company directors will solidify your profile. This intensive 4-week virtual program requires a 10-hour weekly commitment and offers limited spots for only 50 students. Scholarship applications close on April 18th. Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your future. Enroll today and join students from over 22 countries who are already taking their first steps toward success.

2. Bank of America Student Leaders Program

The Bank of America Student Leaders Program is a summer internship program designed to spark your passion for community service and provide you with financial skills. This eight-week program is open to current high school juniors and seniors in Washington, DC, and offers an hourly stipend.

The program provides a well-rounded education in accounting principles like budgeting, analysis, and financial planning. You’ll gain practical experience through real-world projects and assignments related to financial analysis and community leadership. This hands-on approach allows you to hone problem-solving and leadership skills while making a positive impact. Additionally, the program fosters connections with professionals in the banking and financial industry through networking events, guest lectures, and workshops.

3. StandOut Connect 

StandOut Connect is a program funded by the University of Chicago’s Polsky Center for Innovation. It helps ambitious high school students secure internships that align with their interests. StandOut Connect is offered virtually throughout the year (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter) and connects students with industry leaders and innovators who serve as mentors.

Through a series of mock interviews, students hone their interview skills and gain insights before getting matched with a suitable internship. These internships typically last two months, with the possibility of extension through optional return offers.

4. Ladder Internships

Ladder Internships offers an opportunity for high school students to gain real-world experience through virtual 8-week programs. With multiple deadlines throughout the year, the program caters to busy schedules. For a program fee of $1,990, students work on financial analysis, tax preparation, and audit procedures through projects mentored by Ladder Coaches. These mentors provide guidance and help develop problem-solving skills, offering a practical understanding of the field that goes beyond textbooks.

Ladder Internships prioritizes networking and professional development by connecting students with industry experts and mentors for valuable insights and offering guest lectures and workshops from top accounting professionals.

5. KPMG U.S. Empower High School Experience

Launched by KPMG U.S., the Empower High School Experience is a three-week paid internship program designed to introduce rising juniors and seniors to accounting and professional services. Held in New York City in July, this program offers a competitive stipend of $25 per hour.

Participants will gain a strong foundation in accounting principles, auditing, tax concepts, and advisory services through interactive workshops, real-world case studies, and firsthand interactions with KPMG professionals. You’ll develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills through teamwork while building a network of mentors and industry experts through guest lectures and workshops.

6. CLA High School Internship Program

The CLA High School Internship Program is a paid 8-week summer program. It places high school students in various locations across the US. You will gain real-world experience by working alongside experienced professionals on actual accounting projects. Additionally, you’ll learn about tax preparation, financial analysis, and audit procedures, all while putting your classroom knowledge to the test.

It is a good opportunity to hone your problem-solving and analytical thinking skills through practical application. This program helps you network with industry professionals, mentors, and peers and gain valuable insights into the accounting field through guest lectures and workshops.

7. KPMG Future Leaders Program

The KPMG Future Leaders Program is a scholarship program that offers an exceptional opportunity to gain a well-rounded education in accounting principles, financial analysis, tax preparation, and audit procedures. Through hands-on projects and mentorship, you’ll develop critical problem-solving skills and practical expertise while gaining valuable industry exposure.

The program culminates in a completion certificate, a testament to your dedication and proficiency, giving you a head start in your accounting or finance career path. All of this comes at no cost, with annual scholarships of $10,000 to support your college journey.

8. Fidelity Investments Asset Management High School Summer Intern

Fidelity Investments’ competitive High School Summer Internship is a 5-week paid program. It runs from July to August and gives high school students a strong foundation in accounting and finance. Gain valuable insights through a comprehensive curriculum covering investment strategies, financial analysis, risk management, and portfolio management. You will learn from the best as you work alongside seasoned professionals on real-world projects, applying theoretical knowledge to practical situations.

Additionally, you will hone your critical thinking and problem-solving skills and gain a deep understanding of the intricacies of asset management. This program culminates with a certificate recognizing your dedication and newfound competence.

9. Today’s Interns, Tomorrow’s Professionals (TIP) Internship Program

The Today’s Interns, Tomorrow’s Professionals (TIP) internship program is a paid summer program at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston designed for high school students who have completed their sophomore year in a Boston public school. This program is an opportunity for students interested in accounting careers. Selected interns will gain a well-rounded foundation through a comprehensive educational experience covering accounting principles, financial analysis, tax preparation, and audit procedures.

Throughout the internship, you will apply your knowledge to real-world projects, developing problem-solving skills and analytical thinking. The program also emphasizes professional development through mentorship from experienced staff, guest lectures from industry experts, and workshops. Additionally, interns will receive a certificate recognizing their dedication and proficiency in accounting.

10. JP Morgan Chase School Programs and Apprenticeships

JPMorgan Chase offers high school students opportunities to explore careers in finance through their school programs and apprenticeships. These programs are available in various global locations, including New York City, with application deadlines varying throughout the year (typically summer programs).

By participating in either program, you’ll gain firsthand experience working within a specific JPMorgan Chase business area or corporate function. You’ll be entrusted with meaningful projects, attend meetings, and interact with managers, giving you a well-rounded understanding of the financial industry. This not only allows you to see if a finance career aligns with your interests but also helps you develop both technical skills and important soft skills that are valuable in any field.

From the Desk of Yocket

Through finance internships, you can observe financial professionals in action, from investment advisors managing portfolios to loan officers working with clients. This exposure can help you solidify your interest in finance or identify a specific area that you find particularly interesting.

Finance internships also allow you to develop practical skills that are highly sought-after in many careers. You may be tasked with conducting research, analyzing data, creating presentations, or even assisting with client interactions. These experiences not only build financial literacy but also cultivate skills like communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Additionally, internships can help you develop a strong work ethic and gain experience in a professional setting. This experience looks great on college applications and future resumes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of work do finance interns do?

Finance internship work can vary, but some involve research tasks, data analysis, administrative support in a financial firm, or even working with investment professionals.

What types of finance internships are available for high schoolers?

There are various options! You could intern at a bank, investment firm, or financial planning office, or even participate in a summer program or online course with a finance focus.

What skills are helpful for a high school finance internship?

Strong math skills, an interest in business and economics, good research and communication abilities, and a willingness to learn are all beneficial assets for a finance internship.

I don’t have any finance experience, can I still apply for an internship?

Absolutely! Many internships for high school students are designed to introduce newcomers to the field. Highlight your enthusiasm, strong work ethic, and willingness to learn in your application.