How to Find a Banking Job Internship

Last Updated: May 17, 2021 References

Within the banking industry, there are numerous employment opportunities and career paths to choose from. If you are interested in working in the banking industry, finding a banking job internship is a great way to explore your career options while getting some experience under your belt. Finding a banking job internship begins with assessing your goals and what kind of internships you’d like before applying and interviewing for the job.^{[1]
X
Research source}

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Finding Opportunities

1
Visit your university’s career service center. If you are in college, your career service center is a great tool to find internships. They often have knowledge of open opportunities in your field. A career center advisor can also connect you with a mentor in your industry who can offer tips about finding internships.
- You can also have your resume reviewed and get interview practice.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
2
Attend job fairs. Your university likely sponsors job fairs throughout the semester, where employers will come to meet students for internship opportunities. Here you can network with people in the banking industry and practice interviewing.

Advertisement
3
Check newspapers. Open internship and job opportunities are often posted in the classified sections. You can also find postings on upcoming job fairs.
4
Network in your community. Talk with your friends, classmates, coworkers, and professors and mention that you are looking for a banking internship. Introduce yourself to acquaintances and strangers. Approach everyone you speak to with kindness and confidence. It is helpful to prepare a brief statement about your goals and qualifications to quickly mention in conversation.
- Say something along the lines of: "Hey Amanda, how's your semester been? I am thinking about looking for a banking internship next semester. I think I would like to go into finance."
- Also network with club advisors, coaches, and previous teachers.
- Ask family members if they know people in the banking industry who you could connect with.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
5
Reach out to industry professionals for suggestions. If you have a particular bank or company in mind, contact someone from there, expressing interest in internships. You can send them an email, call their office, or drop by in person. A banking professional will be able to provide specific feedback about the best way to find an internship. They can help you meet people from different banks or point you in direction of other networking events.
- Say something like, "Good morning, John. My name is Patrick, and I am a senior at the University of Michigan, graduating in economics. I am beginning my search for internships. I was curious as to how you found your position and if you had any advice on the application process. Do you have some time to chat?"
6
Search for internships online. Look for banking internships on job boards like CareerBuilder, Indeed, InternMatch, Internships, and LinkedIn Internships. You can search generally for banking internships or specifically by banking industry.^{[4]
X
Research source}

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Applying to Positions

1
Apply to your top choices. Rank your favorites after you have found banking internships that interest you. This will help you prioritize which internships to apply to first.
2
Review the company's website. Look for the "about us" section, and be sure to read the mission statement, usually found on the home page. Is this a large corporation, or are they family operated? How many employees work for this company? Are there any client reviews? Familiarizing yourself with the company and its culture can help you add relevant details to your resume and cover letter, as well as help you get ready for a potential interview.
3
Prepare your resume and cover letter. With your resume, you are highlighting your strengths while not bringing attention to potential weaknesses. Explain in your cover letter why you are the perfect candidate for this banking internship. Prepare a unique cover letter for every internship you apply for. ^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Include details like previous work experience, personal character, and work ethic.
- Emphasize your relevant experience in your cover letter as it relates to the information in the job description. Make sure to address every point under the "qualifications" section.
- Use information on the company's website as a guide for how to present your strengths. Look at the mission statement and respond proving why your experience is relevant for the position.
4
Review your application. Double check the internship requirements and make sure you cover these points in your resume and cover letter. It is helpful to have someone proofread your application before you submit.
5
Submit your application. Some internships require an online application where you will answer questions and explain your experience. If you have a local company in mind, drop off your resume and cover letter in person. You can submit your resume and cover letter via email as well.^{[6]
X
Expert Source

Amber Rosenberg, PCC
Pacific Life Coach
Expert Interview. 26 February 2019.}
- It is typical to apply to an internship 6 months in advance of the intended start date.^{[7]
  X
  Research source}
6
Practice mock interviews. Look up sample interview questions and rehearse your responses. You can rehearse in front of a mirror, with a friend or family member, or with a career advisor. Have the other person ask you the interview questions practice responding to them. You want to speak clearly, calmly, and confidently. This will help you prepare for your interviews.
7
Check on the status of your application. After about a week, call and ask to speak to the hiring manager regarding your application. If you have a direct contact, ask for that person by name. Be respectful, friendly, and polite on the phone. Checking on your application shows your dedication and initiative. You can also check on your status via email.
- Say something like, "Good morning Cindy, I recently applied for the financial analyst internship with your company, and I am calling to check on the status of my application. Is the position still available?"
8
Schedule your interviews. Finding a banking internship all boils down to the interview. Schedule your interview at a time of day where you will not be rushed and will have time to prepare. Your interview will most likely take place over the phone or in-person. You may have multiple interviews for certain positions. ^{[8]
X
Research source}
9
Thank your interviewer. Send a letter or email thanking them for meeting with you and extend your appreciation for their time. You can do this either via email or phone. Either way, be sure to follow up after your interview. ^{[9]
X
Research source}

Expert Q&A

Question

What questions should I expect to be asked in a bank internship interview?

Amber Rosenberg, PCC
Pacific Life Coach
Amber Rosenberg is a Professional Life Coach, Career Coach, and Executive Coach based in the San Francisco Bay Area. As the owner of Pacific Life Coach, she has 20+ years of coaching experience and a background in corporations, tech companies, and nonprofits. Amber trained with the Coaches Training Institute and is a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

Amber Rosenberg, PCC

Pacific Life Coach

Expert Answer

Sample interview questions include: Where do you want to be in your career five years from now? What can you do for us that other candidates can not? Describe a time where you dealt with conflict on the job. What is your ideal work environment?
Question

Do most interns get hired?

Amber Rosenberg, PCC
Pacific Life Coach
Amber Rosenberg is a Professional Life Coach, Career Coach, and Executive Coach based in the San Francisco Bay Area. As the owner of Pacific Life Coach, she has 20+ years of coaching experience and a background in corporations, tech companies, and nonprofits. Amber trained with the Coaches Training Institute and is a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

Amber Rosenberg, PCC

Pacific Life Coach

Expert Answer

Internships are often a kind of test to see if you're worth hiring, but some of them are just temporary assignments. There's no guarantee that you're going to be hired, or even that they plan on hiring anyone at all. There's nothing wrong with asking about if there's a job opportunity before you accept an internship opportunity.