Short answer: Use the programs banks run for first- and second-years, such as Citi's Freshman Discovery and Early Identification, Goldman Sachs's Possibilities Series and JPMorganChase's Fellowship Program for sophomores. Learn the basics of accounting and valuation, join a finance club, and apply widely beyond the biggest banks.

Programs for students without experience

ProgramWhoTiming
Citi Freshman DiscoveryUS first-yearsApplications open late March or early April
Citi Early IdentificationUS sophomoresApplications open in February and November
Goldman Sachs Possibilities SeriesFirst-yearsCheck the program page
JPMorganChase Fellowship ProgramSophomoresFive-week paid summer program

Learn the basics

  • How the three financial statements connect: income statement, balance sheet, cash flow.
  • What a company is worth and why: discounted cash flow and comparable companies.
  • Excel. Fast, clean spreadsheets matter in every finance role.

A finance or investment club gives you a place to practise these and a line on your resume.

Widen past the big banks

Corporate finance teams, insurance companies, wealth managers, regional banks and credit unions all hire finance interns, and many recruit from November to April. They are often more open to students without a finance internship yet.

Talk to people

Finance hiring leans on networking. A short, specific email to an alum at a firm you want is worth sending; the cold email guide has templates.

Where to look on Useno

On November 9, 2026, Useno listed 563 finance and banking internships and 235 accounting internships. Search the board for roles that fit your year.

Sources

Employer dates come from each employer's own pages where they publish them. A date that only a third party reports is marked Third party. Useno counts are Useno's own data, read on November 9, 2026.