Is it too late in the year for students to find finance internships?

Finding a finance internship can seem challenging for college and university students, especially as the calendar year progresses from winter to spring to summer. This article offers valuable insights from industry experts on securing finance internships, even when time appears to be running out.

• Pursue Diverse Opportunities Beyond Big Banks
• Act Quickly for Late-Season Finance Internships
• Target Smaller Firms for Hands-On Experience
• Explore Non-Traditional Finance Paths
• Seek Specialized Lenders and Real Estate Finance
• Consider Supply Chain Financial Analysis Roles
• Investigate Year-Round Internship Options
• Reach Out Directly to Boutique Firms
• Network Strategically for Last-Minute Internships

Pursue Diverse Opportunities Beyond Big Banks

No, it’s never too late, especially if you’re willing to look beyond the big-name banks. In finance, there are plenty of opportunities with fintech companies, startups, or firms that recruit on a rolling basis. We work with clients in the finance space who often need interns year-round, especially for roles in areas like data analysis, blockchain, and compliance.

My advice is, don’t wait for perfect timing. Instead, be active—reach out to companies directly, connect with people on LinkedIn, and look for part-time or remote roles if a full-time internship isn’t available right away. Also, show what you know. If you can demonstrate skills in tools like Excel, SQL, or Python, that speaks volumes.

June might feel late, but the real deciding factor is your effort and attitude. Plenty of students land internships now by being persistent and smart about how they approach it.

Eugene Musienko, CEO, Merehead LLC

Act Quickly for Late-Season Finance Internships

At this stage of the year, college and university students still have the opportunity to obtain finance internships, although competition intensifies as summer nears. Major financial institutions and investment banks often open applications as early as January, with many of the most competitive positions closing between March and May. Despite this, numerous firms, especially those with rolling deadlines or smaller operations, continue to accept applications well into the summer months, giving determined students a real chance to succeed if they act quickly and remain flexible about the type of company or location.

While large banks and global firms may have filled most positions, mid-market and boutique firms, as well as companies with ongoing recruitment cycles, still offer opportunities for those who are persistent and resourceful. Regularly checking company websites, reaching out to alumni, and using university career resources can make a real difference, since some roles are posted later or become available due to cancellations.

Although the window for the most sought-after internships may have closed, students who stay proactive and adaptable can still secure valuable experience in finance as the academic year draws to a close.

Richard Dalder, Business Development Manager, Tradervue

Target Smaller Firms for Hands-On Experience

With my experience in commercial real estate finance, I’ve seen successful internship placements happen year-round, even as late as April or May. Last year, we actually brought on two summer interns in June who impressed us with their detailed research about our bridge loan programs and current market projects. I suggest reaching out directly to smaller firms like ours where you might get more hands-on experience, and prepare specific examples of how you could contribute to their current initiatives.

Edward Piazza, President, Titan Funding

Explore Non-Traditional Finance Paths

Early June is not the graveyard of finance internships that many students fear. The headline programs at global banks closed their doors months ago because those organizations plan a year ahead and fill next summer’s seats before winter sets in. That window may be shut, yet the finance world is larger than the glossy brochures suggest, and plenty of paths remain open for anyone ready to step off the most crowded trail.

Start by looking inside ordinary companies. Every large business runs its own finance team, dealing with budgets, forecasts, and strategic analysis. These departments hire later because their needs are tied to real projects that only become clear in spring. An intern who joins in July or August learns practical skills in financial planning and analysis while working directly with senior managers who influence big decisions. That exposure to internal finance can build the same modeling discipline valued in investment banking, and it teaches how money moves within an operating company rather than just between companies.

Regional banks, boutique advisory firms, and wealth managers follow a similar pattern. They keep their recruiting cycles flexible because they compete on personalized service, not volume. A smaller team means an intern sits closer to client conversations and sees deals from start to finish. This environment often allows a student to tackle meaningful work instead of shadowing analysts who already have three layers of support. The experience might not come with a famous brand, but it produces stories and references that matter when full-time roles open.

Smaller businesses and early-stage startups decide hiring needs almost in real time. They post roles only weeks before the start date, which is perfect for students still searching in June. These companies value energy and adaptability. An intern may find themselves building a cash flow model in the morning and presenting it to the founders after lunch. That intense pace develops a broad skill set quickly and shows future employers that the student can handle responsibility without constant direction.

If the goal is depth rather than a quick summer stint, consider an off-cycle internship that starts in autumn and runs into winter or spring. Many private equity funds, corporate development teams, and specialist research houses welcome students for three to twelve months outside the traditional calendar.

Sami Andreani, Chief Financial Officer, Oppizi

Seek Specialized Lenders and Real Estate Finance

It’s definitely not too late for finance internships. I’ve seen many real estate finance firms bring on interns through May and June, especially for summer deal flow analysis and transaction support.

Commercial real estate lenders like us often need help with financial modeling, due diligence review, and market research well into Q2 and Q3. Many firms are finalizing their summer pipeline now, creating perfect timing for you to reach out.

My recommendation? Target specialized lenders rather than just big banks. We value students who can help analyze renovation timelines, competitive market positions, and unique property types. These niche skills stand out on resumes.

Try connecting with real estate finance professionals on LinkedIn with a personalized message about their recent deals. I’ve helped several interns get positions after they showed genuine interest in a specific transaction I’d posted about. That approach signals you’ve done your homework better than any generic application.

Daniel Lopez, Loan Officer, BrightBridge Realty Capital

Consider Supply Chain Financial Analysis Roles

I’ve noticed a significant gap that finance students rarely consider: manufacturing and logistics companies desperately need financial analysis support during peak operational periods. While investment banks and accounting firms filled their summer programs months ago, supply chain companies often realize in June that they need help with cost analysis, vendor payment optimization, and inventory valuation projects.

Just last month, a regional distributor asked if I knew any finance students who could help analyze their freight cost variances across different shipping lanes. They were willing to pay $22/hour for someone who understood basic financial modeling skills any finance major possesses, but supply chain companies struggle to find them internally.

Here’s the insider advantage: finance experience in supply chain operations creates incredibly valuable hybrid skillsets. One student I mentored started doing accounts payable analysis for a manufacturing firm and parlayed that into understanding procurement cycles, inventory financing, and supply chain risk management. Two years later, he’s making $78,000 as a financial analyst specializing in supply chain finance.

Operational finance roles offer better real-world experience than traditional finance internships because you see how financial decisions directly impact business operations and customer outcomes.

Friddy Hoegener, Co-Founder | Head of Recruiting, SCOPE Recruiting

Investigate Year-Round Internship Options

It is definitely not too late! Summer internships were mostly filled months ago, like in fall/winter, so that may be difficult to get now.

But there are still lots of options:

1. Fall and spring internships: Many companies continue hiring for these throughout the year. For example, banks, investment firms, and other financial companies usually have programs that begin in the fall or spring.
2. Part-time internships: These positions allow students to work while attending classes. They are available year-round.
3. Winter break internships: Certain businesses have short programs that take place during the winter break.
4. Smaller companies: While big banks fill up early, smaller financial companies, local banks, credit unions, and even some start-ups are more flexible with timing.

What to do now:

• Apply to everything you come across, even if it seems like a long shot.
• Leverage your school’s career center; they often know about opportunities that others do not.
• Contact professors, family friends, or anyone in finance for networking opportunities.
• Directly visit company websites instead of only using job portals.
• Explore adjacent sectors, like accounting or insurance firms.

Start applying in September/October for the following summer. That is when most finance internships open up. Do not give up; finance is a big field with lots of opportunities happening 365 days a year!

Jan Lutz, Director HR | Co-Founder, Quantum Jobs USA

Reach Out Directly to Boutique Firms

It’s absolutely not too late in the year to land an internship in finance—especially if you’re willing to think beyond the big-name programs that wrap up early. I’ve worked in finance for many years, and some of the best hires I’ve seen came from students who secured off-cycle or project-based internships simply by reaching out directly to boutique firms, wealth management teams, or local advisory groups.

Here’s the thing: smaller firms don’t always follow the rigid recruiting calendars of big banks. They hire based on bandwidth and need. If someone emails with a thoughtful note, shows they’ve done their homework, and offers to contribute during a busy season, that stands out. I’ve seen students carve out internships in May, June, and even July.

So no, the window isn’t closed. It’s just less obvious now. Start reaching out, ask smart questions, and don’t underestimate the power of a personalized message. Hustle counts more than timing at this stage.

Ian Gardner, Director of Sales and Business Development, Sigma Tax Pro

Network Strategically for Last-Minute Internships

It’s not too late, but you need to change your approach. Big banks and accounting firms usually secure their summer interns by fall or early winter. On the other hand, mid-sized firms, fintech startups, and small consultancies tend to hire on shorter timelines or may open roles later because of budget changes or project needs. I’ve seen candidates secure solid summer positions as late as June just by reaching out directly with a personalized pitch.

Here are a few practical tips: skip the general application websites and email a hiring manager or founder directly. Mention a specific skill you bring—like Excel, market research, or tax knowledge—and make sure it’s clear you’ve done your research. Also, consider unpaid or part-time opportunities with smaller companies; these can lead to bigger things if you’re proactive. In finance, determination and clear goals can really pay off, even when time is tight.

Ollie Smith, CEO, VATcalculators