6 answers
Kendall
Student
Massapequa, New York
1
Question
Asked
3038 views
How can I get an internship as a high school freshman?
I'm a 9th grader who is looking to become an investment banker in the future. How can I start my career now with an internship?
Login to comment
6 answers
Theophilus Mensah
Entrepreneur
57
Answers
Grambling, Louisiana
Updated
Theophilus’s Answer
Heyyyy Kendall!!
I am very happy to answer this question and you will know why at the end of this message. Amazingly, you’re already thinking about investment banking at such a young age! As a 9th grader, getting a formal internship might be tough, but trust me—there are still plenty of ways to start building your career now.
1. Learn the Basics – Start reading about finance, investing, and banking. Books like The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham and platforms like Investopedia, CNBC, and Bloomberg will give you a solid foundation.
2. Take Online Courses – Websites like Coursera, Khan Academy, and edX offer free finance courses. Some banks also have student programs—definitely look into those!
3. Find Mentors & Shadow Professionals – Reach out to local investment firms or financial advisors. Ask if you can shadow them for a day or assist with small tasks.
4. Join or Start an Investment Club – If your school has a finance or stock market club, join it! If not, consider starting one and participating in stock market simulation competitions.
5. Network Like Crazy! – This is the biggest game-changer. Connect with professionals on LinkedIn, attend finance events, and reach out to people in the industry. Networking can open doors that seem impossible at first. Don't be afraid to reach out to people on LinkedIn! I did the same which has helped me!
6. Look for High School Programs – Some banks offer early exposure programs or mentorships for high school students—research opportunities at firms like JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, and Bank of America.
I say all this from my experience—I recently got the Deloitte Discovery internship as a freshman and an international student from a school that isn’t widely recognized. The key? I networked, had over 50+ conversations and got 7 coffee chats before my interview, gained experience early, and kept putting myself out there. This even speaks to the companies that you are someone who can build relationships and then have client engagement skills. If I could do it, so can you! Keep learning, stay curious, and build connections.
Let me know if you ever need advice! Would love to mentor you☺️
I am very happy to answer this question and you will know why at the end of this message. Amazingly, you’re already thinking about investment banking at such a young age! As a 9th grader, getting a formal internship might be tough, but trust me—there are still plenty of ways to start building your career now.
1. Learn the Basics – Start reading about finance, investing, and banking. Books like The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham and platforms like Investopedia, CNBC, and Bloomberg will give you a solid foundation.
2. Take Online Courses – Websites like Coursera, Khan Academy, and edX offer free finance courses. Some banks also have student programs—definitely look into those!
3. Find Mentors & Shadow Professionals – Reach out to local investment firms or financial advisors. Ask if you can shadow them for a day or assist with small tasks.
4. Join or Start an Investment Club – If your school has a finance or stock market club, join it! If not, consider starting one and participating in stock market simulation competitions.
5. Network Like Crazy! – This is the biggest game-changer. Connect with professionals on LinkedIn, attend finance events, and reach out to people in the industry. Networking can open doors that seem impossible at first. Don't be afraid to reach out to people on LinkedIn! I did the same which has helped me!
6. Look for High School Programs – Some banks offer early exposure programs or mentorships for high school students—research opportunities at firms like JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, and Bank of America.
I say all this from my experience—I recently got the Deloitte Discovery internship as a freshman and an international student from a school that isn’t widely recognized. The key? I networked, had over 50+ conversations and got 7 coffee chats before my interview, gained experience early, and kept putting myself out there. This even speaks to the companies that you are someone who can build relationships and then have client engagement skills. If I could do it, so can you! Keep learning, stay curious, and build connections.
Let me know if you ever need advice! Would love to mentor you☺️
Thank you, you response was extremely helpful! If you or anybody you know would be welcome to me shadowing you or themselves remotely I would love to!
Kendall
I would be happy to help but there are some guidelines here that prevent us from having direct contact with our students so I don't know how that will work.
Theophilus Mensah
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical engineer, researcher and Software Developer
93
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
As a 9th grader, there are a few ways you can start working towards a future internship in investment banking. Here are some tips:
Develop Financial Literacy
Investment banking is heavily based on finance, economics, and math, so getting a head start with financial knowledge will be really useful. You can read books like The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham or The Little Book of Common Sense Investing by John Bogle. You could also take online courses on finance and investing through websites like Coursera, Khan Academy, or even YouTube. Learn about the stock market, economics, and the basics of financial statements.
Participate in Relevant Extra-Curricular Activities
Join clubs or organizations that will help build skills relevant to investment banking. Consider participating in business-related competitions like DECA, which focuses on business and entrepreneurship skills, or participating in stock market simulations. If your school has a finance or investment club, that’s a great place to start. You can also join math or programming clubs to develop your quantitative and analytical skills.
Seek Internships or Volunteer Roles
You might find opportunities with small local businesses, startups, or financial advisors who might appreciate a motivated, young intern. Tasks could include research, organizing, or helping with basic financial planning. Some non-profits also offer internships that help develop skills like budgeting, fundraising, or financial planning.
Online Internships or Remote Work
Look for remote internship programs or mentorship opportunities online on LinkedIn, Indeed, or specialized platforms like Internships.com might have positions for students who are just starting out. Look for internships that involve finance, business analysis, or research.
Network and Find Mentors
Start by building a LinkedIn profile and connecting with professionals in finance and investment banking. Additionally, if your school has alumni in finance, consider reaching out to them for guidance. They might be willing to help you network or offer insights into your future career.
Build Your Resume Early
Even if you don’t have formal internship experience yet, start building your resume with your accomplishments. Leadership roles, clubs, academic achievements, and volunteer work show initiative and dedication. If you’re learning relevant skills, like Excel, Microsoft Office, or programming languages, make sure to include those too.
Prepare for Future Internships
Think about the types of colleges you’d like to attend and make sure to focus on relevant subjects such as finance, economics, and business. Research summer programs for high school students interested in finance. Programs like Baruch’s Pre-College Program or Bank of America’s Student Leaders Program can be a good way to gain experience in the field.
Work on Your Soft Skills
Investment bankers need excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Consider joining a debate or public speaking club to improve your communication. Taking on leadership roles in group activities will help develop your teamwork skills as well.
By starting these steps now, you’ll be in a great position to eventually land an internship when you’re older and start your path toward becoming an investment banker! Keep at it, and don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals and ask for guidance—it shows initiative and can open doors.
Good luck!
Develop Financial Literacy
Investment banking is heavily based on finance, economics, and math, so getting a head start with financial knowledge will be really useful. You can read books like The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham or The Little Book of Common Sense Investing by John Bogle. You could also take online courses on finance and investing through websites like Coursera, Khan Academy, or even YouTube. Learn about the stock market, economics, and the basics of financial statements.
Participate in Relevant Extra-Curricular Activities
Join clubs or organizations that will help build skills relevant to investment banking. Consider participating in business-related competitions like DECA, which focuses on business and entrepreneurship skills, or participating in stock market simulations. If your school has a finance or investment club, that’s a great place to start. You can also join math or programming clubs to develop your quantitative and analytical skills.
Seek Internships or Volunteer Roles
You might find opportunities with small local businesses, startups, or financial advisors who might appreciate a motivated, young intern. Tasks could include research, organizing, or helping with basic financial planning. Some non-profits also offer internships that help develop skills like budgeting, fundraising, or financial planning.
Online Internships or Remote Work
Look for remote internship programs or mentorship opportunities online on LinkedIn, Indeed, or specialized platforms like Internships.com might have positions for students who are just starting out. Look for internships that involve finance, business analysis, or research.
Network and Find Mentors
Start by building a LinkedIn profile and connecting with professionals in finance and investment banking. Additionally, if your school has alumni in finance, consider reaching out to them for guidance. They might be willing to help you network or offer insights into your future career.
Build Your Resume Early
Even if you don’t have formal internship experience yet, start building your resume with your accomplishments. Leadership roles, clubs, academic achievements, and volunteer work show initiative and dedication. If you’re learning relevant skills, like Excel, Microsoft Office, or programming languages, make sure to include those too.
Prepare for Future Internships
Think about the types of colleges you’d like to attend and make sure to focus on relevant subjects such as finance, economics, and business. Research summer programs for high school students interested in finance. Programs like Baruch’s Pre-College Program or Bank of America’s Student Leaders Program can be a good way to gain experience in the field.
Work on Your Soft Skills
Investment bankers need excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Consider joining a debate or public speaking club to improve your communication. Taking on leadership roles in group activities will help develop your teamwork skills as well.
By starting these steps now, you’ll be in a great position to eventually land an internship when you’re older and start your path toward becoming an investment banker! Keep at it, and don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals and ask for guidance—it shows initiative and can open doors.
Good luck!
Thank you!
Kendall
Zoe Karpouzis
Accountant
2
Answers
Ashland, Massachusetts
Updated
Zoe’s Answer
Hi Kendall!
I would recommend starting small, because any experience is good experience. When I was in High School as a Freshman, I got an internship with my favorite math teacher from middle school. Although teaching math is not a finance related career, it shows that I am interested in math/numbers. Another thing you could do is if you know anyone with their own company, or a local business you're familiar with, you could offer to help them out with their books. Alternatively, you could look for administrative assistant roles. You would be doing a lot of tedious tasks, but administrative assistants can do accounts payable, payroll, and other finance related items. You're young so there isn't too much you can do in terms of jobs relating to investment banking, but any finance experience will make your resume look great, and help you get to where you want to go! In the future to build your work experience, you could be a teller at a bank. You will learn a lot about how banks work, and be able to familiarize yourself with the language they use. This is something you can do while you are in college, because when it comes time to apply to jobs after you graduate, they will appreciate that you were able to get your degree while also working. Banks are also great for college students, because they are open on Saturdays, so if you're busy during the week with classes, you could work weekends!
Join organizations related to your interests! As a woman in finance, I am a minority in the field. There are many groups and orgs to join that support woman in finance, offer opportunities for internships and such, as well as giving advice. Additionally, a lot of these organizations give scholarships- so when you are applying to college, you might be able to get financial assistance from these organizations as well. These types of orgs are full of resources, and there's never any harm in joining them. (Just make sure it's not one you have to pay a membership for! There are plenty of great free ones.) Also- if you don't have one already definitely get a LinkedIn, and connect with other investment bankers, and keep up with their posts! You can follow their career paths, and get ideas from seeing the jobs/internships they had.
You should definitely familiarize yourself with investing, and the stock market. When I was in High School I would play games on Marketwatch, which is an awesome site that runs in real time with the stock market, but you can "invest" in stocks with fake money, build your portfolio and watch how it does. You can "buy" and "sell" and do anything you can do in the real stock market, without the commitment of real investments. There are many websites just like this as well. You can also learn a lot on Youtube- there are so many videos that teach you so many things. Never stop learning!
I hope that helps!
I would recommend starting small, because any experience is good experience. When I was in High School as a Freshman, I got an internship with my favorite math teacher from middle school. Although teaching math is not a finance related career, it shows that I am interested in math/numbers. Another thing you could do is if you know anyone with their own company, or a local business you're familiar with, you could offer to help them out with their books. Alternatively, you could look for administrative assistant roles. You would be doing a lot of tedious tasks, but administrative assistants can do accounts payable, payroll, and other finance related items. You're young so there isn't too much you can do in terms of jobs relating to investment banking, but any finance experience will make your resume look great, and help you get to where you want to go! In the future to build your work experience, you could be a teller at a bank. You will learn a lot about how banks work, and be able to familiarize yourself with the language they use. This is something you can do while you are in college, because when it comes time to apply to jobs after you graduate, they will appreciate that you were able to get your degree while also working. Banks are also great for college students, because they are open on Saturdays, so if you're busy during the week with classes, you could work weekends!
Join organizations related to your interests! As a woman in finance, I am a minority in the field. There are many groups and orgs to join that support woman in finance, offer opportunities for internships and such, as well as giving advice. Additionally, a lot of these organizations give scholarships- so when you are applying to college, you might be able to get financial assistance from these organizations as well. These types of orgs are full of resources, and there's never any harm in joining them. (Just make sure it's not one you have to pay a membership for! There are plenty of great free ones.) Also- if you don't have one already definitely get a LinkedIn, and connect with other investment bankers, and keep up with their posts! You can follow their career paths, and get ideas from seeing the jobs/internships they had.
You should definitely familiarize yourself with investing, and the stock market. When I was in High School I would play games on Marketwatch, which is an awesome site that runs in real time with the stock market, but you can "invest" in stocks with fake money, build your portfolio and watch how it does. You can "buy" and "sell" and do anything you can do in the real stock market, without the commitment of real investments. There are many websites just like this as well. You can also learn a lot on Youtube- there are so many videos that teach you so many things. Never stop learning!
I hope that helps!
Gishan Ali
8
Answers
Clifton, New Jersey
Updated
Gishan’s Answer
Hey Kendall,
Since your are a freshman, take things slow. You have a lot of time, and if I were you prepare by watching YouTube videos gaining insight on the field! This is very good you are thinking about an internship, and most likely when your a senior you can secure it. Best of luck on your job search.
Best,
Gishan
Since your are a freshman, take things slow. You have a lot of time, and if I were you prepare by watching YouTube videos gaining insight on the field! This is very good you are thinking about an internship, and most likely when your a senior you can secure it. Best of luck on your job search.
Best,
Gishan
Jason Lee
Consulting
27
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Hi Kendall,
<TLDR>
Start learning finance early (books, courses, YouTube).
Get hands-on experience through internships, competitions, or personal stock investing.
Network with finance professionals and try to shadow someone in banking.
Join business & finance clubs and participate in investment competitions.
Plan for top universities & internships to secure a path into investment banking.
<Long version>
While most internships in investment banking are for college students, you can still build experience and gain relevant skills in high school. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you start your journey now:
Step 1: Learn the Basics of Finance & Investment Banking
Before applying for internships, make sure you have a strong understanding of finance. Start with:
Books: The Intelligent Investor (Benjamin Graham), Liar’s Poker (Michael Lewis), Investment Banking (Rosenbaum & Pearl).
Online Courses: Take free/cheap courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or Khan Academy on finance, accounting, and investing.
YouTube Channels: Follow WSO (Wall Street Oasis), Financial Times, CNBC, Bloomberg, and Aswath Damodaran for investment banking insights.
Step 2: Develop Technical Skills
Investment bankers use financial modeling, Excel, and data analysis. Even in 9th grade, you can start learning:
Excel & Google Sheets: Learn formulas, pivot tables, and financial modeling.
Stock Market Basics: Open a paper trading account on Investopedia or TD Ameritrade (thinkorswim demo).
Python & SQL (Optional): Helpful for financial analysis later.
Step 3: Get an Internship or Finance-Related Experience
Since investment banks rarely hire high school interns, try these alternative internships and experiences:
Local Small Businesses / Startups – Offer to help with basic finance work, data entry, or market research.
Family Offices or Wealth Management Firms – Some smaller firms might allow you to intern or shadow professionals.
Non-Profit Finance Departments – Look for financial planning or bookkeeping roles in non-profits.
Investment Clubs / Competitions:
DECA, FBLA, or Mock Wall Street – Business-focused clubs that look great on applications.
Stock Market Simulations – Participate in SIFMA Stock Market Game or Wharton Investment Competition.
Pitch Competitions – Try investment research competitions like CFA Institute Research Challenge.
Step 4: Network & Find Opportunities
Cold Email Finance Professionals – Find local bankers, hedge fund managers, or financial advisors on LinkedIn and politely ask for an informational interview.
Attend Finance Events & Webinars – Many firms offer virtual networking events (e.g., Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan insight days).
Leverage Your School Alumni Network – Some schools have connections with finance professionals who might mentor or help you.
Step 5: Build a Strong Resume & LinkedIn Profile
Highlight finance-related coursework, clubs, competitions, or self-study.
Show any leadership, Excel, or stock market experience.
Keep an active LinkedIn profile and connect with finance professionals.
Step 6: Prepare for College & Future Internships
Aim for Top Business Schools – Target schools like Wharton (UPenn), NYU Stern, Harvard, Columbia, or Michigan Ross.
Major in Finance, Economics, or Business.
Get a College Investment Banking Internship – Once in college, apply for summer internships at top investment banks.
<TLDR>
Start learning finance early (books, courses, YouTube).
Get hands-on experience through internships, competitions, or personal stock investing.
Network with finance professionals and try to shadow someone in banking.
Join business & finance clubs and participate in investment competitions.
Plan for top universities & internships to secure a path into investment banking.
<Long version>
While most internships in investment banking are for college students, you can still build experience and gain relevant skills in high school. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you start your journey now:
Step 1: Learn the Basics of Finance & Investment Banking
Before applying for internships, make sure you have a strong understanding of finance. Start with:
Books: The Intelligent Investor (Benjamin Graham), Liar’s Poker (Michael Lewis), Investment Banking (Rosenbaum & Pearl).
Online Courses: Take free/cheap courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or Khan Academy on finance, accounting, and investing.
YouTube Channels: Follow WSO (Wall Street Oasis), Financial Times, CNBC, Bloomberg, and Aswath Damodaran for investment banking insights.
Step 2: Develop Technical Skills
Investment bankers use financial modeling, Excel, and data analysis. Even in 9th grade, you can start learning:
Excel & Google Sheets: Learn formulas, pivot tables, and financial modeling.
Stock Market Basics: Open a paper trading account on Investopedia or TD Ameritrade (thinkorswim demo).
Python & SQL (Optional): Helpful for financial analysis later.
Step 3: Get an Internship or Finance-Related Experience
Since investment banks rarely hire high school interns, try these alternative internships and experiences:
Local Small Businesses / Startups – Offer to help with basic finance work, data entry, or market research.
Family Offices or Wealth Management Firms – Some smaller firms might allow you to intern or shadow professionals.
Non-Profit Finance Departments – Look for financial planning or bookkeeping roles in non-profits.
Investment Clubs / Competitions:
DECA, FBLA, or Mock Wall Street – Business-focused clubs that look great on applications.
Stock Market Simulations – Participate in SIFMA Stock Market Game or Wharton Investment Competition.
Pitch Competitions – Try investment research competitions like CFA Institute Research Challenge.
Step 4: Network & Find Opportunities
Cold Email Finance Professionals – Find local bankers, hedge fund managers, or financial advisors on LinkedIn and politely ask for an informational interview.
Attend Finance Events & Webinars – Many firms offer virtual networking events (e.g., Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan insight days).
Leverage Your School Alumni Network – Some schools have connections with finance professionals who might mentor or help you.
Step 5: Build a Strong Resume & LinkedIn Profile
Highlight finance-related coursework, clubs, competitions, or self-study.
Show any leadership, Excel, or stock market experience.
Keep an active LinkedIn profile and connect with finance professionals.
Step 6: Prepare for College & Future Internships
Aim for Top Business Schools – Target schools like Wharton (UPenn), NYU Stern, Harvard, Columbia, or Michigan Ross.
Major in Finance, Economics, or Business.
Get a College Investment Banking Internship – Once in college, apply for summer internships at top investment banks.
Gerald J Olseski Jr
Certified Peer Support Specialist
44
Answers
Riverview, Michigan
Updated
Gerald J’s Answer
My advice is to find a bank, that has an intern program.
I hope this helps.
I hope this helps.