The Lucrative World of Finance Internships
A Whopping $250,000 Salary Awaits
Imagine earning a staggering $250,000 annual base salary as an intern. Sounds too good to be true? Well, it’s a reality at Jane Street Capital, a well-known trading firm that’s booming with record-breaking revenue. The company is offering this lucrative opportunity to fresh-faced college grads or current students who want to dip their toes into qualitative research, trading, software, windows engineering, and more.
No Prior Experience Required
The best part? No prior experience in the sector is needed. As the job description reads, “If you’ve never thought about a career in finance, you’re in good company.” This is a chance for students to explore a new field and get paid handsomely for it. The internship runs from May to August, which translates to a monthly pre-tax salary of nearly $21,000 – about four times more than the average American’s monthly income.
A Shift in the Internship Landscape
Gone are the days of unpaid internships that favor privileged individuals. Companies are now willing to pay top dollar to attract top talent. According to Glassdoor, median salaries for the best internships of 2024 range from $7,000 to $10,333, with tech companies dominating the list.
What Gen Z Wants
Fueled by a tight economy and student loan debt, Gen Zers are pushing for well-paying gigs. However, many (62%) would accept a lower salary for better work-life balance. Jane Street is looking for “smart, ambitious people who enjoy solving challenging problems” and values how you think and learn over your background.
The Uphill Battle for Young Adults
Despite the changing landscape of internships, young adults still face an uphill battle to get a job. Over half (57%) of the class of 2025 report feeling pessimistic about starting their careers, citing a complicated application process and layoffs as major factors. Even starter roles often require prior experience, indicating a desire to poach talent rather than foster it.
Creative Strategies for Success
Some aspiring interns have taken matters into their own hands, using entrepreneurial methods to get their entry-level jobs. From attending conferences to pitching themselves to companies while wearing university merch, these individuals are finding creative ways to stand out in a saturated market. As Christine Cruzvergara, chief education strategy officer at Handshake, notes, “Success in this market requires a strategic and intentional approach.”
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