Unlock Your Potential: A Guide to the CLA High School Internship Program and Other Finance Opportunities

For high school students eyeing a future in finance, accounting, or business, internships offer an invaluable head start. These programs provide practical experience, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, build essential skills, and network with industry professionals. This article explores the CLA High School Internship Program in detail and highlights other noteworthy finance internships available to high school students, providing a comprehensive guide to launching a career in the financial sector.

CLA High School Internship Program: An In-Depth Look

CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP), the eighth largest accounting firm in the United States, has launched a high school internship program designed to provide students aged 16 to 18 with hands-on experience in the world of accounting and finance. CLA’s high school internship program was created with high school students, for high school students. The program aims to develop new skills and discover strengths. This initiative reflects CLA's commitment to reaching students early and fostering interest in accounting and related fields.

Program Overview

The CLA High School Internship Program offers an extensive and practical understanding of accounting, covering areas such as tax preparation, financial analysis, and audit procedures. Interns actively engage in real-world projects, working alongside experienced professionals to apply theoretical knowledge to actual scenarios, honing their problem-solving skills and analytical thinking. Interns can gain experience on multiple projects including client service simulations and social media development.

Key Features

Hands-on Experience: Interns gain practical experience on multiple projects, including client service simulations and social media development.
Collaborative Environment: The program provides opportunities to collaborate with high school students from across the country.
Skill Development: The internship is designed to help students develop new skills and discover their strengths.
Networking: Students connect with seasoned professionals, mentors, and peers, building valuable relationships.
Professional Development: The program focuses on networking and professional development.
Paid Opportunity: Interns are compensated for their work, though specific details on the exact amount are not available.

CLA's Perspective

Jen Leary, CEO of CLA, emphasizes the program's role in allowing students to "explore the wonderful world of accounting and finance." The firm aims to show students not only what they do but how an entrepreneur or small business owner operates. CLA also expects to learn from the students, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship.

Michele Chalmers, Managing Principal of Office Baltimore, highlights the changing nature of accounting and professional service careers. She notes that these fields are "about advising businesses, developing relationships, guiding strategic business initiatives and decisions and so much more," not just math.

Read also: Job Skills for Students

FBLA Partnership

FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) President and CEO Alexander T. Graham sees the relationship with CLA as a strategic one, providing "real world, work-based learning" for FBLA members. Each year, FBLA helps over 200,000 members prepare for careers in business and business-related fields. FBLA's mission is to inspire and prepare students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences.

CLA's Commitment

CLA exists to create opportunities for its clients, people, and communities through industry-focused wealth advisory, digital, audit, tax, consulting, and outsourcing services. With nearly 9,000 people, more than 130 locations, and a global vision, CLA promises to know you and help you.

How to Apply

The internship program is open to students between 16 and 18 years old and is available in 15 select CLA offices nationwide. Applications typically close in January, with the program running for eight weeks from mid-June to August.

Other Finance Internships for High School Students

Besides the CLA program, numerous other internships offer high school students a glimpse into the finance world. Here are some notable options:

1. Bank of America Student Leaders Program

Location: Across the country, with a leadership summit in Washington, D.C.
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors.
Program Dates: 8-week summer internship.
Application Deadline: Applications open in October and typically close in January.
Stipend: Paid internship with travel to Washington, D.C., covered.

The Bank of America Student Leaders Program selects driven, community-minded high schoolers to work with startups and nonprofits in their area. Interns gain a well-rounded education in various financial and accounting principles, including budgeting, financial analysis, and financial planning. The program also includes a week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C.

2. Ladder Internships

Location: Virtual.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students who can work 10-20 hours/week.
Program Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year.
Cost: Starting at $2,490; financial assistance is available.
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year.

Ladder Internships, founded by Harvard alumni, offers high school students the chance to intern with start-ups and non-profit organizations around the world. Interns work on real-world projects in various industries, including tech, healthcare, business, finance, growth, and marketing. The program combines hands-on experiences with theoretical knowledge-building, offering guidance and mentorship from a manager and a Ladder Coach.

3. KP Launch High School Internship at Kaiser Permanente

Location: Kaiser Permanente Medical Center or business office.
Eligibility: Students aged 16-19 by June 1 who are current high school students or graduating seniors.
Program Dates: June 17 - August 2.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close December-end.
Stipend: $15.50 - 18 per hour.

Kaiser Permanente offers summer internships that allow high school students to get practical experience and insight into the healthcare industry, with a specific focus on professional development. The program offers tracks in a number of industries adjacent to or relevant to healthcare, such as accounting, sales and marketing, communications, product development and more. Students keen on accounting or business roles can choose accordingly! Interns engage in hands-on activities, shadowing experiences, and educational workshops that enhance their understanding of the business end of healthcare.

4. Empower High School Experience at KPMG

Location: New York City.
Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors in high school who live in commutable proximity to a KPMG local office.
Program Dates: 3 weeks in July.
Stipend: $25 per hour.
Application Deadline: Information not available.

The Empower High School Experience offers a comprehensive, practical introduction to fundamental accounting principles, auditing procedures, tax concepts, and advisory services. Students participate in interactive workshops, collaborate on real-world case studies, and interact with KPMG professionals. The program includes mentorship from KPMG professionals and guest lectures from industry experts.

5. Fidelity Investments Asset Management High School Summer Intern

Location: Boston, MA.
Eligibility: All high school students.
Program Dates: 5 weeks across July and August.
Application Deadline: Registration information announced by February-end.
Stipend: Stipend provided, amount not specified.

This 5-week program at Fidelity provides a holistic understanding of investment strategies, financial analysis, risk management, and portfolio management. Students engage in real-world tasks and projects, working with seasoned professionals who provide guidance and career advice.

6. Thomas G. Labrecque Smart Start Program at JP Morgan & Chase

Location: New York City.
Eligibility: High School students in NYC.
Program Dates: Part-time during the school year and full-time during summer.
Cost: No cost; stipend and scholarship provided.
Application Deadline: Information not available.

This 20-day internship program is for NYC high school students who wish to explore the possibility of a career in finance. The internship offers real-world experience working in JPMC’s industry-leading businesses, while attending university on a full four-year scholarship. Students develop skills required for a career in financial services and intern in different areas of the firm each year.

Read also: Eligibility for National Awards

7. KPMG Future Leaders Program

Location: Varies.
Eligibility: High school seniors.
Program Dates: Summer before college.
Cost: No cost; annual scholarships to college offered ($10,000 per year).
Application Deadline: February 1.

The KPMG Future Leaders Scholarship is a unique work-learn program designed to encourage more women to pursue business and STEM fields. As a KPMG scholar, students are paired with an executive mentor and receive training, career development, annual scholarships, and continual support through their college education.

8. Today’s Interns, Tomorrow’s Professionals (TIP) Internship Program

Location: Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.
Eligibility: High school students who have completed their sophomore year in any Boston public school.
Program Dates: July - August.
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified.
Application Deadline: Information not available.

The TIP internship offers youth who are underrepresented in finance an opportunity to build their skills and gain experience working in the world of finance and accounting. Students participate in job coaching and skill-building workshops, learning the foundations of counting principles, financial analysis, tax preparation, and audit procedures.

9. Treasury Departmental Offices Internship

Location: Washington, D.C.
Eligibility: High school students in the US who are enrolled or accepted at an accredited institution.
Program Dates: Spring (January to May), Summer (May to August), Fall (September to December).
Stipend: None.
Application Deadline: Varies for each internship period.

The Treasury’s Departmental Offices (headquarters) internship is an unpaid opportunity for high school students. As an intern, students collect, analyze, and present policy data, conduct research, and attend Congressional hearings, meetings, and conferences.

10. Additional Internship Programs

Delve Work-Experience Program by Delta Institute: A 4-week, virtual program offering real-world work experience across different fields.
J.P. Morgan’s Finance & Business Management Apprenticeship: An apprenticeship program for students in their final year of school, offering training and the opportunity to complete an AAT qualification.
Chicago Summer Business Institute (CSBI): A 6-week finance internship for high school students in Chicago, offering practical experience and professional growth opportunities.
Fidelity Investments High School Internship Program: A program for female students interested in learning about careers in financial services.

Benefits of Finance Internships for High School Students

Participating in finance internships during high school offers numerous benefits:

Early Exposure: Internships provide early exposure to the business world, allowing students to explore their interests and gain a realistic understanding of potential career paths.
Skill Development: Students develop essential skills in areas such as financial analysis, tax preparation, auditing, and problem-solving.
Networking Opportunities: Internships offer the chance to network with industry professionals, mentors, and peers, building valuable relationships for the future.
Resume Enhancement: Internships enhance resumes and college applications, demonstrating a passion for the subject and a proactive approach to career exploration.
College Admissions Advantage: College admissions officers seek students who demonstrate a passion for their subject by engaging in opportunities such as internships.
Career Guidance: Internships provide career guidance and mentorship, helping students make informed decisions about their future education and career paths.

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