Houlihan Lokey Internship Program: A Comprehensive Overview

Houlihan Lokey’s internship program offers an exceptional opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in the financial industry while working alongside some of the most respected professionals in the field. The internship serves as a gateway to full-time opportunities at Houlihan Lokey, offering a seamless transition into a global career in finance for many interns who perform well and are offered analyst positions upon graduation. These internships are more than just an introduction to investment banking-they are transformative learning experiences that shape future leaders in the finance industry.

About Houlihan Lokey

Houlihan Lokey was established in 1972 in Los Angeles, California, initially as a general advisory practice for private businesses. Our investment banking business came into being in 1986. Much has changed since then. Houlihan Lokey is known for its expertise in mergers and acquisitions, financial restructuring, and valuation, operating across a number of key business areas.

Who Should Apply

Houlihan Lokey’s internship program is designed for highly motivated undergraduate and graduate students who are passionate about finance, economics, and business strategy. We look for highly motivated individuals with a strong academic track record who are on course to achieve a bachelor’s, master’s, or MBA degree.

Before you invest time in an application, ensure that you are clear about what we do, the programme you are applying to, and why it interests you. Be more than just an application. We want to know who you are, your experiences, and your motivations for working with Houlihan Lokey.

Program Structure and Duration

The program typically runs during the summer but may also be offered throughout the year, depending on regional offices and business needs. The summer internship program begins with a comprehensive one-week training program. From there, the training continues on the job.

Immersive Experience

From day one, interns are integrated into deal teams and contribute directly to active transactions. This immersive environment allows them to understand the pace and intensity of investment banking while developing analytical, communication, and teamwork skills. Interns at Houlihan Lokey contribute to meaningful projects that drive real impact. Because we typically manage a greater deal volume than other banks, and our teams are smaller, your input is especially important. Whichever part of the business you’re placed with, you can expect to work on real projects, supporting live deals and having a tangible impact on your team’s achievements day to day.

Mentorship and Training

A hallmark of Houlihan Lokey’s internship program is its strong focus on growth through mentorship. Every intern is matched with a seasoned banker who offers tailored guidance, constructive feedback, and career insights. Beyond individualized mentorship, interns take part in comprehensive training sessions that address both technical and professional skills. These sessions cover areas such as valuation methods, financial modeling in Excel, presentation techniques, and financial statement interpretation. In return for your contribution, you can expect to receive continuous support and encouragement as well as excellent learning and development opportunities.

Culture and Collaboration

Despite operating in a competitive industry, Houlihan Lokey fosters a culture that emphasizes collaboration, integrity, and respect. Interns work closely with analysts, associates, and senior bankers in a team-oriented setting that values open communication and diverse perspectives. Diversity and inclusion are vital to our approach and the ongoing success of our business. Our primary concern is not where our people went to school or university, or even which subject they studied. We work hard to cultivate an inclusive work environment that is welcoming of people of all backgrounds and nationalities. The inclusive culture extends beyond the office, with networking events, volunteer initiatives, and social gatherings that encourage interns to build meaningful connections. We take our social responsibilities extremely seriously. Our junior colleagues are especially enthusiastic participants in our community-focused programmes. At Houlihan Lokey we understand that it’s important for our Financial Analysts and Associates to have time outside of work to unwind, socialize, and pursue hobbies and interests. We are a company of hard workers, but we are also sociable and outgoing, and we enjoy one another’s company away from work. As a Houlihan Lokey employee, you’ll get to know your new colleagues during the evenings and weekends.

Global Exposure

Houlihan Lokey’s global presence also provides interns with the opportunity to work with international teams and clients. This exposure broadens their understanding of global markets, cross-border transactions, and diverse business cultures.

How to Apply and What to Expect

The written application is your chance to make a strong first impression. Double-check that the contact details you provided are accurate and up to date. If you are successful at the telephone interview, we will invite you to our offices for a series of in-person interviews. If you have been successful through all the stages, then congratulations! You will receive an offer from us. Even if you have not been successful, we will let you know. Whatever the outcome of your application, we always offer feedback for all candidates who have done in-person interviews.

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Opportunities After the Internship

While many of our interns go on to take up Financial Analyst or Associate positions with us the following July, a summer internship with Houlihan Lokey is never just practice for the real thing. From our perspective, the summer internship program is an excellent way for us to spot talent. It all depends on your abilities and how you apply yourself over the course of the summer, but, for the right person, the offer of a permanent position with Houlihan Lokey is very much achievable.

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