How hard is it to get a financial internship in the US? (employees, 2009)

[Muz90]

Hi,

I’m a Dutch Student from the University of Amsterdam majoring in Economics with an emphasis on Accounting and Finance. (Bachelor's level)

Currently I’m just a sophomore but I’m already thinking ahead, as my school requires me to do a six month long (one semester) internship in my academic field abroad in my third year.

Next semester I will also do a minor in the states (to be precise the University of Miami), so I can explore the country a little bit while studying.

Some background information about myself: I’m 20 years old, already hold a Associate's degree in Business studies (and of course a High school diploma), already did two internships for my Associate's degree, one in my home country the other abroad. I speak Dutch and English fluently and some conversational Spanish.

So getting to the point: How relatively easy or hard is it for me to find an internship in the US?

[chiroptera]

I haven't a clue, but since this is a requirement by your school, would they not be a good source of information? Or the uni in Miami.

My brother is not a US citizen but is a graduate student here in the US. He has not worked outside of academia - he has worked steadily for the university on a student visa on & off for years, but I understand it's harder to get a visa to work outside of that setting.

I think the place to start would be the university you're attending in Miama, and perhaps the US consulate to find out the requirements?

[imasurvivor2009]

you want to do an internship here? In the U.S.?

Did you not see the horrible subprime episode late October? Why?

I'm a graduate of business studies here and I would much rather work for a company headquartered in the UK, Switzerland, Asia or even the Cayman Islands. Someplace with a much better reputation. What happened to the employees of Lehman Brothers and Bear Sterns as a result of their CEOs' corruption makes me sick.

My advice, aim higher.

[Muz90]

Originally Posted by imasurvivor2009

you want to do an internship here? In the U.S.?

Did you not see the horrible subprime episode late October? Why?

I'm a graduate of business studies here and I would much rather work for a company headquartered in the UK, Switzerland, Asia or even the Cayman Islands. Someplace with a much better reputation. What happened to the employees of Lehman Brothers and Bear Sterns as a result of their CEOs' corruption makes me sick.

My advice, aim higher.

The UK is only a stone's throw away from where I am right now, but still the country doesn't really interest me (it's exactly the same as my own country in almost every aspect but with a different language, I want to experience something new at least). The internship will not be in ‘09 but in ’10, by that time I expect the recession to be over or at least less severe than it is today.

What is generally the 'best' region in the US for finance jobs? I suspect the north east, am I correct?

[annerk]

The northeast will be the best area for finance, but most companies get their interns either though a university program or because someone knows someone.

Additionally you'll be very hard pressed to find a paying internship that pays enough for you to live on. Most pay nothing, some offer transit costs (ie subway/bus pass) and some offer a very small stipend that might feed you but wouldn't be enough to pay rent.

[Muz90]

Originally Posted by annerk

The northeast will be the best area for finance, but most companies get their interns either though a university program or because someone knows someone.

Additionally you'll be very hard pressed to find a paying internship that pays enough for you to live on. Most pay nothing, some offer transit costs (ie subway/bus pass) and some offer a very small stipend that might feed you but wouldn't be enough to pay rent.

The dutch government funds it's students (unlike the US government, higher education and study abroad (for a small period) is free) so money isn't really a problem. The strong euro will keep me safe.