Summer Honors Business Program (MBA/Graduate)

The Summer Honors Business Program gives graduate and JD/MBA students the opportunity to become acquainted with the regulation of the securities markets and the activities of the Commission. Students from graduate schools across the country work at the Commission's Washington, DC, Headquarters and in a number of our Regional Offices nationwide.

Over the course of the ten-week program, students work with Commission staff on several projects particular to the specific Division or Office to which they are assigned. Students participate in seminars/workshops on various aspects of the federal securities rules and regulations. Past presentations have included: An Overview of Federal Securities Laws; Securities Fraud on the Internet; The SEC's Investigative Process; Mergers and Acquisitions; and The SEC's Examination Program.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How do I apply?
• What are the eligibility requirements?
• Is there a GPA requirement for the program?
• Which Divisions/Offices hire Summer Honors Business Program Interns?
• What do you look for in candidates?
• How many students do you typically hire?
• What is the application review process?
• How do I know my application has been received?
• Where can I check the status of my application?
• Where can I submit additional documentation or update my application?
• Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
• Is this a paid internship?

How do I apply?

At this time, the Summer Honors Business Program application is currently closed. The application will open on December 15 and close on March 15.

What are the eligibility requirements?

• Students must be U.S. citizens.
• Relatives of current SEC employees are ineligible.
• Students must have completed one year of graduate study by the beginning of the summer.

Please note that students need not be in an MBA program to apply. You just need to be in a graduate school program.

Is there a GPA requirement for the program?

We highly recommend that students have a 3.0 GPA or higher. However, the minimum requirement is a 2.5.

Which Divisions/Offices hire Summer Honors Business Program Interns?

Listed below are the Divisions and Offices that typically hire Summer Business Program interns. This list is subject to change on an annual basis.

Washington DC Headquarters

• Division of Corporation Finance
• Division of Investment Management
• Division of Trading and Markets
• Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations
• Office of Economic Analysis
• Office of Financial Management
• Office of Equal Employment Opportunity
• Office of Human Resources
• Office of Information Technology
• Office of Inspector General
• Office of Risk Assessment

Regional Offices

• Atlanta
• Chicago
• Fort Worth
• Los Angeles
• New York

What do you look for in candidates?

The SEC seeks applicants with high academic qualifications and preferably some knowledge of or a significant interest in the securities industry. Students are selected based on merit. Selection criteria include: a demonstrated interest in the SEC's mission; coursework, work experience, and/or research projects/publications relevant to the division(s)/office(s) to which you apply; dedication to public service; and participation in extracurricular activities. Securities course work is not a prerequisite.

How many students do you typically hire?

The SEC typically hires about 25 business students nationwide.

What is the review process?

Each Division/Office hiring business students has its own hiring committee. If a hiring committee is interested in interviewing you, they will contact you directly and let you know the next steps in the process.

How do I know my application has been received?

Applications can check on the status of their application on USAJobs.

Where can I check the status of my application?

For this program, the SEC receives over a thousand applications. If you are no longer being considered, you will be notified via email. Due to the fact that we have a decentralized process, final notifications are not sent out until all offices have completed making their selections. This may occur 6-8 weeks after the March 15th application closing date.

Where can I submit additional documentation or update my application?

Please email attachments of updated information to SHBP@sec.gov and in the subject line of the email write (Last Name, First Name Application Update).

Who can I contact if I have additional questions?

Please e-mail any additional questions to SHBP@sec.gov . Please note that the SEC receives a high volume of emails, inquiries submitted to this mailbox will be responded to as they are received.

Is this a paid internship?

This internship is paid or unpaid depending on the budget.