How do I get an Internship?

These are methods to help you find the right internship for you.

• Spend some time thinking about what type of internship experience you are interested in completing
• Brainstorm a list of organizations you would like to intern.  
• Meet with your academic department's Internship Coordinator
• Talk to potential employers at career and internship fairs.
• Remember, if you do not find an internship experience listed with the organization you're interested in, go directly to the source and inquire further!  Visiting the employer website can provide you with details on any internship programs they may have, or provide you with the information you need to inquire further.
• Don't forget to check on LinkedIn as well, where you can search for internship and entry-level job postings with companies related to people in your LinkedIn network.
• Reach out to your network via an informational interview, and make sure you ask where the person you are interviewing would recommend starting to look for internships in your field of interest.
• Make sure to fill out all of your paperwork correctly when applying for a posted internship! 
• Need more help?  Check out all the different ways that the Career Development Center can assist you!
• Check out the organizations’ websites and learn about their mission, noteworthy items that have been in the news, new program developments, and staff members.
• Handshake is a great resource for researching organizations that are specifically invested in Minnesota State Mankato students (See link to Video/Screencast below)
• Talk with people in your network to see if anyone has additional information about the organization you are interested in—often they have the “off the record” scoop and you can learn a lot from trusted sources.
• Keep organized notes on your findings to use as a resource in the application and interview process.
• Utilize your notes to form solid questions that you will ask at the end of your interview. You will impress them if you say “Upon doing some research, I found ____. Can you tell me more about this?”
• In any interactions with employers, know that they are the experts. Approach conversations with curiosity, not authority.

   

  Current Internship Openings

  Investments Internship – Multi Asset

  Please note that applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. Due to anticipated interest, the role may close earlier than the stated deadline. We recommend submitting your application promptly. The advertised closing date is 20 February 2026.Our 10-week summer intern program provides real-life experience in a collaborative and inclusive environment. Over the course of your internship, you will gain exposure to leaders, cultivate your business knowledge, work on projects that directly impact the business you support, and network in a welcoming atmosphere. Ameriprise Financial, Columbia Threadneedle Investments and RiverSource Insurance offers employees the opportunity to grow and develop personally and professionally in a flexible work environment designed to support individual needs.As you spend the summer with us, learning and growing, you’ll also spend time getting to know your fellow interns during team building exercises. With access to our Business Resource Networks – which includes the Black Employee Network, Young Professionals Network, PRIDE Network – you will increase your own sense of belonging and engage in important networking and development opportunities. Embark as an intern with us this summer and lay the foundation for your future. About the Role:In this role, you will work closely with researchers and portfolio managers in systematic equity strategies, applying rigorous analysis, creativity, and technical skills to generate insights that drive investment performance. By combining theory, practice, and technology, you will contribute to alpha‑signal discovery, analytics development, and strategy implementation providing you a strong introduction to quantitative equity investing and the full investment process. Key Responsibilities:Work independently on impactful research and development projects while supporting the team’s broader investment and portfolio‑management activities.Collaborate with portfolio managers and investment analysts to assess global macroeconomic trends and evaluate their implications for investment strategy and portfolio performance.Contribute to research on financial models, alpha signals, and market/fund performance reporting.Analyze large and complex datasets for signal processing and model development, including tasks such as data validation, cleaning, normalization, dimensionality reduction, and visualization.Participate in portfolio review discussions and investment meetings, contributing insights and supporting ongoing decision‑making Required Qualifications:Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in finance, Quantitative, Economics, Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Business, or related fieldGraduation date of December 2026 or May/June 2027Passionate about the investment management industry and dedication to being a part of a successful team. Preferred Qualifications:Proficient programming skills in R, Python, MATLAB, or similarHigh degree of self-motivation with strong integrity and ethicsAttention to detail and propensity to check workExcellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skillsAbility to multi-task, problem solve independently and think creativelyProven organization skills and ability to manage time effectivelyAbility to work and communicate collaboratively and constructively with others The company does not offer corporate undergraduate internships for students with F-1 visas. About Our CompanyWe’re a diversified financial services leader with more than $1.5 trillion in assets under management, administration and advisement as of 2024. With our team of more than 20,000 people in 20 countries, we advise, manage and protect assets and income of more than 3.5 million individual, small business and institutional clients. We are a longstanding leader in financial planning and advice, a global asset manager and an insurer. Our unwavering focus on our clients and strong financial foundation connects each of our unique businesses - Ameriprise Financial, Columbia Threadneedle Investments and RiverSource Insurance and Annuities. Here, we foster meaningful careers, invest in the future, and make a difference for clients, institutions and communities around the world.

  Intermediary Sales Intern

  Please note that applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. Due to anticipated interest, the role may close earlier than the stated deadline. We recommend submitting your application promptly. The advertised closing date is 20 February 2026.Our 10-week summer intern program provides real-life experience in a collaborative and inclusive environment. Over the course of your internship, you will gain exposure to leaders, cultivate your business knowledge, work on projects that directly impact the business you support, and network in a welcoming atmosphere. Ameriprise Financial, Columbia Threadneedle Investments and RiverSource Insurance offers employees the opportunity to grow and develop personally and professionally in a flexible work environment designed to support individual needs.As you spend the summer with us, learning and growing, you’ll also spend time getting to know your fellow interns through social activities and volunteering within the local community. With access to our Business Resource Networks – which includes the Black Employee Network, Young Professionals Network, PRIDE Network – you will increase your own sense of belonging and engage in important networking and development opportunities. Key Responsibilities:As a Sales Intern, you will help promote Columbia Management products through the extensive sales network of Ameriprise Financial Advisors, banks, broker dealers, wire houses and independents.Responsibilities vary depending on current workload and assigned projects(s) and may include:Support National Sales Team by assisting with inputting literature orders and maintaining management software.Assist team members with ad hoc projects which require strong communication and project coordination, sometimes across multiple business lines.Learn and use sales tools and resources, including Morningstar Advisor Workstation, Zephyr on Demand, and fi360. Required Qualifications:Be a current Junior at a 4-year university pursuing a bachelor’s degree.Graduation date of December 2026 or May/June 2027.Available to join June 2026 for the full 10-week internship. Preferred Qualifications:High degree of self-motivation with strong integrity and ethics.Proven organization skills and ability to manage time effectively.Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.Ability to work and communicate collaboratively and constructively with others.Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite. The company does not offer corporate undergraduate internships for students with F-1 visa About Our CompanyWe’re a diversified financial services leader with more than $1.5 trillion in assets under management, administration and advisement as of 2024. With our team of more than 20,000 people in 20 countries, we advise, manage and protect assets and income of more than 3.5 million individual, small business and institutional clients. We are a longstanding leader in financial planning and advice, a global asset manager and an insurer. Our unwavering focus on our clients and strong financial foundation connects each of our unique businesses - Ameriprise Financial, Columbia Threadneedle Investments and RiverSource Insurance and Annuities. Here, we foster meaningful careers, invest in the future, and make a difference for clients, institutions and communities around the world.

  Marketing Intern - Intermediary

  Please note that applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. Due to anticipated interest, the role may close earlier than the stated deadline. We recommend submitting your application promptly. The advertised closing date is 20 February 2026.Our 10-week summer intern program provides real-life experience in a collaborative and inclusive environment. Over the course of your internship, you will gain exposure to leaders, cultivate your business knowledge, work on projects that directly impact the business you support, and network in a welcoming atmosphere. Ameriprise Financial, Columbia Threadneedle Investments and RiverSource Insurance offers employees the opportunity to grow and develop personally and professionally in a flexible work environment designed to support individual needs.As you spend the summer with us, learning and growing, you’ll also spend time getting to know your fellow interns through social activities and volunteering within the local community. With access to our Business Resource Networks – which includes the Black Employee Network, Young Professionals Network, PRIDE Network – you will increase your own sense of belonging and engage in important networking and development opportunities. Key Responsibilities:Responsibilities vary depending on current workload and assigned projects(s) and may include:Assisting with all content updates, edits, and reviews. Communicate final materials to key stakeholders.Supporting campaign planning and execution.Analyzing website activity and competitor insights. Provide recommendations for improvement.Measuring and report results of marketing initiatives.Supporting presentation and template updates. Required qualifications:Be a current Junior at a 4-year university pursuing a bachelor’s degree.Graduation date of December 2026 or May/June 2027.Available to join June 2026 for the full 10-week internship. Preferred qualifications:High degree of self-motivation with strong integrity and ethics.Proven organization skills and ability to manage time effectively.Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.Ability to work and communicate collaboratively and constructively with others.Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite. The company does not offer corporate undergraduate internships for students with F-1 visas. About Our CompanyWe’re a diversified financial services leader with more than $1.5 trillion in assets under management, administration and advisement as of 2024. With our team of more than 20,000 people in 20 countries, we advise, manage and protect assets and income of more than 3.5 million individual, small business and institutional clients. We are a longstanding leader in financial planning and advice, a global asset manager and an insurer. Our unwavering focus on our clients and strong financial foundation connects each of our unique businesses - Ameriprise Financial, Columbia Threadneedle Investments and RiverSource Insurance and Annuities. Here, we foster meaningful careers, invest in the future, and make a difference for clients, institutions and communities around the world.

  Investments Internship - Equities

  Please note that applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. Due to anticipated interest, the role may close earlier than the stated deadline. We recommend submitting your application promptly. The advertised closing date is 20 February 2026. About this Role:The Columbia Threadneedle Investments Internship program is designed to provide you with first-hand investment management experience. You will support portfolio management and investment research, contributing directly to the investment process. You will work with an experienced team of portfolio managers and/or analysts who will provide mentorship and opportunities for shadowing. Key Responsibilities:Work as part of a collaborative team of experienced portfolio managers and research analysts to support the management of an equity portfolio focused on small‑ and mid‑cap companies.Participate in 2–3 week rotational projects, gaining exposure to different aspects of the investment process.Contribute to the development of investment theses and stock pitches through qualitative and quantitative research.Assist in preparing investment reports, updating financial models, and conducting ongoing company and industry analysis.Present a final stock pitch to the firm at the end of the summer, with coaching and guidance provided throughout the internship. Required Qualifications:Pursuing a bachelor’s degreeGraduation date of December 2026 or May/June 2027Passionate about the investment management industry and dedication to being a part of a successful team. Preferred Qualifications:Positive “can do” attitudeHigh degree of self-motivation with strong integrity and ethicsAttention to detail and propensity to check workExcellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skillsAbility to multi-task, problem solve independently and think creativelyProven organization skills and ability to manage time effectivelyAbility to work and communicate collaboratively and constructively with othersProficient with Microsoft Office Suite The company does not offer corporate undergraduate internships for students with F-1 visas. About Our CompanyWe’re a diversified financial services leader with more than $1.5 trillion in assets under management, administration and advisement as of 2024. With our team of more than 20,000 people in 20 countries, we advise, manage and protect assets and income of more than 3.5 million individual, small business and institutional clients. We are a longstanding leader in financial planning and advice, a global asset manager and an insurer. Our unwavering focus on our clients and strong financial foundation connects each of our unique businesses - Ameriprise Financial, Columbia Threadneedle Investments and RiverSource Insurance and Annuities. Here, we foster meaningful careers, invest in the future, and make a difference for clients, institutions and communities around the world.

  Investments Internship – Bank Loans

  Please note that applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. Due to anticipated interest, the role may close earlier than the stated deadline. We recommend submitting your application promptly. The advertised closing date is 20 February 2026.Our 10-week summer intern program provides real-life experience in a collaborative and inclusive environment. Over the course of your internship, you will gain exposure to leaders, cultivate your business knowledge, work on projects that directly impact the business you support, and network in a welcoming atmosphere. Ameriprise Financial, Columbia Threadneedle Investments and RiverSource Insurance offers employees the opportunity to grow and develop personally and professionally in a flexible work environment designed to support individual needs.As you spend the summer with us, learning and growing, you’ll also spend time getting to know your fellow interns during team building exercises. With access to our Business Resource Networks – which includes the Black Employee Network, Young Professionals Network, PRIDE Network – you will increase your own sense of belonging and engage in important networking and development opportunities. Embark as an intern with us this summer and lay the foundation for your future. About the Role:The Columbia Threadneedle Investments Internship program is designed to provide you with first-hand investment management experience. You will support portfolio management and investment research, contributing directly to the investment process. You will work with an experienced team of portfolio managers and/or analysts who will provide mentorship and opportunities for shadowing. Key Responsibilities:Build a three-statement financial model and prepare an earnings forecastDevelop a relative value framework which seeks to compare and contrast the return potential of companies within and across various sectorsPrepare credit recommendation memos incorporating financial, credit and relative value analyses for use in review of investment opportunities in the primary and secondary loan markets Required Qualifications:Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in finance, Quantitative, Economics, Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Business, or related fieldGraduation date of December 2026 or May/June 2027Passionate about the investment management industry and dedication to being a part of a successful team. Preferred Qualifications:High degree of self-motivation with strong integrity and ethicsAttention to detail and propensity to check workExcellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skillsAbility to multi-task, problem solve independently and think creativelyProven organization skills and ability to manage time effectivelyAbility to work and communicate collaboratively and constructively with othersProficient with Microsoft Office Suite The company does not offer corporate undergraduate internships for students with F-1 visas. About Our CompanyWe’re a diversified financial services leader with more than $1.5 trillion in assets under management, administration and advisement as of 2024. With our team of more than 20,000 people in 20 countries, we advise, manage and protect assets and income of more than 3.5 million individual, small business and institutional clients. We are a longstanding leader in financial planning and advice, a global asset manager and an insurer. Our unwavering focus on our clients and strong financial foundation connects each of our unique businesses - Ameriprise Financial, Columbia Threadneedle Investments and RiverSource Insurance and Annuities. Here, we foster meaningful careers, invest in the future, and make a difference for clients, institutions and communities around the world.