Karlise Loza: What are DEI internships, why are they important, and how can you get one?
Over the past few years, more and more companies are actively working to recruit and retain a more diverse workforce. This means diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) internships are becoming more prevalent and available to students. Different internships will have different eligibility criteria, but generally recruiters are looking for students who belong to identities that are traditionally under-represented in their respective industries. Many of these programs tend to be offered during the summer after a student’s first or second year in college are a great way for those who belong to underrepresented groups to get valuable experience under their belts, while still having flexibility to pursue another internship for the summer after their junior year. Plus, these internships may also feature keynote speakers, workshops, and discussions about what it’s like to navigate the business world as a minority. They also offer the opportunity to connect with peers from similar backgrounds, as well as professionals who can offer insight on what it was like to establish their career.
Many different firms offer DEI programs that are valuable to all business students. Big 4 accounting firms Ernst and Young (EY) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) offer their Launch and Start internship programs which are beneficial not only to Accounting/AIS majors, but also Finance, MIS, Management, and Economics majors. For those interested in investment banking, large firms such as Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase & Co. offer DEI internships that are perfect stepping stones for future roles. McKinsey & Company and Credit Suisse Group AG also offer diversity leadership programs that are available to any and all business related majors. These are just a few examples; you’ll find that a quick search of “diversity” on Handshake with the “internship” filter actually yields over 2,000 results. So, don’t forget to ask recruiters about DEI opportunities at the next career fair you attend or browse through Handshake to apply directly!