An internship with an established company provides students with the experience of applying their theoretical learning to real-world situations and problems. In return, the students help companies complete work that they may not have the internal resources to carry out. The internship can also serve as a long interview for further employment in the company. MBA finance students will find internship opportunities in the finance departments of global companies such as Dow and Sony, as well as businesses specific to the finance sector, such as trading firms, accounting companies and investment firms.
Volunteering as a summer project can be either full-time or part-time. Opportunities exist for MBA finance students to help solve the problems of poverty and education, both at home and abroad. Providing free professional counseling services to small start-up businesses in U.S. economically challenged areas is just one way of contributing. A consulting project abroad, in countries which include Kazakhstan, India, Mexico and China, will help address global poverty issues. These projects can last for two weeks to several months, and are usually available through non-profit organizations.
Conducting research, either individually or as part of a team, is another summer option for MBA finance students. Some universities will employ student researchers for specific projects, or students can carry out the project on their own. Suitable areas for finance research include: personal or corporate finance; banking or accounting topics; alternative financing and microfinancing; and risk management. The key to a successful research project is to narrowly define the research question and select appropriate research methods.
MBA finance students with an interest in entrepreneurship can use the summer months to investigate starting a business, perhaps for themselves or as a consultant for someone else. Producing a useful and effective business plan takes time and knowledge. The student could develop the entire plan herself, or work with others and provide the financial expertise. This expertise could include considerations of obtaining funding through venture capital companies, loans and grants, as well as the accounting side of the business.