Summer Honors College Program

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

The Summer Honors College Program is a 10-week long internship that introduces undergraduate students pursuing degrees in such areas as accounting, economics, finance, human resource management and information technology/information security, among others, to the regulation of the securities markets and the work of the Commission.

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 College Program interns?
• What do you look for in candidates?
• How many students do you typically hire?
• 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 College Program application is closed. It 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 undergraduate study by the beginning of the summer
• Students must be either (a) continuing an undergraduate program during the summer and/or following fall or (b) continuing into a graduate program the fall immediately after concluding an undergraduate 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 College Program interns?

Listed below are the Divisions and Offices that typically hire Summer Honors College 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 Equal Employment Opportunity
• Office of Human Resources
• Office of Information Technology
• Office of Inspector General
• Office of International Affairs
• Office of Risk Assessment
• Office of the Secretary

Regional Offices

• Atlanta
• Boston
• Chicago
• Fort Worth
• Miami
• New York
• Philadelphia
• Salt Lake

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 office(s) to which you are applying; 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 hires about 55-60 college students nationwide.

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 SHCP@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 SHCP@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.