Tacoma, Washington, offers a range of finance internship opportunities for students seeking practical experience in the Puget Sound region. While not as large as Seattle’s financial sector, Tacoma boasts a diverse economic landscape that includes manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and real estate, leading to internships in various financial roles.
Types of Internships:
- Financial Analysis: These internships involve tasks like analyzing financial statements, creating financial models, conducting market research, and preparing reports for management. Interns might work with companies in manufacturing or shipping, analyzing cost efficiencies or investment opportunities.
- Accounting: Interns gain hands-on experience with accounts payable/receivable, general ledger accounting, reconciliations, and financial reporting. Local accounting firms and businesses in various industries regularly offer accounting internships.
- Banking & Credit Unions: Several banks and credit unions have a presence in Tacoma. Internships in this area can focus on loan origination, credit analysis, customer service, and branch operations. These internships provide insight into the world of retail banking and lending.
- Wealth Management: Financial advisory firms often seek interns to assist with client portfolio management, investment research, and financial planning. This type of internship exposes students to the intricacies of investment strategies and client relations.
- Government Finance: The City of Tacoma and Pierce County offer internships related to budgeting, financial planning, and economic development. These roles offer exposure to public sector finance and the unique challenges of managing public funds.
Finding Internships:
- University Career Centers: The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, and other local institutions have career services departments that actively connect students with internship opportunities.
- Online Job Boards: Sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, Handshake, and Glassdoor list finance internships in Tacoma and the surrounding areas. Use relevant keywords such as “finance intern Tacoma,” “accounting internship Pierce County,” etc.
- Company Websites: Many large companies directly post internship openings on their websites. Identify companies in Tacoma that align with your interests and regularly check their careers pages.
- Networking: Attend career fairs, industry events, and informational sessions to connect with professionals in the Tacoma finance community. Networking can uncover hidden internship opportunities and provide valuable career advice.
Preparing for an Internship:
Strong analytical skills, proficiency in Microsoft Excel, and a basic understanding of financial principles are generally required. Highlight any relevant coursework or extracurricular activities on your resume and cover letter. Be prepared to answer behavioral questions during the interview process and demonstrate your interest in finance. Consider taking online courses or workshops to enhance your technical skills before applying.
Benefits of a Tacoma Internship:
A finance internship in Tacoma provides valuable practical experience, helps build your professional network, and can lead to full-time employment opportunities. The smaller size of Tacoma’s finance industry can offer interns more hands-on experience and greater exposure to different aspects of the business compared to larger cities. Gaining experience in Tacoma provides a strong foundation for future career growth, whether you choose to stay in the region or pursue opportunities elsewhere.