Aetna Finance Internship: A Deep Dive

An internship with Aetna’s Finance department offers a unique and valuable experience for students eager to launch a career in the financial services industry. As one of the nation’s leading healthcare providers, Aetna presents interns with opportunities to gain hands-on experience within a dynamic and complex corporate finance environment.

The specific responsibilities of a Finance intern at Aetna can vary depending on the team they are assigned to. Common areas of focus include:

• Financial Reporting & Analysis: Interns may assist with the preparation of financial statements, variance analysis, and performance reporting. This could involve working with large datasets, using financial modeling tools, and contributing to the development of insightful reports for management.
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Participating in the annual budgeting process and creating financial forecasts are key components. Interns might help gather data, analyze trends, and develop models to project future financial performance.
• Actuarial Science Support: For interns with a strong mathematical background, opportunities might exist to support actuarial teams. This could include assisting with pricing analysis, risk assessment, and reserving activities.
• Investment Management: Aetna manages substantial investment portfolios. Interns might contribute to research, portfolio analysis, and investment operations, gaining exposure to various asset classes.
• Internal Audit: Assisting with internal audits to ensure compliance and efficiency within financial processes is another possibility. Interns may help evaluate internal controls, document findings, and recommend improvements.

Beyond the specific tasks, an Aetna Finance internship provides valuable exposure to the healthcare industry. Interns learn about the financial complexities of healthcare insurance, the impact of regulations, and the challenges of managing costs while ensuring quality care.

Key Skills & Development: Interns will develop and refine several critical skills, including:

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Excel (including advanced functions), financial modeling software (e.g., Hyperion), and data analysis tools (e.g., SQL) is often developed or enhanced.
• Analytical Skills: Interns learn to analyze financial data, identify trends, and draw meaningful conclusions.
• Communication Skills: Effectively communicating financial information to both technical and non-technical audiences is crucial. Interns will gain experience in preparing presentations and reports.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Identifying and resolving financial problems is a key responsibility. Interns will learn to apply analytical thinking to find solutions.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working effectively within a team environment is essential. Interns will collaborate with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.

An Aetna Finance internship is more than just a summer job; it’s an investment in future career success. Successful interns often receive full-time job offers upon graduation. Furthermore, the experience and connections gained during the internship provide a strong foundation for pursuing various career paths within finance, accounting, and the healthcare industry.

Ultimately, an Aetna Finance internship offers a challenging and rewarding experience for aspiring finance professionals, providing them with the skills, knowledge, and network needed to excel in their careers.