Cambridge’s The Next Step^® Internship Program Embraces a Remote Approach for 2020

Cambridge is actively preparing a remote-based approach for The Next Step^® summer internship program which begins in a few weeks. All 27 interns have confirmed their intent to join the firm this summer via a new 2020 virtual internship experience as part of their full-time paid internships. Cambridge’s purpose and values continue to drive its approach in navigating the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the firm is focusing on working with its interns and associates to create a valuable, energized experience for everyone in spite of the challenging environment. These interns will still be able to join the firm this summer across several departments ranging from technology and marketing to human resources and operations while observing best practices in social distancing and remote work arrangements.

Details for this new virtual internship experience will be based on the ‘new normal’ regarding efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. This means the firm’s leaders are quickly adapting the internship experience with creative solutions based on digital tools and online engagement as a means of working together while observing the health of safety of everyone. The virtual internship for Cambridge’s The Next Step program is expected to include a virtual welcome reception with interns and senior leaders; participation in existing virtual daily team huddles and weekly company digital sessions; a private social platform specific for intern engagement so they can build their community together but online; and other remote opportunities focused on building personal connections while developing experience with a leading financial solutions firm.

Since the program was launched in 2012, The Next Step Summer Internship Program has continued to attract highly talented students, receiving hundreds of applications for the 20-30 positions available each year. Representing colleges and universities from across the country, these students get an inside look at the financial services world and the vast opportunities that exist within the advice industry. For approximately ten weeks, students from across the country join departments throughout the firm in full-time, paid internships that offer the opportunity to gain insight into the financial services industry. During their summer at Cambridge, students are partnered with a professional mentor, supervisor, and executive champion who provide guidance and support. The students are traditionally provided with exclusive trainings, attend professional development courses, and have the opportunity to job shadow other areas across the firm – and in 2020 departments across the firm are coming together to deliver these experiences in virtual form. 

Cambridge is proud of The Next Step program’s ability to develop the next generation of talent within the financial services industry. While some interns pursue a career in the financial services industry – even in the offices of Cambridge financial professionals – others go on to wonderful careers in a variety of fields. Whatever their path, Cambridge’s internship program is designed to leave a lasting impact regarding the rewarding benefits the advice industry has to offer up and coming talent. Several interns have returned to the firm for multiple summers while nearly 30 percent of the college students who participated in the internship program return to Cambridge as full-time associates.