Overview

Founded in 1963 during the height of the modern Civil Rights Movement, SEO began as a mentoring and college preparation program for underprivileged high school students in New York City. The organization's mission was based upon the conviction that all students can succeed when given access to opportunities.

Since 1980, SEO has provided underrepresented students of color with paid summer internships leading to full-time jobs. More than 30 years later, Blacks, Hispanics, and Native Americans are still underrepresented in many top entry level jobs.

It is well known that a diverse work force improves business results which makes SEO as relevant as ever to corporate America and to the groups that remain underrepresented.

During the summer interns earn a pro-rated salary consistent with entry-level salaries for professionals in the area they have chosen ($700 - $1,300 per week). Candidates must have a 3.0 GPA without exception.

The SEO Difference

Internships open doors to many opportunities. With the demonstrated skills and experience gained through and internship, graduates are poised to compete for full-time roles. For the past 30 years, SEO has helped students gain a competitive advantage.

SEO is relentlessly focused on transforming students into professionals with the transferable skills, networks and character to perform at the highest levels. SEO’s proven track record of success stems from our comprehensive approach to professional development.

We define success as positioning our alumni to attain their next opportunity.

• Over 75% of past SEO interns at banks and global companies received an invitation to return to their host company or another SEO partner. 
• Because of SEO experience, training, and professional development 85% of interns secure full-time employment or identify another opportunity before graduation
• Our Law interns are better prepared to tackle 1L courses and achieve the grades needed to qualify for 1L internships at our top law firm partners
• Our Nonprofit interns are better-positioned to apply for Corps or staff roles at Teach For America and to leverage their experiences to differentiate their graduate and law school applications
• SEO-U participants are fast-tracked through the SEO application process to become SEO interns

Partnerships 

SEO partners with industry-leading and global companies, prestigious investment banks and private equity firms, top-ranked corporate law firms and prominent nonprofits.

SEO also offers a pre-internship enrichment program called SEO-U to help underclassmen explore, identify, and prepare for their dream internship.

Click to learn more about internships with:

• Global Companies 
• Banks and Private Equity Firms
• Law Firms
• Nonprofits

Internships

SEO interns will work in a variety of disciplines, earn competitive pay (up to $1,300 per week), and gain valuable, transferable skills and experience. 

• Asset Management
• Consulting
• Engineering
• Finance/Accounting
• Human Resources
• Investment Banking
• Investment Research
• Law
  
• Marketing / Sales
• Private Equity
• Sales & Trading
• Technology with banks
• Technology with global companies
• Transaction Services

Learn about our success model!