2026 MBA Internship: Assistant to the Chair, Executive Strategy Program (St. Petersburg, FL)

Job Description Summary

Develops, evaluates, and/or executes strategic initiatives across business units for a specified period of time. Participates in executive meetings including Board of Directors, Operating Committee, Budget, and Department Head meetings. Identifies and proactively addresses issues of significant business impact requiring extensive work with Senior Management as well as firm-wide coordination.

Job Description

Raymond James Overview

One of the largest independent financial services firms in the country could be the place you build a career beyond your expectations. 

Headquartered in St. Petersburg, FL, Raymond James Financial (NYSE: RJF) is a broadly diversified financial services firm engaged in investment and financial planning, capital markets, asset management, and banking. Our focus is on providing trusted advice and tailored, sophisticated strategies for individuals and institutions. Raymond James has over 8,700 financial advisors serving clients with over $1.5 trillion in assets (as of fiscal year end 2024). The firm was founded in 1962, went public in 1983, and has been in the S&P 500 since 2017. 

At Raymond James, we value associate development and growth, offering opportunities through developmental programs, mentorships, and continuing education options. We strive to ensure everyone feels welcomed, valued, respected and heard so that you can fully contribute your unique talents for the benefit of clients, your career, our firm and our communities. Raymond James is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions based on merit and business needs. 

Job Summary

There’s no better place to begin your post-MBA career than at the top. The Raymond James Assistant to the Chair (A2C), Executive Strategy Program is an exclusive, fast-track management development program that offers high-performing, self-motivated, experienced individuals the opportunity to acquire and hone the management and leadership skills necessary to succeed at the highest levels of the firm. 

With only 2-3 A2C interns per year, the mission of the role is to support and work alongside members of the Executive Leadership Team, in addition to the chair and the CEO, leading special projects and initiatives that shape the firm’s strategy, business development, and ongoing success. Over the course of the internship, A2Cs learn from some of the most respected minds in the financial services industry and regularly participate in meetings of the board of directors and other senior-level management sessions. 
 

• Internship Length: 10-12 Weeks 
• Target Start Date: May 18, 2026 (flexible based on business need and availability) 
• Target End Date: August 7, 2026 (flexible based on business need and availability) 
• Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, up to 40 hours per week 

Duties And Responsibilities

• Developing long-term strategic plans in partnership with senior leaders, serving as an integral part of the long-range planning process 
• Driving large-scale initiatives from origination through execution, including: 
• Preparing project proposals and plans 
• Developing an understanding of business cases behind initiatives and motivating factors for stakeholders 
• Locating, gathering and analyzing information on potential solutions to evaluate impacts on the firm 
• Reviewing and analyzing financial justification for projects 
• Preparing and delivering written and oral presentations to senior leaders 
• Monitoring competitor movements and evaluating strategic implications 
• Establishing and maintaining effective relationships with various functional areas across the organization 
• Performing other duties and responsibilities as required 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

Knowledge Of

• Business planning and analysis. 
• Advanced principles of finance and banking. 
• Financial markets and products. 
• Concepts and principles of corporate strategy. 

Skill In

• Preparing and delivering written and oral presentations. 
• Implementing process improvement initiatives. 
• Managing projects using established project management methodologies. 
• Planning projects, coordinating and reporting activities across organizational lines. 
• Preparing surveys, summaries and written recommendations. 

Ability To

• Lead cross-functional initiatives without direct reporting authority. 
• Operate independently with little direct supervision. 
• Lead others in providing a high level of customer service. 
• Use collaborative skills in encouraging and supporting team participation. 
• Prioritize and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. 
• Analyze issues, evaluate alternatives, develop proposals, and present recommendations. 
• Proactively address issues and develop solutions. 

Educational/Previous Experience Requirements

• Currently enrolled in the first year of a fully accredited full-time MBA program. 
• Minimum 3 years of relevant business experience. 
• Eligible applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US and not require visa sponsorship now or in the future (including beyond OPT/EAD). 
• Any equivalent combination of experience, education, and/or training approved by Human Resources. 

Licenses/Certifications

• None Required.

Location - St. Petersburg office 

• Hybrid; In-office 4-5 days/week 

Education

High School (HS)

Work Experience

General Experience – 10 to 15 years

Certifications

Travel

Less than 25%

Workstyle

Hybrid

At Raymond James our associates use five guiding behaviors (Develop, Collaborate, Decide, Deliver, Improve) to deliver on the firm's core values of client-first, integrity, independence and a conservative, long-term view. 

We expect our associates at all levels to:
•  Grow professionally and inspire others to do the same
•  Work with and through others to achieve desired outcomes
•  Make prompt, pragmatic choices and act with the client in mind
•  Take ownership and hold themselves and others accountable for delivering results that matter
•  Contribute to the continuous evolution of the firm

At Raymond James – as part of our people-first culture, we honor, value, and respect the uniqueness, experiences, and backgrounds of all of our Associates.  When associates bring their best authentic selves, our organization, clients, and communities thrive. The Company is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit and business needs. 

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