AAAIM Accelerate

Accelerate is an interactive and hybrid initiative tailored for diverse undergraduate college students interested in investment management and finance. Geared towards accelerating students’ overall professional journey, the initiative focuses on developing skills necessary for networking, pursuing internships, and actively preparing for entry into the workforce.  

Externship Program 2026

Established in 2023, the Accelerate Externship is an intensive, 8-day hybrid program in the summer, offering 30 undergraduate college students an experiential learning and mentorship opportunity. The program provides externs with a structured curriculum, industry exposure, and mentorship as they navigate the world of investment management. Through virtual sessions and a trip to New York City, externs gain valuable insights from industry leaders and professionals, develop career-ready skills, and build networks that will support them into the workforce.

AAAIM emphasizes supporting underrepresented students from modest-income families, with target goals of:

  • 50% First Generation students.
  • 50% enrolled in non-target schools.
  • 70% utilizing financial aid or assistance.

The 2026 Externship Dates are August 3rd-7th (Mon-Fri) and 10-12th (Mon-Wed). You may reference the 2025 Externship Program below for detailed information but note that the 2026 Externship Program is subject to change.

  • August 3rd-7th: Virtual, all times are in EST
  • August 10-12th: New York City
Participants must fully commit to all listed 2026 Externship dates. Virtual sessions are required and foundational; absences are limited and only approved in exceptional circumstances. The NYC experience is optional and cannot be attended separately without full participation in the virtual program.

 Financial Information for New York City

  • All students will receive a travel stipend to cover domestic U.S. airfare, meal(s), and transportation costs.
  • All students will receive hotel accommodations, covered by AAAIM.
  • Any personal expenses incurred pre- or post- the New York City itinerary are at your own expense.

Minimum Criteria and Qualifications

  • Incoming Freshman, Sophomore, or Junior and currently enrolled as an undergraduate student.
  • Have a track record of academic excellence and participation in at least one campus activity’
  • Hold a minimum GPA of 3.5.

 

Applications have now closed for the 2026 Externship.

Congratulations to AAAIM’s 2026 Scholarship Recipients! The 2027 Scholarship Program cycle will be announced in 2027.

Program Impact

Year-to-Date Highlights*

Externs represented 42 universities and colleges across the U.S., with 47% enrolled in non-target schools

90 undergraduate students have participated in the Externship, gaining essential skills and career readiness

46% of externs identify as women, underscoring our commitment to gender representation

70% of externs benefit from financial aid or scholarships, reflecting our focus on supporting students from modest income families

Over 100 industry leaders & professionals have shared their unique journeys, offering invaluable insights into the industry

90 AAAIM members have generously contributed their time and expertise as mentors

*Accelerate was established in 2023 and has successfully run three externships. The highlights capture the combined impact of three years.

Partner With AAAIM

Accelerate’s Externship Program is an opportunity for firms to invest in the next generation of leaders and professionals, while promoting inclusion and access within the investment management industry. By partnering with AAAIM for the Accelerate Externship, your firm will foster professional growth, build meaningful relationships, and strengthen the industry pipeline with talented and professional students.

HOST AN EXTERNSHIP VISIT IN NEW YORK CITY
Welcome externs to your firm with an impactful session of experiential learning! Through a customized session, you can showcase your firm’s culture and career paths, and invite your colleagues at the Analyst to Senior level to share their insights, all while inspiring students as they prepare for the workforce.
SHARE YOUR EXPERTISE
Join externs virtually and participate in the program sessions. Speakers can offer career advice, insights into investment management, and guidance towards externs to navigate their professional journeys.
SPONSOR THE PROGRAM
Financial contributions help us sustain and grow the program, allowing students access to this unique experience. Proceeds directly benefit Accelerate and its externs by providing accommodation, transportation, meals, and travel expenses.
BE A MENTOR
Become a mentor and provide one-on-one guidance to externs. Share your expertise, experiences, and guidance to help your mentee succeed and grow in their journeys. Mentors and mentees are asked to commit to a 6-month mentorship post-externship.
OFFER OPPORTUNITIES AT YOUR FIRM
Extend an internship, entry-level position, or program opportunities to externs. This provides your firm the opportunity to tap into a talented and diverse candidate pool while supporting externs in applying their learned skills and knowledge in real-world settings.

Firm and Member Interest

If you or your organization is interested in sponsoring or participating in Accelerate, please contact Alyssa.Lee@aaaim.org.

VIEW 2025 EXTERNSHIP PROGRAM AGENDA

Agenda is subject to change on an annual basis. The agenda provided is a reference for students who are interested in learning what the program provides and the commitment required if accepted.

Accelerate Committee

 

Linda Choi

Linda Choi

Kabouter Management, Accelerate Committee Advisor

Ray Chan

Ray Chan

Senior Managing Director, Blue Owl Capital

Kevin Dinh

Kevin Dinh

Partner & Head of IR, Muddy Waters Capital

Chris John

Chris John

Incoming Investment Banking Analyst, Barclays Investment Bank

Ashleigh Lee

Ashleigh Lee

Portfolio Advisory Associate, Aksia

Sona Menon

Sona Menon

Managing Director and Head of OCIO, Morgan Stanley