SEC Scholars Program Opens Applications for Fall 2023 Internship

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is now accepting applications for its Scholars Program for Fall 2023. The program offers internships for undergraduate and graduate students interested in business and legal programs. The traineeships are paid and range from $15.09 to $35.27 per hour. The SEC encourages students with an interest in blockchain, distributed ledger technology, computer science, and cybersecurity to apply.

The SEC Scholars Program is designed to provide students with an opportunity to gain practical experience in the securities industry while working alongside SEC staff. The internships are 10 weeks long and begin on Aug. 28, ending on Nov. 3. The program is open to students across the United States, including the SEC's regional offices in states like California, Colorado, Florida, and Georgia.

The business program pays trainees between $15.09 and $28.83 per hour at the SEC headquarters in Washington D.C., with the lowest range of pay being lower than the current minimum wage of $16.10. The legal program pays more generously, with trainees at both the regional and Washington D.C. offices earning between $23.47 and $35.27 per hour.

Interested applicants must select the lowest pay grade they are willing to accept for the position as part of the application process. The SEC is looking for students who are studying a range of fields, including blockchain, computer science, cybersecurity, and more.

In May 2022, the SEC expanded its cyber unit, which includes "crypto assets" and "cyber" subdivisions. The unit oversees these sectors and helps determine where to pursue enforcement actions. The SEC encourages students with an interest in these fields to apply for the internship.

Those interested in the traineeship have until April 3 to submit their application. This opportunity provides students with a valuable learning experience while also giving them the chance to contribute to the SEC's mission of protecting investors and maintaining fair and efficient markets.