Business Development Intern
WFA Digital Insight
In the current remote job market, demand for skilled professionals in financial services is on the rise, with many companies seeking talent who can excel in digital environments. As the financial sector continues to evolve, roles like this Business Development Internship at Penn Mutual stand out for their focus on advisor research, relationship development, and professional services business growth. With the wealth management industry projected to grow significantly, this internship presents a valuable opportunity for students or recent graduates to gain hands-on experience and build a strong foundation in financial services. Before applying, candidates should be prepared to showcase their organizational and communication skills, as well as a strong interest in business development and finance.
Job Description
About the Role
The Business Development Intern will be an integral part of Penn Mutual's team, providing administrative and prospecting support to the Business Development team. This 12-month paid internship, operating on a remote basis, offers the opportunity to work closely with Business Development Directors and other team members, participating in prospecting activities and business development initiatives. This role is ideal for candidates who are motivated by networking, mentorship, and long-term career growth in the financial services sector.Day-to-day responsibilities will include assisting with advisor prospecting, outreach preparation, and appointment scheduling, alongside conducting basic advisor research. The successful candidate will be working in a flexible, fully remote environment, with the internship designed to accommodate a student's schedule, requiring approximately 20-30 hours of work per week.
Penn Mutual, with over 175 years of empowering individuals, families, and businesses to achieve their financial goals, offers a comprehensive suite of competitive products and services. Through partnerships with financial professionals across the U.S., Penn Mutual helps instill confidence and reliability in a stronger financial future. This internship not only offers valuable work experience but also exposure to a venerable institution in the financial services industry.
What You Will Do
- Assist with advisor prospecting and list building using approved databases and LinkedIn
- Support outreach preparation, including tracking responses and maintaining prospect notes
- Schedule and confirm appointments for introductory advisor conversations
- Maintain accurate records of activity in tracking tools and spreadsheets
- Conduct basic advisor research (firm affiliation, location, years in practice)
- Help organize follow-up workflows and ensure timely handoffs to the Business Development Directors
- Support special projects related to recruiting campaigns or events as needed
- Participate in team meetings and contribute to the development of business growth strategies
- Develop and refine a list of potential advisors through research and database management
- Assist in the preparation of marketing materials and presentations
What We Are Looking For
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Economics, Marketing, or a related field; Junior or Senior standing preferred (or recent graduate)
- Strong interest in a career in wealth management or financial advising
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Confident making outbound calls with working knowledge of LinkedIn, spreadsheets, and basic CRM or tracking systems
- Detail-oriented and reliable with follow-through
- Interest in business development, sales, finance, marketing, or professional services
- Ability to communicate professionally with advisors and internal stakeholders
- Familiarity with database management and research tools
- Experience with or willingness to learn CRM software
Nice to Have
- Experience in a related internship or entry-level position in financial services
- Knowledge of wealth management products and services
- Familiarity with financial planning tools and software
- Participation in professional organizations or networking groups related to finance or business development
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive hourly rate for the internship
- Opportunity to work with a reputable and historic financial services company
- Remote work flexibility to accommodate school schedules
- Professional development opportunities in wealth management and financial services
- Exposure to a comprehensive suite of financial products and services
- Chance to build a professional network within the financial industry
- Support for career growth and advancement within Penn Mutual upon successful completion of the internship
How to Stand Out
- Tailor your application: Ensure your resume and cover letter highlight any experience or skills related to business development, finance, or marketing.
- Prepare for common interview questions: Research Penn Mutual and practice answering questions about your interest in financial services, your understanding of business development, and how you handle rejection or challenging situations.
- Develop your LinkedIn profile: Given the role's emphasis on LinkedIn for prospecting, make sure your profile is professional and up-to-date.
- Be ready to discuss your career goals: The interviewer will likely want to know how this internship fits into your long-term career aspirations, so be prepared to talk about your interests and goals in the financial services sector.
- Ask informed questions: Prepare questions about the company culture, the team you'll be working with, and what a typical day in the role looks like to demonstrate your interest in the position and the company.
- Showcase your organizational skills: Highlight any experience with project management tools, databases, or CRM software to demonstrate your ability to manage multiple tasks and maintain detailed records.
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