Every summer, SteelPeak Wealth opens its doors to college students eager to explore the world of wealth management through its immersive Summer Intern Program. Designed to provide both educational depth and hands-on experience, the program invites students in their final years of college to gain a meaningful understanding of the financial services industry. Through a blend of educational sessions led by senior leaders and practical, team-based projects, interns gain firsthand insight into how each department contributes to SteelPeak’s success.

Charlotte Perkinson, HR & Talent Manager at SteelPeak 

About the Program

Charlotte Perkinson, HR & Talent Manager at SteelPeak, is head of the program, and guides students throughout their journey. “The SteelPeak Summer Intern Program was created to introduce students to the world of wealth management while helping them explore potential career paths within the firm,” says Charlotte. “Our goal is to engage newcomers to the field early, giving them meaningful exposure to the work we do and the values that guide us. The program reflects SteelPeak’s commitment to developing the next generation of professionals who are not only technically skilled but also aligned with our client-focused, relationship-driven approach to financial planning.”

Through a mix of classroom-style learning and hands-on projects, the SteelPeak Summer Intern Program gives students a well-rounded introduction to the financial services world. Interns participate in educational sessions led by senior leaders, collaborate on group assignments that reflect real challenges in wealth management, and gain direct exposure to the firm’s daily operations. They rotate through departments to see how each contributes to client success, shadowing advisors in client meetings, observing trading activity, and contributing to research presentations that bring their learning to life.

Drew Clanton, intern turned SteelPeak team member

Why the SteelPeak Internship is Unique

For Drew Clanton, the SteelPeak Summer Intern Program marked the turning point from student to professional. A recent graduate of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where he studied finance, Drew began his search for an internship with one goal in mind: to find a firm that combined mentorship, analytical rigor, and real-world responsibility. “I’d interned at other firms, but SteelPeak stood out for its combination of real responsibility, mentorship, and culture,” he recalls. “The more you put in, the more you get out of the experience.”

During his selection process, Drew was drawn to SteelPeak’s collaborative environment and its emphasis on developing well-rounded professionals. The firm’s rotational structure allowed him to experience every aspect of wealth management, from trading and operations to alternative investments. “By rotating across different teams at SteelPeak, I gained exposure to every facet of the business,” Drew says. “Beyond observation, I was entrusted with meaningful projects that made me feel like an active contributor to the firm’s success.”

What Interns Learn at SteelPeak

Throughout his eight-week internship, Drew gained a deeper appreciation for the nuances of comprehensive financial planning and the discipline it requires. Working alongside advisors and senior team members, he saw firsthand how SteelPeak’s approach is built on understanding each client’s goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. “SteelPeak’s approach to wealth management emphasized that every client relationship is unique,” Drew explains. “Discussing portfolio construction and options strategies helped me appreciate how much foresight and discipline go into making plans that endure over time and through market highs and lows.”

One standout moment for Drew was sitting in on meetings with venture capital and private credit funds, an experience that brought the world of alternative investments to life. “Observing these discussions gave me a front-row seat to how SteelPeak evaluates complex opportunities and differentiates itself from traditional RIA firms,” he says. “It was eye-opening to see how the team innovates to better meet the ever-changing needs of their clients.”

From Intern to Full-Time SteelPeak Team Member

After completing the internship, Drew’s journey with SteelPeak didn’t end, it evolved. His strong work ethic, curiosity, and ability to apply classroom learning to real-world scenarios made him a natural fit for the team, leading to a full-time offer soon after graduation. “The internship allowed me to hit the ground running in full-time employment at SteelPeak,” Drew shares. “I already had an understanding of the team, the firm’s values, and its culture of striving for excellence in all areas.”

Now part of the firm’s operations and investment management team, Drew continues to build on the foundation laid during his internship. He credits the firm’s mentorship and structure for making the transition seamless. “SteelPeak continues to ‘invest’ in my development the same way we invest for our clients,” he explains. “As the firm grows, I’ve been given opportunities to grow alongside it, taking on new responsibilities and learning from senior team members who are deeply committed to my success.”

Advice to Students Considering the SteelPeak Internship

When asked what advice he would give to students considering the SteelPeak Summer Intern Program, Drew doesn’t hesitate. “Two words: Do it!” he says with a smile. Having experienced other internships before joining SteelPeak, Drew immediately recognized how different this one felt, defined by collaboration, trust, and a genuine investment in each intern’s growth. “My advice is to approach the internship with curiosity and initiative: ask questions, take ownership of projects, and absorb as much as you can,” he adds. “The more you put in, the more you’ll get out of the experience.”

For Drew, the program wasn’t just a glimpse into wealth management, it was a launchpad. The relationships he built, the projects he led, and the mentorship he received all reinforced his decision to pursue a career in the field. “While my time as a student may be over, my learning journey at SteelPeak is just getting started,” he says. “I hope to continue building expertise in investment management and efficient operations while contributing to the firm’s ongoing innovation and growth.”

Building the Next Generation of Wealth Management Professionals

At its core, the SteelPeak Summer Intern Program is about more than learning the fundamentals of finance: it’s about shaping future leaders in wealth management. As Charlotte explains, “Our goal is to engage newcomers to the field early, giving them meaningful exposure to the work we do and the values that guide us.” Through a balance of structured curriculum and hands-on collaboration, interns gain a comprehensive understanding of every facet of the firm, from investment management and operations to client service, compliance, and marketing.

Charlotte notes that the most successful interns share a few key qualities: curiosity, initiative, and integrity. “We look for students who are intellectually curious and eager to learn about financial planning and client service,” she says. “By the end of the program, they’ve strengthened their communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, and gained a real sense of what a career in wealth management could look like.”

The success of former interns like Drew Clanton, now a full-time member of the SteelPeak team, underscores the program’s lasting impact. Each year, SteelPeak continues to invest in the next generation, offering students not just a summer internship, but a stepping stone toward meaningful and rewarding careers.

How to Apply for the SteelPeak Summer Internship

If you’re a college student in your junior or senior year and want to explore what a future in wealth management looks like, SteelPeak welcomes you to apply.

Submit your resume and cover letter today to be considered for our next Summer Intern Program and take the first step toward transforming your classroom knowledge into real-world experience.