As the world’s largest asset manager, BlackRock could be a great place to build an MBA career in finance or technology, given the firm’s expertise in investment management and increasing focus in the fintech space.
The firm’s FinTech Fund invests 70% of capital in companies developing fintech solutions, and in December 2023, BlackRock announced plans to roll out generative artificial intelligence tools to clients and investment professionals in 2024.
These new developments mean it’s an exciting time to launch a career at BlackRock. So how can you have the best chance of success?
Here’s Pasquale Quintero, VP and head of Americas early careers recruitment at BlackRock, with some advice for those aspiring to join the firm.
What does BlackRock look for in its MBA hires?
The BlackRock MBA Internship Program is open to current MBA students looking to work as summer associates for nine weeks. To qualify, applicants must be on track to graduate between August 2024 and July 2025.
There are several important soft and technical skills that BlackRock wants from its MBAs, Pasquale (pictured) explains. “We look for candidates to have strong leadership, communication, analytical, and critical thinking skills."
The ability to work collaboratively in a close-knit team is equally important, and candidates should demonstrate an interest in the industries in which BlackRock operates – financial services and technology. Exactly which technical skills you’ll need to showcase depends on which business area you apply to work in.
Once the internship begins, you can build more specific skills and knowledge with expert guidance from your BlackRock colleagues.
READ: Is Finance A Good Career Path?
How to apply to BlackRock's MBA Internship Program?
The application opening and closing dates for the MBA Internship Program vary depending on the internship location. To apply, you’ll need to submit an online application and select up to two business areas of interest. Once you submit your application, you’ll have five days to submit a pre-interview assessment, which consists of recording answers to questions.
BlackRock hires MBAs into a range of businesses. If the company selects your application, they’ll invite you to a first-round interview.
“First-round interviews are behavioral based,” Pasquale comments. During this interview, you can expect to be asked about your motivations for joining BlackRock, your background, and how you tend to function in the workplace. Candidates should also be familiar with BlackRock’s Principles. The interview may also include a group exercise, presentation or study.
If you’re successful at that stage, you’ll be invited to a final-round interview. During this stage of the application, you can expect more technical questions, Pasquale reveals.
“Interview questions vary by team and role, as some groups are more technical than others,” he says. “Depending on the role candidates applied for, they should be prepared to demonstrate their technical abilities, and possibly complete a case study or stock pitch.”
After the final interview round, successful candidates will receive an offer to join BlackRock as Summer Interns. In addition to immersing themselves in their teams, MBA Summer Interns will have the opportunity to attend networking and social events, participate in skills development sessions, and engage with senior leaders at the firm.
BlackRock careers for MBAs
Pasquale says all candidates who perform well during the internship are offered full-time associate or VP level positions at BlackRock. Levels are determined based on an individual’s pre-MBA experience.
“We are continuing to see great interest and enthusiasm from MBA candidates, who are attracted to BlackRock’s position as a global leader in asset management and fintech, as well as our guiding principles and culture,” Pasquale concludes.
READ: 10 Best MBAs For Finance Careers In 2024
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This article was originally written in September 2021 and was updated in June 2024. The BlackRock internship referenced has been replaced since initial publication, changing from the MBA Summer Associate Program to the MBA Internship Program.
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