Frequently Asked Questions
General Career Program Questions
Eligibility and Requirement Questions
Application Questions
Transcripts and Picture Questions
Deadline Questions
Summer Internship Questions
Interview Questions
General Career Program Questions
What is SEO?
Quick Pitch - The SEO Career Program places students of color interested in finance, philanthropy, business and corporate law in internships with competitive pay, rigorous training, support through mentors, and broad access to industry professionals.
I’ve heard interns undergo intense training before and during their internships. What kind of training and orientation do you provide? How many hours of training do the interns receive?
Training begins before students begin at their firms, with online coursework, SEO Orientation, and comprehensive program-specific training. Students also engage in ongoing networking throughout their summer, and are given the chance to engage with CEOs, CFOs, CIOs, other senior leaders and recruiting representatives. Our interns participate in roughly 40 hours of online training and 60 hours of in-person program-specific training.
I’ve heard your investment banking interns have so many SEO sponsored events that take them away from their internships and they end up not getting full-time offers. Is this true?
One of the benefits of the SEO program is the exposure to other partner firms through networking events. We have front-loaded some of our seminar events in the last couple of years to limit the amount of time SEO interns spend away from their desks. Also SEO seminars typically take place early in the morning or in the evenings. In both cases, interns are required to go straight back to work. Our partners are provided a calendar of SEO events at the beginning of the summer so they know where their interns are at all times.
How do you decide where interns are placed?
We receive job descriptions from our partner firms/companies and work to ensure that each intern is best-positioned to receive a full-time offer in a place where they would best thrive and succeed. Many factors are taken into consideration including: past experience, academic performance, industry exposure, career interests and personality/fit.
Can you tell me about your mentoring program?
Our mentorship program is three-fold, with a staff liaison, an SEO alumnus or alumna, and an executive mentor. Staff liaisons govern a specific program area and a cohort of students to help guide students through their internship, while industry-specific volunteer alumni work one-on-one with students in a more candid way, and executive mentors (provided by our partner firms) help navigate the interns through the firm culture and expectations.
Who is eligible for the SEO internship program?
Students of color who have a 3.0 GPA or above are eligible for the SEO program, with limited opportunities for students with F-1 visas (investment bank partners only). We have opportunities for every grade level. Any major is welcome.
How does SEO define students of color?
SEO uses the Federal Classification Standars on Race and Ethnicity and asks applicants to self-identify i.e. if you consider yourself to be a student of color, you’re welcome to apply.
How has the recession affected SEO? Have you seen any change in the number of SEO interns being hired full-time?
The size of our program has fluctuated with the recession; however, the percentage of our eligible interns who receive full-time offers has remained fairly consistent. We still provide our interns with the best quality program and our partners with highly-skilled interns.
Eligibility and Requirement Questions
Please remember to check the eligibility and requirements section (box on left) on each internship area’s page.
I applied last year as a sophomore and didn’t get in. Why?
Majority of our internships are available to juniors. This is because many of our partner firms are interested in making offers to interns who can start full-time after they graduate from college in a year. As such there are limited opportunities available for sophomores. We however encourage all interested and qualified sophomores to apply.
How many applications does SEO receive? How many students get in?
SEO internships are very competitive. We receive a large number of applications each year but that should not discourage you from applying.
What is typically the size of the SEO intern class?
Our class size varies from year to year but typically ranges between 300 – 400 interns.
I’m an international student. Can I apply?
Yes, international students with F-1 visas can apply but we have limited opportunities available. Please see our website for more information on which programs you are eligible for.
I will be graduating the December after the internship summer, am I still eligible to apply?
Yes, SEO Career Program internships are open to students who are returning to their undergraduate program for at least one semester after they complete their internship. You will be considered a junior at the time of your application. The ONLY exception is for students applying to the Corporate Law and Philanthropy programs, which are open to graduating seniors and recent graduates.
I am currently a freshman, am I eligible to apply?
SEO currently offers internships to second-year (sophomores), third-year (juniors), final-year (seniors) undergraduate students and recent graduates (Corporate Law Only). However, we encourage first-year (freshmen) students to apply for our SEO-U Program. Participating in SEO-U does NOT guarantee you an internship for the following year. However, it will provide you with the advanced tools necessary to strengthen your candidacy when applying to a future SEO class. Please click here to learn more about our SEO-U Program.
Does SEO only provide internships for undergraduates? If so, are there any other organizations that SEO may know of that provides internships for graduates?
The SEO Career Program internships are for undergraduate underrepresented students of color and recent graduates (for the Corporate Law Program only). We are sorry that our organization cannot provide you with assistance.
My GPA is below 3.0 right now, but will be above a 3.0 at the end of the semester. Am I still eligible?
Yes, as long as you can provide us with your transcript that shows that your GPA is above 3.0 at the time of admission. For example, if you have a 2.8 right now and expect to have a 3.0 after the fall semester, we encourage you to apply. Please provide us with an updated transcript when available.
Application Questions
What are the SEO application deadlines?
Please click here to view all deadlines.
If I am not accepted for my first program choice will I be considered for my second or third program choices? / Can SEO place me in a program other than my first choice?
If you are not accepted for your first program choice SEO may choose to consider you for your second or third program choices based on your qualifications, interview performance and spots available in your second or third choice program area. SEO will have a conversation with you before considering you for a program other than your first choice.
I recently submitted my completed application to SEO. How can I confirm that my application has been submitted and is complete?
You should log onto your online application - all the information regarding the status of your application can be found there. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we cannot confirm the receipt of supplemental materials. If we are missing anything we need to reach a decision, we will contact you.
Can I send a paper application?
No, all applications must be submitted online. Only in rare circumstances (i.e. a student studying abroad in an area with no web access), applicants must contact SEO for authorization to submit a paper application.
Can I apply directly to SEO’s partners for internships and scholarships?
Yes. Please notify them that you have also applied to SEO. Also, please update the section of the application that deals with your applications with SEO partners regularly.
If I applied last year do I need to go through the same process all over again?
Yes, you do. You must create a new account and reapply with a new PIN. Please feel free to tell us in the optional short answer what has changed to enhance your candidacy.
If I participated in SEO as a sophomore last year can I reapply?
You can reapply as a junior for a different program. You will need to indicate that you are an SEO alum on the application. Sophomore alums who did research, sales & trading, corporate finance, COO, Doug Paul or rotational programs are not eligible for the investment banking program. Sophomore alums who did risk management can apply for investment banking.
I don’t remember my application PIN. What should I do?
You should go onto the ApplyYourself application website and request your PIN to be sent to you (click on “Forgot your PIN or Password?”). SEO outsources the application technology and does not retain this type of information.
I cannot find my undergraduate school in the list of schools provided through the ‘Look Up’ system on the application. What should I do?
Try searching by a portion of the school name, the city or the state. Some school names are abbreviated in the system. If you still cannot locate your school, please email SEO at careerprogram@seo-usa.org as soon as possible and request that your school be added to the list.
Does the question "How does the program area to which you have applied link to your professional goals?" apply to my first program area selection or all of them?
This question refers to your top choice - the program area you listed as number one.
If I am not accepted for my first program choice will I be considered for my second or third program choices?
If you are not accepted for your first program choice SEO may choose to consider you for your second or third program choices based on your qualifications and interview performance.
I recently submitted my completed application to SEO. How can I confirm that my application has been submitted and is complete?
You should log onto your online application - all the information regarding the status of your application can be found there. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we cannot confirm the receipt of supplemental materials. If we are missing anything we need to reach a decision, we will contact you.
Is there any way to correct something on my application once it has been submitted?
Generally, no. Please make sure that all the information on your application is correct before you submit it. You can update your contact information and general profile by logging into the application and clicking on ‘Update Profile’. This is the information SEO uses to contact you for interviews and admissions decisions. Please make sure it is current.
I want to send my SAT scores directly to SEO. What is your institution code?
To have the College Board send your SAT scores directly to our organization please use the following institution code: 8798. If you are still having problems locating our organization please contact the College Board with the following identification number: 334023
Where can I find the Recommendation Form and instructions?
If you are selected for an in-person interview we will request one recommendation from a faculty member or employer. You are not required to submit a recommendation as part of your application unless you are invited to interview. Recommendations should be submitted electronically through our online application system. The recommendation is due as soon as possible after you are invited to interview. We must have your recommendation form on file in order to make a final decision on your candidacy.
An SEO alum has offered to write me a letter of recommendation. How do I submit this?
The SEO alum can access the Alumni Recommendation Form on our website. You can also print the form and bring the completed letter to your interview and submit to the SEO staff member present.
Please see the ‘Application Instructions’ section of your online application for more information about the application.
Transcripts and Picture Questions
Do I need to submit an official transcript?
You are not required to submit an official transcript as part of your application unless you are invited to an in-person interview. You only need an unofficial transcript to submit your application. If you are invited to interview in-person with SEO, your official transcript should be mailed directly to our offices (55 Exchange Place, Suite 601, New York, NY 10005) as soon as possible after you receive the invitation. You may also bring the official transcript with you to your interview. We must have your official transcript on file in order to make a final decision on your candidacy.
Do I send my transcript now even though it does not contain my fall grades?
Yes, please upload your most current transcript into the application. If you are a transfer student, please upload your transcript from your previous school. If your grades improve, you can submit an updated transcript later in the process. Please fax it to (646)706-7113 and include your name, school and ApplyYourself PIN.
I am a transfer student. Do I need to send a transcript from my previous school(s)?
Yes, please upload your transcript(s) from your previous school(s) and your current school.
I cannot upload my supporting documents to my application. Where do I send it?
Please email your resume, photo, or unofficial transcript to careerprogram@seo-usa.org or fax to (646)706-7113 and include your name, school and ApplyYourself PIN.
I'm currently studying abroad and cannot access my transcript at school. Can I enter an estimate of my GPA on the application?
No. Please contact the registrar's office at your school (via phone or email) as soon as possible - they should be able to give you your exact current GPA to enter on your application. We require that you have your exact GPA on your application.
I’m having problems uploading my picture. When I click on ‘Upload Document’ nothing happens even though I don't have my pop-up blocker turned on. Could you tell me what the problem is?
Your document may be too large. Please make sure the file containing your picture is no larger than 250KB. Try pasting your picture into a word document or sending a pdf of a scanned picture. You can also email your photo to careerprogram@seo-usa.org or fax to (646)706-7113 and include your name, school and ApplyYourself PIN.
How do I submit my law school admission documents?
Please fax all law school related documentation to (646)706-7113.
Deadline Questions
Does it make a difference what round I apply to? Will chances be better in the earlier rounds?
Yes, the earlier you apply the better your chances are for getting into the program because we have rolling admissions.
Are November, December, and January (and February 15th for Corporate Law) the absolute deadlines?
Our admissions are on a rolling basis. Applicants applying to any one of these deadlines CANNOT reapply for another deadline (you may only apply once per year). Please note that any applications received after the final round will be reviewed at the discretion of the Admissions Committee.
When will I hear back about my application status?
We review applications on an on-going basis. Not everyone hears back at the same time. Our website provides a timeline of when to expect to hear back from SEO depending on which round you applied to.
Does it make a difference what round I apply to? Will chances be better in the earlier rounds?
Yes, the earlier you apply the better your chances are for getting into the program because we have rolling admissions.
Are November 1st, December 15th, and January 31st (and February 15th for Corporate Law) the absolute deadlines?
Our admissions are on a rolling basis. Applicants applying to any one of these deadlines CANNOT reapply for another deadline (you may only apply once per year). Please note that any applications received after the final round will be reviewed at the discretion of the Admissions Committee.
Summer Internship Questions
If I get an offer from SEO, may I choose the SEO partner with whom I wish to be placed?
Partner placement decisions are made solely by the Admissions Committee and are final. If you are offered a position directly with an SEO partner and with SEO, you may be able to combine the offers. This will be discussed with you in more detail if you are admitted to the program. Please remember to inform our partners that you are also applying to SEO. Please speak with a recruiter for more information about the placement process.
Where will I live for the summer while I am interning?
SEO assists interns in identifying housing options. Interns are ultimately responsible for finding and paying for their own summer housing. In past years, SEO interns have secured comfortable dormitory housing with local universities. Please note that neither SEO nor its partners are responsible for any costs related to an intern’s housing or travel.
If I am accepted to SEO when will my internship begin?
The SEO internship officially begins after the SEO Orientation, which is usually held over the Memorial Day weekend. Internships begin late May to Mid-June. Internships are usually eight to ten weeks in duration ending in July or August.
If I am accepted to SEO how do I dress for the summer?
Because of recent changes in dress codes across corporate America, there have been many questions regarding how to dress for an SEO internship. Even though many of our partners have instituted what is known as ‘corporate casual’ attire, you are required to attend all SEO events i.e. seminars, dinners etc. in ‘formal business’ attire. This means suits for both ladies and gentlemen. Formal corporate attire is a dark suit (navy, gray or black for men & women), light shirt (preferably white, but pastel colors are generally acceptable), tie, and closed shoes. After your acceptance into the SEO internship program, if you are unsure about what constitutes either ‘formal business’ attire or ‘corporate casual’ attire, please do not hesitate to ask your SEO coordinator. Your assigned partner will give you guidelines for attire (typically business casual) during your employment hours.
Are in-person interviews program-specific?
Yes, SEO interviews include general questions as well as program-specific questions and a program-specific case question. Please click here to review interview preparation tips.
Where does SEO interview?
SEO holds interviews in several regions. Interviews are by invitation only. Past interview sites include Atlanta, Boston, Chicago Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington DC. The SEO application invites applicants to list their preference for an interview location so we can make enough slots available. All applicants should be prepared to travel to New York for their in-person interview at their own expense.
Does SEO hold phone interviews for those applicants that are studying abroad?
In special circumstances the Admissions Committee may conduct interviews by telephone or Skype® if candidates are studying abroad. Please contact interview@seo-usa.org to request a phone interview if you are invited to an in-person interview and are studying abroad. Please include your study abroad contact information.
Are travel expenses covered by SEO?
Applicants are responsible for all expenses incurred for travel. This is due to the number of students we consider nationwide and because we are a non-profit. We also hold regional interviews in various locations to help alleviate some of the costs of travel.
I've been deferred to the next round of interviews. Does this affect my chances of acceptance into the program?
SEO accepts students on a rolling basis. Chances are higher the earlier you interview so it is advisable to interview as early as possible and not change interview dates if at all possible.
There are no more available slots to sign up for an interview on the interview system. What should I do?
Interview slots are limited and are on a first come first serve basis. You should check the SEO Online Scheduler regularly and may be notified via email when the next set of interview slots is opened.
If you need to cancel or make any changes to an interview that has already been scheduled, please log into the SEO Online scheduler and edit your appointment under “My Appointments”.
If you need to change your contact information, please log into the SEO Online scheduler and edit your profile.