The Strategy & Business Development Intern role is a highly sought-after position for students looking to gain hands-on experience in corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and business analysis. This internship, offered by leading firms like the D. E. Shaw Group, provides a structured pathway for interns to work on high-impact projects that directly influence company decisions.
Key Duties of a Strategy & Business Development Intern
According to the job description, the primary responsibilities of this role include understanding, structuring, and analyzing complex business issues. Interns are expected to perform rigorous and accurate analysis and modeling to help create competitive strategies and support ongoing projects. The role also involves supporting business development and M&A actions, which include target screening and assessment, valuation, due diligence, negotiation, and acquisition integration.
Additionally, interns must assess and profile companies to support the formulation and execution of strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and acquisition opportunities. Communication development and business reporting are also key duties, requiring interns to share insights and recommendations in a structured and easily digestible manner, both in written and oral formats. The ability to present analysis while engaging the audience and projecting self-assurance is emphasized.
Compensation and Benefits for the Internship
The D. E. Shaw Group offers a competitive compensation package for its Strategy and Business Development Intern position in New York for Summer 2027. According to Yale Office of Career Strategy, the position offers a monthly base salary of $11,000, overtime pay, a sign-on bonus of $7,500, travel coverage to and from the internship, and a choice of accommodation or a housing stipend.
The internship is structured as a 10-week program, providing interns with a comprehensive experience in the financial and strategy sectors. This compensation package reflects the high value placed on the analytical and strategic skills that interns bring to the firm.
How to Apply for the Role
To apply for this position at the D. E. Shaw Group, candidates are required to email their resume and the job title to recruitment-nyc@world.deshaw.com, as stated on the company's careers page. The application process is straightforward, but competition is expected to be intense given the attractive compensation and the prestige of the firm.
Other firms, such as CHRISTUS Health, also offer similar internships, though with different timelines and locations. For instance, CHRISTUS Health's Student Intern - Strategy and Business Development position in Corpus Christi, TX, runs from May 18, 2026, to August 7, 2026, and focuses on providing a meaningful educational experience.
Our Take: Why This Internship Stands Out
In our view, the Strategy & Business Development Intern role is one of the most valuable opportunities for students interested in corporate strategy and finance. The combination of hands-on M&A work, competitive strategy development, and a generous compensation package makes it a standout choice. The $11,000 monthly salary and $7,500 sign-on bonus are not just attractive—they signal that the firm expects interns to contribute meaningfully from day one.
To put it plainly, this is not a typical internship where you fetch coffee. You will be analyzing real business issues, supporting multi-million dollar deals, and presenting your findings to senior leaders. For students who can handle the pressure, this role offers a fast track into the world of high-stakes business strategy.