Programs like BlackRock’s Quantitative Master’s Internship Program have always been a big deal on Wall Street. First introduced as a pilot for summer 2024, this program is specially designed for grad students in analytics, computational finance, engineering, mathematics, and quantitative master’s programs. It gives them hands-on experience building and using cutting-edge quantitative and statistical models.
What makes BlackRock stand out is its massive scale, which lets interns see a huge variety of work. By collaborating with all kinds of stakeholders—both inside and outside the firm—participants get a deep look at challenges that mirror the broader market.
“Being exposed to that kind of scope is really exciting,” says Michael Sternberg, Managing Director and Global Head of Aladdin Financial Engineering at BlackRock. “If you want to specialize later, that’s great—but having that early exposure and appreciation is incredibly valuable.”
Sternberg has spent the last 39 years leading quantitative and structured finance teams. He joined BlackRock as Head of Analytics and Modeling in July 2022 before moving into his current role in June 2023. As finance grows more complex and fast-paced, he sees a critical need to develop a pipeline of top-tier talent. “In some areas—especially advanced modeling—you need the best people, and we had to find a way to bring them in.”
That’s where the Quantitative Master’s Internship Program comes in. It’s all about practical learning—letting interns solve real-world problems, sharpen their technical skills, and explore what a career in applied analytics and modeling really looks like. Sternberg highlights how the program helps grad students understand the difference between academic work and applied analytics or regulatory-focused roles.
“Getting to work at a financial firm and seeing what that experience is like is key,” he says. “I’ve seen some people flourish in this space, while others realize it’s not for them and prefer sticking closer to what they did in grad school.”
Sternberg also credits his own early career experiences for shaping his path. “I was lucky to have internships in different business roles—economics, consumer affairs, finance—and that helped me figure out what I liked,” he says. “I enjoyed the finance side, especially in a real-world business setting. Trying different things was huge for me.”
Cultivating a Unique Talent Pool
Recruiting for the Quant Master’s Internship Program means looking for very specific skills. Pasquale Quintero, Jr. (PQ), Director and Head of Campus Recruitment for the AMERS region (North America and Latin America), works closely with Sternberg to find the right candidates.
As a first-gen grad with a non-traditional career path himself, Quintero knows programs like this help tap into a unique talent pool and let grads shape careers that fit their goals. For the Quant Master’s Program, he looks for strong analytical skills, financial modeling expertise, and openness to working with different teams across locations. But he also knows talent comes in many forms.
“We need people with the technical skills to excel,” Quintero says. “But we also understand some join grad programs to switch careers or deepen their expertise. Maybe you worked in tech and want to move into financial services—that’s fine. We value diverse experiences and perspectives.”
He also seeks candidates who are adaptable across different products, eager to keep learning beyond their studies or past jobs, and willing to become well-rounded students of the market. Above all, he wants people who are passionate about performance, innovation, and teamwork.
His best advice for applicants? Treat every recruiter chat like an informal interview. “One conversation could lead to an internship or full-time role, so go in with that mindset,” he says.
Knowing the basics about the company and industry is also key. Plus, Quintero likes to learn what excites students—“What are their passion projects? What do they love doing?”—so he can match them with opportunities that fit their skills and long-term goals.
Investing in the Future
As BlackRock heads into the program’s second year, it’s doubling the 2025 class size—letting more candidates join and strengthening the firm’s talent pipeline.
“It’s still a small, niche program, but many teams here see the value in this unique talent pool,” Quintero says. “The internship is like an extended audition—giving candidates real-world experience while letting the business see if they’re the right fit for a particular role.”
The Quantitative Master’s Internship Program reflects BlackRock’s commitment to preparing the next generation of leaders for finance’s fast-changing landscape.
To learn more, visit BlackRock’s Students & Graduates page.
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