United States onlyAbout The Greenwood Project Sales Academy: At Greenwood Project, we are dedicated to breaking down barriers and empowering Black and Latino undergraduate students to thrive in the financial services industry. Our mission is to provide social, academic, and aspirational capital to our scholars, ensuring talented individuals have the opportunity to shape the future of finance.
The Sales Academy prepares scholars for careers in institutional sales, relationship management, capital markets sales, and client-facing roles in financial services. Through our comprehensive 10-month program (July 2026 - May 2027), you'll develop the communication prowess, market knowledge, and relationship-building skills needed to succeed in dynamic client-facing positions.
Program Overview:
We are currently recruiting 100 scholars for our 2028 cohort. You can apply if you are a freshman graduating in 2029. Upon acceptance, you will complete a comprehensive training program from July 2026 through May 2027. This program is designed to train you as a sophomore and prepare you for a junior year internship in Summer 2028. You'll gain invaluable insights into sales and relationship management and prepare for a potential 10-week summer internship placement with our esteemed partner firms. Please note: Internship placements are not guaranteed.
What You'll Do
- Complete assigned client presentations, pitch development, and relationship management simulations to demonstrate proficiency in sales concepts within program deadlines
- Engage in guided training sessions covering capital markets products, client communication strategies, market dynamics, and sales techniques
- Participate in networking events, mentorship programs, and professional development opportunities to expand your network within institutional sales and relationship management
- Embrace a culture of relationship excellence, market awareness, and continuous learning, positioning yourself as a future leader in financial services sales
What We're Looking For - Ideal Degree Backgrounds
- Finance
- Business Administration
- Communications
- Economics
- Political Science
- Any major with strong communication and interpersonal focus
Technical Skills (or strong willingness to develop)
- Market awareness and ability to discuss financial products
- Understanding of capital markets and financial instruments
- Presentation development and delivery (PowerPoint, storytelling)
- CRM systems and relationship tracking
- Basic financial analysis to support client conversations
- Research skills to understand client needs and market trends
Soft Skills & Characteristics
Greenwood Project selects students who display Grit, Resourcefulness, and Intellectual Curiosity, along with:
Greenwood Project selects students who display Grit, Resourcefulness, and Intellectual Curiosity, along with:
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
- Natural relationship-building abilities and interpersonal savvy
- Confidence in client-facing situations and public speaking
- Active listening and the ability to understand client needs
- Persuasive communication and negotiation capabilities
- Resilience and positive attitude in the face of rejection
- Adaptability and quick thinking in dynamic conversations
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
What Makes a Strong Sales Academy Candidate:
The strongest candidates are natural connectors who genuinely enjoy building relationships and helping clients solve problems. You should be comfortable initiating conversations, confident presenting to groups, and energized by dynamic client interactions. Successful scholars demonstrate the persistence to follow through on commitments, the empathy to understand diverse client perspectives, and the communication skills to articulate complex financial concepts in accessible ways. You don't need to be the loudest person in the room; authenticity and genuine curiosity about people matter more than bravado.
Eligibility Requirements
- Currently enrolled as a freshman (Class of 2029) at an accredited four-year institution
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Unofficial transcripts from first semester of college AND high school transcripts must be provided at application
- Commitment to excellence, integrity, character, and collaboration
What You'll Gain
- Career Advancement: Gain a competitive edge in the institutional sales and client services job market and establish yourself as a top candidate for full-time positions within leading financial institutions' wealth management and relationship management teams.
- Professional Presence: Develop the communication skills, market knowledge, and executive presence that top sales professionals leverage daily.
- Collaborative Environment: Work alongside talented peers who share your passion for markets and client service, collaborating to drive meaningful change in the industry.
- Self-Investment: Take control of your career trajectory and invest in your future success with the support and guidance of Greenwood Project.
- Growth Opportunities: Access mentorship through one-on-one coaching, networking with sales professionals and relationship managers, and professional development resources to accelerate your growth and unlock new opportunities in financial services sales.
