Breaking into Tech Finance: Lessons from My Intuit Internship
After five years working in traditional banking, I found myself at a crossroads. While my experience had given me a solid foundation in finance, I was eager to be part of the technological revolution reshaping the financial industry. This led me to pursue my MBA at Berkeley Haas–and ultimately to secure a highly competitive internship with Intuit’s Tech Ecosystem Finance Team. Here’s what I learned along the way during my time at the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley.
The Early Bird Gets the Opportunity
My journey to Silicon Valley began long before the actual internship search. While many wait until spring, I kicked off my preparation in early fall, attending networking sessions and company presentations. Working with Haas’s Career Management Group (CMG) early in the process proved invaluable–they helped me refine my resume to highlight relevant experiences and align it with tech industry expectations. They also reviewed the job descriptions with me, helping me understand how to position my banking background for tech roles. These early conversations helped me craft a compelling narrative about my transition from traditional finance to tech.
A pivotal moment came during Intuit’s campus visit in November. What caught my attention wasn’t just their innovative technology, but seeing finance professionals who had made the same transition from banking to tech. These events provided invaluable opportunities to connect with professionals and hear their stories firsthand. Intuit’s recruiters shared how they applied their financial expertise to drive technological innovation–it felt like glimpsing into my future.
Find Your Niche
Choosing between internships, fellowships, and full-time positions can be overwhelming. For me, the decision came down to three factors: hands-on experience, learning opportunities, and alignment with long-term goals. When evaluating your own opportunities, carefully consider how each role measures up against these three criteria:
- For hands-on experience, look beyond the job description–ask about specific projects previous interns have worked on and ensure you’ll have ownership over meaningful deliverables.
- When assessing learning opportunities, consider both formal training programs and the informal learning that comes from working alongside experienced professionals in your field. Look for roles where you’ll be exposed to new technologies, methodologies, or business areas that interest you.
- Finally, alignment with long-term goals isn’t just about the company name or role title–it’s about whether the skills and experiences you’ll gain will propel you toward your dream career.
The right opportunity should check all three boxes, setting you up for both immediate growth and future success. Don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions during interviews to ensure the role truly meets these criteria–it’s better to identify misalignment early than to realize it after accepting an offer.
I wanted to apply my financial expertise in a tech environment while learning how artificial intelligence and machine learning could revolutionize financial forecasting. Intuit’s internship stood out because it offered a unique blend of experience in traditional finance and cutting-edge technology. The role promised exposure to both strategic financial planning and innovative technological solutions. This was precisely the combination I was seeking to bridge my banking experience with my tech aspirations.
Navigate a Multi-Stage Selection Process
The selection process was intensely competitive and multifaceted. It took about 4 months from the time I applied to completing the selection process. It began with an introductory call focusing on personal motivation and work style. This was followed by a comprehensive business case presentation. As the only MBA student from Berkeley selected for the finance team, I learned valuable lessons about differentiation.
The key to standing out was showcasing how my banking background could bring a unique perspective to tech-driven financial innovation. Instead of trying to compete on technical skills alone, I emphasized my ability to bridge the gap between traditional finance and emerging technologies, backing this up with specific examples from my past experience.
For the business case presentation, I approached product variance analysis by combining traditional financial acumen with innovative data analysis techniques. The case required analyzing complex multi-dimensional datasets tracking product performance across different channels. My approach resonated with the interview panel, leading to an additional round with senior leadership—unexpected because this final round was added specifically due to the high number of qualified candidates that were still in the interview process. While this meant extra preparation and pressure, I saw it as an opportunity to further demonstrate my unique perspective and capabilities.
Managing the rigorous interview process alongside MBA coursework required careful planning and prioritization. I blocked out specific times for interview prep during lighter course weeks and worked ahead on assignments when possible. Having a study group that understood my recruiting commitments was invaluable – we supported each other through recruiting season while ensuring our academic responsibilities were met. Overall, I found that treating the recruiting process like an additional course in my schedule helped me allocate appropriate time and energy to both academics and job hunting.
Most importantly, I learned that maintaining balance was crucial for long-term success. I scheduled dedicated time for self-care and stress management, recognizing that both recruiting and academics are marathons, not sprints. This mindset helped me stay focused and energized throughout the challenging recruitment season.
Drive Innovation from Day One
At Intuit, I was immediately immersed in meaningful work. My main project involved developing a machine learning model for contractor spend forecasting, a challenge that perfectly aligned with my goal of modernizing financial processes. The existing process was labor-intensive, with finance analysts spending an average of 15-20 hours per week manually extracting data from hundreds of purchase orders and statements of work, often leading to delays in reporting and increased risk of human error. Studies have shown that such manual financial processes can cost large companies up to $300,000 annually in labor hours and error corrections.
My solution was twofold. First, I developed a machine learning model that improved forecast accuracy by 20% by incorporating key variables such as vendor size, contract lifecycle, and resource roles. Then, I collaborated with the engineers to develop an AI-based data extraction tool that could automatically retrieve and process information from unstructured documents. This innovation reduced processing time by 50%, enabling real-time updates to forecasts and freeing up analysts to focus on strategic analysis rather than data entry.
Working with the Tech Ecosystem Finance Team taught me that innovation isn’t just about technology—it’s about reimagining how we approach financial challenges. The supportive environment led by my manager and colleagues encouraged pushing boundaries while maintaining rigorous financial standards. The most rewarding aspect was seeing how our improvements didn’t just save time and money: they also enabled better decision-making by providing more accurate, timely financial insights.
Taiwo Ilesanmi from the Berkeley Haas MBA program as an intern at Intuit.
Key Takeaways for Grad Students
For those looking to land a graduate internship, here are my essential tips (with emphasis on my fintech-specific experience):
- Start Early: The recruitment cycle moves quickly, so begin your preparation as soon as the fall semester starts. Create a comprehensive tracking system for application deadlines, networking contacts, and company research. Dedicate time to understanding each company’s products and recent initiatives, as this knowledge will set you apart in conversations and interviews.
- Leverage Your Background: Your previous experience, whether in finance or another field, can be a powerful differentiator in fintech. For finance professionals, emphasize how your understanding of financial services can inform product development and innovation. Those from tech backgrounds should highlight their ability to bridge the gap between technical capabilities and business needs.
- Join Strategic Clubs: Professional clubs are invaluable resources. Join both clubs related to areas you want to work in. Finance and technology clubs helped me to understand different perspectives and access specialized recruiting events. Take leadership roles in club activities or projects to demonstrate initiative and build relevant skills while expanding your network of like-minded peers.
- Embrace Technical Challenges: The future of finance is increasingly technical, and showing enthusiasm for new technologies is crucial. Familiarize yourself with basic data analysis tools commonly used in fintech, such as SQL and Python. Demonstrate your willingness to learn and adapt by taking on technical projects or participating in relevant workshops.
- Focus on Impact: Prepare specific, quantifiable examples of how you’ve driven change or improved processes in your previous roles. Develop clear narratives about how your experience relates to the fintech role you’re pursuing, and be ready to discuss concrete ways you can add value. Think beyond technical skills to highlight your problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking.
- Bridge the Finance-Tech Gap: Success in fintech requires understanding both the financial and technological aspects of the industry. Take initiative to strengthen your weaker area, whether that’s through online courses in coding or financial fundamentals. Stay current with fintech trends and emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and open banking, as these topics frequently come up in interviews.
- Build Meaningful Connections: Focus on building genuine relationships rather than just collecting contacts. Actively participate in your career-interest-specific events, connect with alumni who have made similar transitions, and maintain regular contact with professionals in your target companies. Follow up meaningfully after each interaction and stay engaged with your network even after securing a position.
The transition from traditional banking to tech was transformative. At Intuit, I wasn’t just applying financial principles – I was part of reshaping how technology can make financial processes more efficient and accurate. For those considering a similar path, remember that your unique background isn’t a hindrance, but rather your competitive advantage in driving innovation in the tech finance world. The skills and perspectives I gained during my internship have reinforced my commitment to bridging the gap between finance and technology, proving that the journey from traditional banking to tech is not just possible—it’s a pathway to innovation.
This internship would not have been possible without the Berkeley Haas MBA program. The program’s emphasis on data-driven decision making and innovation mindset directly prepared me for the technical challenges at Intuit. My involvement in the Haas Tech Club connected me with alumni in fintech and provided invaluable insights into the industry’s trajectory, while the Finance Club’s workshops and speaker series helped me understand how traditional financial expertise could be applied in innovative ways. Most importantly, Berkeley’s strong connections to Silicon Valley and its supportive career services team were instrumental in helping me identify and secure this transformative opportunity. This experience has deepened my appreciation for how my MBA education is preparing me to be at the forefront of finance’s technological evolution.
Taiwo Ilesanmi, Class of 2025, is a Haas School of Business MBA Candidate focusing on finance and technology innovation.
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