PCAOB Fellow and Intern Opportunities 

Launch your career with PCAOB Fellow and Internship Opportunities

At the PCAOB, we believe in investing in the next generation of leaders. Our fellowship and internship programs offer a unique opportunity to support our investor protection mission, learn from experienced professionals, contribute to meaningful projects, and build a strong foundation for your future career.  

Why Choose a Fellowship or Internship at the PCAOB?  

  • Hands-on Experience: Immerse yourself in the day-to-day operations of our various divisions and offices, gaining practical skills and insights that go beyond the classroom.
  • Meaningful Contributions: Our interns are integral members of their teams, contributing to projects and initiatives that impact our organization.  
  • Supportive Culture: We foster a collaborative environment where every voice is valued. You will be part of a team that encourages learning and growth.  

Our fellowship and internship programs are open to currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate students pursuing degrees in relevant fields such as (but not limited to):  

  • Accounting; 
  • Law;
  • Finance;
  • Business Administration;
  • Data Science and Technology;
  • Human Resources; and
  • Communications.  

We are looking for motivated individuals with a strong academic record, excellent communication and analytical skills, and a genuine interest in the PCAOB mission.  

Hiring Process for Fellow and Intern Candidates

Step 1: Search and Apply

  • Visit PCAOB Careers and search for a current open position of interest that aligns with your career goals.
  • To ensure the best candidate experience, we encourage you to apply to one position best aligned with your background and skillsets.
  • The application process requires submission of a resume and an unofficial transcript.

Step 2: Candidate Review Process

  • After you complete your application for employment a member of the Talent Acquisition team will review your resume, transcript, and qualifications. Candidates are selected for the next step based on academic background, extracurriculars, and prior work experience best aligned to the job posting qualifications.
  • Due to the high volume of applicants, we are unable to respond directly to each prospective candidate. To check the status of your application, please sign in to your PCAOB Careers account. If your application has been closed, we are moving forward with other qualified candidates.

Step 3: Interview Process

  • If your application is selected, you will be invited to participate in our virtual Recruiter phone screen.
  • If selected to move forward by our Recruiter, you will be invited to a virtual interview with various members from our divisions and offices lasting approximately 30 – 60 minutes each.

Step 4: Candidate Selection and Offer Process

  • The candidate selection process and offer decision typically takes a few weeks once final interviews are completed. 
  • We request your patience in the process and will reach out to you with potential next steps.

If you have questions about your application after completing an interview, please contact your Recruiter directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical duration and schedule of your internships?

  • We have three cohorts that align with spring, summer, and fall. Each intern cohort lasts approximately 12 weeks.
  • Interns hired during the spring and fall cohorts are part-time (20 hours/week), while our summer cohort is a full-time (40 hours/week) commitment.

Are your fellowships and internships paid?

  • Yes, our fellowships and internships are paid. We support transparency, equity, and fairness in our compensation programs. We offer a competitive hourly rate based on education level and qualifications, as follows:
    • Undergraduate students: $25.00/hour
    • Graduate students: $29.00/hour
    • Ph.D./JD students: $37.00/hour

What locations are the internships in?

  • The PCAOB offers a hybrid work model called Workplace 2.0.
    • Staff will be assigned to one of our offices, including: Washington, DC(Headquarters); Ashburn, VA; Irvine, CA; Los Angeles, CA; San Francisco, CA; Denver, CO; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Tampa, FL; Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Boston, MA; New York, NY; Charlotte, NC; Philadelphia, PA; Dallas, TX; or Houston, TX office or location.
    • Staff can choose to live and work from anywhere within the United States but will be required to commute to their assigned office or location for occasional intentional gatherings or meetings at the frequency required by their supervisor. Travel to an assigned office or location for commuting purposes will not be considered reimbursable business travel, unless otherwise required by state law. Business travel is reimbursable in an amount not exceeding the cost to travel from the assigned office or location, unless otherwise required by state law.

When are applications open?

  • We encourage you to apply for a fellowship or internship position as soon as you see it available! For many of our internships, we recruit on a rolling basis, and therefore there is no hard deadline to submit applications.

Take the first step toward an exciting fellowship or internship with the PCAOB, explore our current opportunities, and submit your application today!

Equal Employment Opportunity 

All PCAOB employees are entitled to equal opportunity and a professional work environment, free of discrimination and harassment. A workplace free of discrimination and harassment is fundamental to professional success and to the PCAOB's mission. The PCAOB will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law.

GenAI Guidance in Hiring Process 

To ensure a fair and transparent hiring process, the use of GenAI during the screening and interviewing process is not permitted. We recognize the emerging role of GenAI in the job application process where appropriate, such as in drafting your resume or preparing for an interview. However, please be aware that the use of GenAI could potentially result in plagiarism and/or misrepresent your skills and qualifications. All candidates are responsible for ensuring their job application and, if selected, any information shared during the screening and interviewing process reflects their actual skills and experience. 

Reasonable Accommodation Statement 

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities act (ADA), it is the policy of the PCAOB to provide reasonable accommodations when requested by a qualified applicant or candidate with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodations applies to all aspects of the hiring process. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact [email protected].