2027 Summer Intern - Cannabis Banking (Raleigh, NC)

First Citizens Bank • Raleigh, NC

12h

About The Position

First Citizens Bank’s summer internship program provides development opportunities and hands-on corporate work experience, while helping build a talent pipeline for the Bank. The intern will join the Cannabis Banking Division, a team of 11 professionals, and gain exposure to a rapidly evolving, highly regulated segment of financial services. The role offers firsthand learning about FDIC guidelines, compliance requirements, legal considerations, and how the Bank serves cannabis-related businesses and generates revenue in this sector. The intern will collaborate with internal and external partners, including legal counsel, and gain broad exposure to relationship management, risk assessment, and business strategy.

The intern will support market research, Centers of Influence development, prospecting, lead generation, outbound sales activities, and strategic projects. Projects may involve analyzing workflows, recommending process improvements, enhancing operational efficiency, and identifying opportunities for automation and scalability. The intern will receive support from a dedicated manager and program manager, attend professional development and networking activities, and complete a business-aligned project to present to division and company stakeholders. The internship runs from May 24, 2027, through July 30, 2027, and requires 40 hours per week.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and at least 1 year of experience.
• Currently enrolled at an accredited collegiate institution during the summer program.
• Ability to work 40 hours per week for the duration of the program.
• Adaptability.
• Written and verbal communication skills.
• Critical thinking skills.

Nice To Haves

• Minimum 3.0 GPA.
• Sales experience, including outbound sales.
• Proficiency in MS Office.
• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Urban Planning/Studies, Business, or Finance.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and a desire to learn and grow.
• Positive attitude, natural curiosity, and enjoyment of collaboration.
• Ability to multitask.
• Ability to adapt and adjust priorities based on business needs.
• Ability to take direction and absorb information quickly.

Responsibilities

• Support research, analytics, projects, strategy, process reviews and improvements, and technology enhancement assessment and support as assigned.
• Identify and develop Centers of Influence (COIs).
• Conduct market research and support business development through prospecting, lead generation, and outbound sales activities.
• Contribute to strategic projects focused on operational efficiency, business process improvements, automation, and scalability.
• Analyze workflows, recommend process improvements, and support initiatives that advance the Cannabis Banking Division.
• Complete an assigned business-aligned project designed to improve a process or solve a problem, and present it to local leaders and other key stakeholders.
• Prepare a wrap-up presentation for the division leader and other key stakeholders outlining internship accomplishments and experience.
• Attend scheduled professional development sessions, informational meetings, networking events, and community service events.
• Carry out accountabilities assigned by the intern’s direct manager, area, or department leadership.

Benefits

• The company describes its associate benefits program as competitive, thoughtfully designed, and intended to meet associates’ needs; further details are provided through the company benefits website.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED