Distribution Internship (Client Management and RFP)

Our 10-week summer intern program provides real-life experience in a collaborative and inclusive environment. Over the course of your internship, you will gain exposure to leaders, cultivate your business knowledge, work on projects that directly impact the business you support, and network in a welcoming atmosphere. Ameriprise Financial, Columbia Threadneedle Investments and RiverSource Insurance offers employees the opportunity to grow and develop personally and professionally in a flexible work environment designed to support individual needs.

As you spend the summer with us, you’ll spend time getting to know your fellow interns through social activities and volunteering within the local community. With access to our Business Resource Networks – which includes the Black Employee Network, Young Professionals Network, PRIDE Network – you will increase your own sense of belonging and engage in important networking and development opportunities.

                             

Key Responsibilities

As part of our 10-week internship programme, you’ll join the wider Distribution team, which focuses on the commercial side of Asset Management and strategic decision-making. Your time will be split between two core areas: Client Management and the Request for Proposal (RFP) Team. Your responsibilities will vary depending on your rotation and assigned projects, offering a well-rounded experience across both teams.

Client Management Team (Weeks 1–5)

You’ll begin your internship at the heart of our client management function, supporting a broad range of clients including global financial institutions, wealth managers, pension schemes, and insurers. Working closely with our sales teams, you’ll gain insight into client needs and how we build lasting partnerships.

Your responsibilities may include:

• Supporting compliance initiatives, such as UK platform “secret shopper” projects
• Participating in procedure testing to ensure operational accuracy and efficiency
• Responding to client information requests
• Assisting with client lifecycle activities, from onboarding to ongoing relationship management
• Collaborating with internal teams to help grow and retain client assets
• Engaging in proactive and reactive client service efforts, including sales support and relationship management
• Attending team meetings and contributing to collaborative projects

Project work may include:

• Contributing to new fund and share class launches
• Testing tools aimed at enhancing the client experience
• Supporting the implementation of new regulatory requirements

RFP Team (Weeks 6–10)

In the second half of your internship, you’ll join the Request for Proposal (RFP) Team, a key part of our sales process where investment expertise meets client opportunity. You’ll gain a unique perspective on how we position our capabilities to win new business and retain clients across global markets.

Your responsibilities may include:

• Supporting the RFP process across Wholesale and Institutional channels in EMEA, APAC, and South America
• Assisting in the creation of tailored RFPs and Due Diligence Questionnaires (DDQs)
• Deepening your understanding of our investment strategies and operational capabilities
• Learning how responsible investment principles are embedded across our product offerings
• Exploring global capital markets and regulatory developments affecting asset managers
• Collaborating with the Content team to manage and quality-check materials in platforms like Qvidian and Door
• Working with the Consultant Databases team to help position our products effectively
• Taking part in team meetings and contributing to ongoing initiatives

Project work may include:

• Testing new tools and functionalities aimed at improving the client experience
• Reviewing and refining internal processes to enhance team efficiency and accuracy

All Interns will be included in:

• Meaningful projects and tasks giving you the chance to add value from day one.
• Organisation-wide insight sessions to provide you with a holistic view of the industry.
• A range of training & development sessions, giving you the tools to kickstart your career.
• Attending internal and external meetings and social events, providing you the chance to network.

Key Capabilities

• Be a current penultimate year university student with a graduation date of Summer 2027.
• Available to join June 2026 for the full 10-week internship.
• A proactive individual with a keen interest in financial markets and a desire to learn more about the commercial side of asset management.

Desirable ​Capabilities

• Proven organization skills and ability to manage time effectively.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work and communicate collaboratively and constructively with others.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality work
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.

About Columbia Threadneedle Investments

Working at Columbia Threadneedle Investments you'll find growth and career opportunities across all of our businesses.

We're intentionally built to help you succeed. Our reach is expansive with a global team of 2,500 people working together. Our expertise is diverse with more than 650 investment professionals sharing global perspectives across all major asset classes and markets. Our clients have access to a broad array of investment strategies, and we have the capability to create bespoke solutions matched to clients' specific requirements.

Columbia Threadneedle is a people business and we recognise that our success is due to our talented people, who bring diversity of thought, complementary skills and capabilities. We are committed to providing an inclusive workplace that supports the diversity of our employees and reflects our broader communities and client-base.

We appreciate that work-life balance is an important factor for many when considering their next move so please discuss any flexible working requirements directly with your recruiter.

 

Full timeFixed Term (Fixed Term)Human Capital