Overview
Since 2016, the D. E. Shaw group has hosted fellowship programs for students interested in learning from diverse, talented leaders who are at the top of their fields. If you have demonstrated passion in your academic or professional pursuits and are curious to learn about our firm, we encourage you to apply—no finance knowledge is required!
We believe that a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment drives creativity, productivity, and ultimately, performance. The diversity of our employees—who they are and how they think—is a significant factor in our success. More importantly, we believe that building a firm that better reflects the diversity of the world in which we live and work is simply the right thing to do. We are dedicated to ensuring all employees—across gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, life experience, and more—feel welcome and empowered to do their best work at the D. E. Shaw group.
Over the course of three days, intellectually curious students participate in unique educational opportunities that provide them with exposure to what we do at the D. E. Shaw group. Fellows engage in interactive case studies, seminars led by visiting professors, and sessions with our analysts. We typically host fellows at our New York City headquarters. Fellows receive a stipend for their participation, and our in-person fellowships also cover travel and accommodations.
The Fellowships
Students with a strong academic record, a demonstrated history of achievement, and a keen interest in exploring the intersection of finance and technology should apply. No previous finance experience is necessary.
DISCOVERY
Applications for our May 2023 program are now closed.Eligibility: Open to women who are current sophomores enrolled in a full-time undergraduate program at a U.S. college or university.
LATITUDE
Applications for our May 2023 program are now closed.Eligibility: Open to current sophomores enrolled in a full-time undergraduate program at a U.S. college or university who self-identify as Native American or Alaska Native, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, or Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander.
MOMENTUM
Applications for our January 2023 program are now closed.Eligibility: Open to current sophomores enrolled in a full-time undergraduate program at a U.S. college or university who self-identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community.
NEXUS
Applications for our January 2023 program are now closed.Eligibility: Open to current sophomores enrolled in a full-time undergraduate program at a U.S. college or university. We’re always on the lookout for exceptional talent from all backgrounds and identities, and especially encourage applications from students attending schools including (but not limited to) public universities, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), and liberal arts colleges.
How to Apply
Candidates must submit an online application that includes the following:
- A resume or CV that includes the candidate’s GPA, course of study, and any record of achievement or distinction
- A transcript (an unofficial copy is acceptable)
- A self-nomination in which candidates should describe their interest in the opportunity and/or what makes them a compelling applicant (150 words or less)
Candidates may optionally submit:
An academic or professional recommendation: In 150 words or less, the recommender (e.g., professor, teaching assistant, professional supervisor) should describe the candidate's qualifications for the fellowship. Recommendations can be submitted separately from the rest of the online application, in which case the recommender should send the written statement directly to fellowships@deshaw.com with the candidate's full name and the name of the fellowship in the subject line.
Hear from the Fellows
“The case studies, coffee chats, and financial lecture presented the firm culture and core values in a way that felt very organic: work at the D. E. Shaw group wasn’t just told, it was shown. It felt personal, which says more about the firm than a million brochures.”
— Latitude fellow, August 2021
“The most valuable aspect to me was the opportunity for us to gain an insider’s experience into the hedge fund industry, which is often seen as mysterious and very hard to enter. It is something I otherwise would not have the opportunity to experience in my daily life. Everyone I met during the fellowship was supportive and aimed to help us learn as much as possible!”
— Discovery fellow, August 2022
“I found it most valuable to hear from so many different people with such diverse personal, educational, and employment backgrounds. I thought it was great to see how certain themes such as valuing intellectual thought and collaboration are constant across all groups and levels of DESCO.”
— Discovery fellow, August 2022
“I got more insight into culture and opportunities at the D. E. Shaw group. As someone who is part of a demographic that could be better represented in this field, I feel more secure in applying to internships.”
— Momentum fellow, January 2021
“I think the most valuable thing for me was learning how your background in school doesn’t determine your career path. I loved learning about a company that’s so intellectually driven and invested in their employees.”
— Latitude fellow, August 2022
Frequently Asked Questions
Decisions will be based solely on the candidate’s resume, unofficial transcript, and self-nomination or recommendation. We will not be conducting interviews.
Definitely! Fellowships at the D. E. Shaw group are open to students from all academic disciplines, including students without a background in finance.
No. Fellowships at the D. E. Shaw group are not eligible for school credit.
Yes. Please check the eligibility requirements for each fellowship.
Yes. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements, feel free to apply for multiple fellowships. Accepted applicants may participate in only one D. E. Shaw group fellowship.
If you have questions, please contact fellowships@deshaw.com.