Overview:

The Summer Executive Associate (SEA) Program is designed for 1st year MBAs 10 weeks of impactful project-based assignments, with significant access to senior management and the bank’s previous Executive Associates (EA). 

Position Overview

The Summer Executive Associate Program is a high-impact MBA internship designed for graduate students who are motivated by complex business challenges, enterprise-wide collaboration, and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful change. Working alongside executive leaders and key stakeholders, Summer Executive Associates will support strategic initiatives that advance the Bank’s priorities related to Teaming for Growth and Operational Excellence.

The program offers broad exposure across the organization and an opportunity to apply MBA coursework to real business priorities. It is ideal for students who thrive in ambiguous environments, enjoy solving complex problems, and are energized by opportunities to improve business performance, strengthen collaboration, and influence outcomes across teams. Summer Executive Associates are expected to contribute through strategic analysis, project support, executive communication, and cross-functional partnership while gaining insight into leadership and decision-making at the Bank.

During the internship, the Summer Executive Associate will have the opportunity to learn from the Vice Chair and senior executive leaders while contributing to a defined, enterprise-focused summer project. Through hands-on project work, mentorship, and exposure to the Bank’s businesses and priorities, the intern will build a broader understanding of how teams collaborate to improve organizational effectiveness, support growth, and create long-term value.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with leaders and project teams to support enterprise and business-line initiatives that promote growth, efficiency, customer value, and organizational effectiveness.
• Contribute to a high-impact summer project involving multiple stakeholders, helping define priorities, coordinate activities, and advance deliverables.
• Analyze business, financial, customer, operational, and market data to identify trends, opportunities, risks, and actionable insights.
• Develop executive-ready presentations, briefing materials, business cases, and recommendations that support informed decision-making.
• Conduct research on industry trends, competitive dynamics, customer behaviors, and innovation opportunities relevant to the assigned project.
• Participate in working sessions and stakeholder discussions, helping teams align around shared priorities and next steps.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, strengthen execution, and enhance operational performance.
• Collaborate across functions to navigate ambiguity, solve problems, and deliver outcomes that create value for the Bank and its customers.
• Present project findings and recommendations to leaders at the conclusion of the summer experience.

Areas of Exposure

• Enterprise and Business-Line Strategy
• Teaming for Growth
• Operational Excellence
• Business Transformation
• Innovation and Process Improvement
• Customer and Market Insights
• Financial and Business Performance Analysis
• Executive Communications
• Change Management
• Cross-Functional Collaboration and Leadership Exposure

Education and Experience Required:

Currently enrolled in an MBA program with graduation expected after completion of the summer internship.

Minimum of  3 years’ professional work experience

Demonstrated leadership potential, as evidenced through previous work experience, extracurricular activities, or community involvement
Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization
Strong project management skills to handle multiple priorities and deadlines
Work visa sponsorship not offered for this role

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional experience in consulting, finance, technology, operations, military, nonprofit, healthcare, engineering, or another analytical or business environment.
• Demonstrated leadership, initiative, and the ability to deliver results in complex or ambiguous situations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to translate data and research into clear insights and recommendations.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate across teams without direct authority.
• Intellectual curiosity, learning agility, and a desire to understand the business from an enterprise perspective.
• Experience contributing to projects, managing stakeholders, or supporting organizational change is preferred.
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and data-driven decision-making tools.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an intellectually curious, humble, and highly collaborative MBA student who is motivated by solving business problems and learning through hands-on experience. They are comfortable working with data, engaging stakeholders, developing executive-ready materials, and adapting as project needs evolve. They build trust, seek diverse perspectives, and contribute to shared outcomes. Their success is driven by a commitment to Teaming for Growth and advancing Operational Excellence through disciplined execution, continuous improvement, and innovative thinking.

M&T Bank is committed to fair, competitive, and market-informed pay for our employees. The pay range for this position is $100,000 - $171,000. The successful candidate’s particular combination of knowledge, skills, and experience will inform their specific compensation. The range listed above encompasses all geographic locations. The pay rate specific to your location will fall within this range and is available from your recruiter.

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