Sales Academy - Scholar Program

Overview

Department:
Talent Acquisition - College Program

Location:

Chicago, IL

Final date to receive applications: 15 June 2026

About The Greenwood Project Sales Academy:
At Greenwood Project, we are dedicated to breaking down barriers and empowering Black and Latino undergraduate students to thrive in the financial services industry. Our mission is to provide social, academic, and aspirational capital to our scholars, ensuring talented individuals have the opportunity to shape the future of finance.

The Sales Academy prepares scholars for careers in institutional sales, relationship management, capital markets sales, and client-facing roles in financial services. Through our comprehensive 10-month program (July 2026 - May 2027), you ll develop the communication prowess, market knowledge, and relationship-building skills needed to succeed in dynamic client-facing positions.

Program Overview:
We are currently recruiting 100 scholars for our 2028 cohort. You can apply if you are a freshman graduating in 2029. Upon acceptance, you will complete a comprehensive training program from July 2026 through May 2027. This program is designed to train you as a sophomore and prepare you for a junior year internship in Summer 2028. You ll gain invaluable insights into sales and relationship management and prepare for a potential 10-week summer internship placement with our esteemed partner firms.

Please note:

Internship placements are not guaranteed.

• Complete assigned client presentations, pitch development, and relationship management simulations to demonstrate proficiency in sales concepts within program deadlines
• Engage in guided training sessions covering capital markets products, client communication strategies, market dynamics, and sales techniques
• Participate in networking events, mentorship programs, and professional development opportunities to expand your network within institutional sales and relationship management
• Embrace a culture of relationship excellence, market awareness, and continuous learning, positioning yourself as a future leader in financial services sales

• Finance
• Business Administration
• Communications
• Economics
• Political Science
• Any major with strong communication and interpersonal focus

• Market awareness and ability to discuss financial products
• Understanding of capital markets and financial instruments
• Presentation development and delivery (PowerPoint, storytelling)
• CRM systems and relationship tracking
• Basic financial analysis to support client conversations
• Research skills to understand client needs and market trends

Greenwood Project selects students who display Grit, Resourcefulness, and Intellectual Curiosity, along with:

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Natural relationship-building abilities and interpersonal savvy
• Confidence in client-facing situations and public speaking
• Active listening and the ability to understand client needs
• Persuasive communication and negotiation capabilities
• Resilience and positive attitude in the face of rejection
• Adaptability and quick thinking in dynamic conversations

The strongest candidates are natural connectors who genuinely enjoy building relationships and helping clients solve problems. You should be comfortable initiating conversations, confident presenting to groups, and energized by dynamic client interactions. Successful scholars demonstrate the persistence to follow through on commitments, the empathy to understand diverse client perspectives, and the communication skills to articulate complex financial concepts in accessible ways.

You don t need to be the loudest person in the room; authenticity and genuine curiosity about people matter more than bravado.

• Currently enrolled as a freshman (Class of 2029) at an accredited four-year institution
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Unofficial transcripts from first semester of college AND high school transcripts must be provided at application
• Commitment to excellence, integrity, character, and…