FORT LAUDERDALE – Interns from Ken Griffin’s $62 billion hedge fund, Citadel, have arrived in Fort Lauderdale to commence their highly anticipated 11-week summer program. This year’s cohort is the most selective in the program’s history, with only 0.4% of the 108,000 applicants receiving invitations.
Immediate Impact
The 2025 class is noteworthy for its academic prowess, with approximately 80% of the interns specializing in computer science and mathematics at elite institutions such as MIT, Stanford, Cambridge, Princeton, and Harvard. Many have distinguished themselves in prestigious competitions, including the USA Computing Olympiad and the International Olympiad in Math, Physics, and Informatics.
0.4% of 108,000 applicants were accepted into the Citadel internship program.
Despite the impressive credentials of the interns, not all will secure a full-time position by the program’s conclusion. The ultimate goal for many is to receive a job offer, but the competition remains fierce.
Key Details Emerge
Business Insider gained exclusive insights from Matt Mitro, Citadel’s head of campus recruiting, on what it takes to stand out in such a competitive environment. According to Mitro, the first week is critical for orienting students and setting expectations.
Mitro’s Keys to a Successful Internship
Mitro emphasized the importance of learning to be “commercial” and collaborative. Interns will engage in workshops, team-building activities, and hear from senior leaders and external speakers. They will also learn how their work applies to the markets and the timeliness of their ideas.
“Understanding how their work applies in markets and also whether an idea they have can be put to use in a timely manner is crucial,” said Mitro.
Industry Response
Mitro highlighted collaboration as a critical component of Citadel’s culture. “Some students may be used to working by themselves or in very small groups, but here, you rely on your teammates every single day,” he explained. “We are constantly working within and across teams, and it’s important to feel comfortable talking with others, relying on them, and asking questions.”
By the Numbers
- 80% of interns study computer science and mathematics.
- More than a dozen are USA Computing Olympiad Platinum division participants.
- Dozens are medalists at the International Olympiad in Math, Physics, and Informatics.
What Comes Next
Mitro advised interns to be self-aware and reflective about areas for growth. “It’s important for them to be very aware of their own developmental areas,” he noted. “That could be communication or collaboration — how do I work with my colleagues? That commitment to self-awareness and continuous improvement is important.”
This year’s program is set to provide a rigorous and enriching experience, setting the stage for the next generation of finance leaders. As the program progresses, the interns will continue to develop skills vital for success in one of the world’s most competitive industries. The insights gained here could shape their careers and the future of finance itself.
