Current Award Recipient

Charles F. Kettering Award – Employer

USAA Internship Program

For more than five decades, USAA’s Internship Program has reflected the organization’s culture of trust, service, and long-term investment in future talent. What began in 1971 as one of the earliest IT internship programs in financial services—with just 10–15 interns in San Antonio—has grown into a nationally recognized development program supporting approximately 300 interns annually across San Antonio, Plano, Phoenix, and Charlotte. This evolution demonstrates USAA’s enduring commitment to meaningful work, clear expectations, and intentional growth for early career professionals. 

The program’s impact is rooted in the culture that surrounds it. Interns are welcomed into a learning-centered environment where they contribute to real, mission-aligned work supported by engaged mentors, career coaches, and project sponsors. This approach builds confidence, fosters trust, and helps students understand the purpose and value of their contributions. Through outreach, university partnerships, and programs that broaden access for veterans and students from diverse backgrounds, USAA continues to strengthen pathways into meaningful careers. 

 Leaders and teammates across the organization play a vital role in shaping this experience. By modeling leadership behaviors, sharing expertise, and creating an environment where interns feel supported and included, they help cultivate a strong talent pipeline and reinforce the culture that defines USAA.