Description
The California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS) Investments Branch is seeking to hire six (6) student assistants and is offering a unique and exciting opportunity for a group of ambitious, hardworking students interested in pursuing or exploring a career in finance with a mission. This is a highly competitive and coveted program that started in 2016, with 2026 marking its eleventh year.
Multiple students from various educational backgrounds will be selected to participate in an intensive cohort-style learning and development program led by CalSTRS Investment professionals. This program will expose the cohorts to various asset classes in the CalSTRS Investment Portfolio, working with and mentored by our diverse Investment staff. In addition to real-world work assignments, the cohorts will experience first-hand education from top investment professionals.
Up to six (6) individuals will be selected to participate during summer 2026. This is a full-time, 14-week commitment designed to prepare and qualify everyone to compete for Investment Officer I positions at CalSTRS, upon graduation from college and successful completion of the 500-hour internship requirement.
Work assignments will span investment analysis work involving assistance in the management of a large equity, fixed income, real estate, private equity, innovation, risk management, sustainable investment & stewardship strategies, inflation sensitive, performance & compliance, or investment operations duties for the multi-billion- dollar Teachers’ Retirement Fund Investment Portfolio. The students must maintain a positive, team-player, and flexible approach while demonstrating CalSTRS Core Values of Customer Service, Accountability, Leadership, Strength, Trust, Respect, and Stewardship.
As part of the comprehensive program, Interns will be onboarded and provided additional training from CalSTRS HR professionals on how to get a state job, how to properly prepare and present a strong state application packet, and successful interviewing techniques.
In 2025, the CalSTRS Investments Branch was named in Pensions & Investments magazine’s “Best Places to Work in Money Management” list for the eleventh time since 2013, and our employees continue to support an inclusive environment.
Requirements
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Conditions of
Employment
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This is a part-time, temporary, non-benefited, student position. Employment in all positions with University Enterprises, Inc. is dependent upon the mutual consent of University Enterprises, Inc. and the employee. This means that either University Enterprises, Inc. or the employee can, at any time, terminate the employment relationship at will, with or without cause.
Depending on the type of position you are applying for, a pre-employment background check consisting of one or more of the following may be conducted: employment history, professional references, criminal check: educational verification (degree, license, or official transcript) or DMV clearance. Applicants will be required to pass required pre-employment checks to the satisfaction of University Enterprises, Inc. (UEI) and the hiring Agency or Department.
UEI does not allow students to hold more than one UEI Job at a time, or work in more than one account per pay period. UEI employees who are considering leaving their current UEI Student assistant position for a different UEI student assistant position should inform their supervisor in writing and provide at least a week’s notice.
UEI is not a multi-state employer. UEI only employs candidates who live and work in the state of California. If selected for the position you must reside in California and all work must be performed in the state of California throughout the course of employment.
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Prerequisites
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Must be a college student attending classes during the regular term (Fall, Spring and Winter, if applicable), at one of the accredited colleges or universities on our affiliation list.
To view our current affiliation list please paste the following URL into your browser: http://www.calinterns.org/wp-content/uploads/Affiliation_List.pdf
Students must be enrolled in at least: six-semester units or nine quarter units for undergraduate students; four-semester units or six quarter units for graduate students.
Students declared major must match the major(s) listed in the job posting.
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Preferred Majors/Fields of Study
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Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Engineering, Finance, Government, Mathematics, Public Policy and Administration, or Statistics.
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Work Schedule
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Flexible workdays and work hours, Monday – Friday, between 8 AM – 5 PM. The final work schedule will be determined by the supervisor.
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Additional Work Schedule
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Student Assistant and Graduate Assistant employees generally work up to 24 hours per workweek (Sunday – Saturday) during the academic year and up to 40 hours per workweek during breaks (winter, spring, and summer).
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Compensation
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$24.00 per hour.
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Minimum Qualifications
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- Must complete each term with minimum unit requirements for Undergraduate and Graduate student classifications. Proof will be collected at the end of each Spring and Fall term.
- Ability to reason logically, write effectively, analyze situations accurately, and adopt an effective course of action.
- Self-starter, dependable, establish and maintain cooperative relations with those contacted in the work.
- Possession of telework equipment (e.g. laptop/desktop computer, internet, workspace).
- Submission of a cover letter.
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Preferred Qualifications
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- Self-Motivator: Internally driven to achieve goals without constant supervision.
- Rapid Learner & Initiative-Taker: Resourceful, adaptable, and proactive in acquiring new skills and volunteering for tasks.
- Accountable & Dependable: Takes ownership of outcomes, meets deadlines, and prioritizes tasks efficiently.
- Networker & Connector: Proactively connects with professionals to build relationships and grow.
- Strong Soft Skills: Adaptability: Thriving in fast-changing environments and adjusting to new situations.
- Communication: Effective verbal and written interaction.
- Problem-Solving: Analyzing issues and implementing solutions.
- Professional Behavior: Acting with integrity, maintaining a positive attitude, and demonstrating reliability.
- Individuals who are, or have been, a dependent child in foster care, a homeless youth or a formerly incarcerated youth as defined by Government Code section 18220 are encouraged to apply and will be given priority. Please note that prior to appointment, individuals claiming preference under one of these categories will be required to furnish documentation establishing their eligibility.
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Duties and Responsibilities
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- Assist with the operational, risk management, and administrative workload of investment asset classes.
- Perform a wide range of duties requiring analytical and technical skills, effective oral and written communication skills.
- Perform research, analysis, and preliminary due diligence.
- Assist in reviewing, analyzing, and evaluating offering memoranda from domestic and international partnerships.
- Help draft written investment recommendations.
- Review and analyze quarterly and audited financial statements, debt valuations, cash balances and unfunded balances.
- Assist with the review of data on performance and returns of the portfolio to ensure compliance with policy and guidelines.
- Assist with the research of investment and accounting issues as they relate to institutional investments.
- Assist with risk analysis and attribution.
- Assist in the analysis of reports and evaluation of strategies and investment managers.
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Physical Requirements
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Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment including computer workstations, telephones, calculators, copiers, printers, and scanners with or without reasonable accommodation.
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Working Conditions
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Currently, CalSTRS staff has adopted a hybrid work environment. CalSTRS headquarters is in a U.S GREEN Building LEED Platinum certified, environmentally friendly high-rise building on the West Sacramento Riverfront.
Parking may be available for a monthly fee. On-street parking may also be available.
Dress is business casual, with professional attire highly suggested for board meeting days.
Students/Employees will be required to work according to the current UEI remote workplace policy and sign a UEI Work from Home Agreement. The decision to permit an employee to work from home is at the discretion of the supervisor or employer and may, at any time and with or without cause, unilaterally terminate the option to work from home.
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Application Instructions
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Please complete all fields of the employment application. Include your educational history in the “Educational Experience” section and any employment history in the “Employment Experience” section of our application.
**In addition to your resume, please upload the following documents:
• Cover Letter
• List of References
Apply by: May 1, 2026
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Summary
CalSTRS provides a secure retirement to more than 1 million members and beneficiaries whose CalSTRS-covered service is not eligible for Social Security participation. Established in 1913, CalSTRS is the largest educator-only pension fund in the world with $389.5 billion in assets under management as of November 30, 2025. CalSTRS demonstrates its strong commitment to long-term corporate sustainability principles in its annual Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Report. For more information, visit CalSTRS.com.