Strategic Innovation Intern
Strategic Innovation Interns support the development of innovative solutions to important problems across USAA’s lines of business and staff functions. They assist in managing and executing innovation program lifecycles and communicating both findings and recommendations to business leaders. This internship offers exposure to how large businesses develop and operationalize innovations, and has the potential to convert to a full-time role post-graduation.
Our internship program encourages you to showcase your skills, while gaining real-life experience that’ll help you jump-start your career. Our interns deliver innovative solutions to real business challenges, while building enduring relationships in a collaborative culture with their manager and an assigned mentor.
The internship is based at USAA Corporate Headquarters in San Antonio, TX.
What you'll do:
Our Strategic Innovation Interns, work under direct supervision, while following risk and compliance procedures and mentorship, to perform routine work assignments and problem resolution supporting other team members, including the following tasks:
- Collaborate with teammates to identify business opportunities and support processes to evaluate business problem statements and possible solutions then communicate and present solutions to business partners.
- Co-develop presentations and recommendations to leadership and senior management to decide on and launch innovation initiatives to solve core business problems
- Research and test for market need and interest; additionally have the ability to run competitive analysis within the market
- Execute assigned innovation projects and ensure all process steps are complete with appropriate documentation
- Ensure risks associated with business activities and strategic risks are identified, measured, monitored, and controlled in accordance with risk and compliance policies and procedures
- Ability to secure agile certification within the first month of internship (with USAA support)
What you need to have:
To qualify, you must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, and plan to graduate after the final day of the internship. Most of our interns participate the summer between their junior and senior years. Our 2026 internship will start on May 27, 2026 and last through August 7, 2026.
- Graduation date cannot be prior to August 7, 2026
- Proven problem-solving skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
- Strong research, data analysis, teamwork, and written & oral communication skills
- Related experience or education (e.g., courses in computer science, design, business management, or similar) demonstrating proficiency and/or strong interest in innovation, product/software development, project management, and/or agile framework.
What sets you apart:
- Pursuing a degree with a concentration in Business, Design, Finance, Engineering, Computer Science or a related field
- Graduation date between August 2026 and July 2027
- Related experience or education (e.g., courses in finance, business, economics, mathematic or similar) demonstrating proficiency and/or strong interest in P&C insurance, Banking, Life Insurance, or other financial services.
- Demonstrated leadership ability through previous internships, employment, classes, extra-curricular or club activities