2026 Internal Audit Summer Internship Program

The work we do has an impact on millions of lives, and you can be a part of it.

We help protect our customers against life’s uncertainties. Regardless of where you work within the company, you’ll be helping provide protection and peace of mind when our customers need it most.

Are you driven to succeed and eager to grow? Do you want to apply your classroom knowledge in a real-world business setting? Are you looking for opportunities to develop new skills and gain valuable experience? If your answer is “yes,” then Protective’s Summer Internship Program is perfect for you!

Our Internship Program is an annual 8-week program that provides high-performing college students with hands-on experience working with an organization that has been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Midsize Employers in 2025. This program will include the opportunity to participate in personal mentoring and insight into our business operations. Interns will have the opportunity to collaborate with business leaders to develop and execute solutions to real business problems. In addition to gaining meaningful work experience, interns will have the opportunity to participate in various community and professional development events. 

Program Details:

Duration: June 1st- July 31st, 2026

Location: Corporate Office in Birmingham, AL.

• Education: Undergraduate (Juniors and Seniors preferred) or Graduate students. Students must be actively enrolled in either an Undergraduate or Graduate degree program as of June 2nd, 2026 to be eligible.
• Majors: Accounting or Finance
• Coursework: Enrollment in Junior level Audit and/or Financial Accounting courses preferred.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Analytical skills
• Comfort with Technology
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Positive attitude and the ability to learn quickly.

• Relevant Work Projects: Interns will be assigned to projects that align with our Internal Audit team's goals. These projects will provide hands-on experience in compliance and risk auditing and the chance to apply academic knowledge to real-world business challenges. This intern's projects will include participating in audit discussions with business areas, testing controls, as well as analyzing the documentation of existing controls. Interns will work closely with their teams to deliver impactful results.
• Professional Development Training: Interns will attend workshops and training sessions focused on enhancing their professional skills. Topics may include resume building, interview techniques, leadership development, and industry-specific knowledge. These sessions aim to prepare interns for successful careers post-graduation.
• Networking with Leadership and Fellow Interns: Protective Life values the importance of building professional networks. Interns will have multiple opportunities to interact with company leaders through formal and informal events. Additionally, interns will collaborate with peers from different departments, fostering a sense of community and shared learning.
• Mentoring: Mentors will provide guidance, support, and feedback throughout the internship. Interns will have regular one-on-one meetings with their mentors to discuss progress, challenges, and career aspirations. This mentorship aims to foster professional growth, enhance skills, and build a strong foundation for future career success.

• Application: Students apply to this posting and indicate their preferences through provided questions. Please provide an updated resume, including your anticipated graduation date.
• Qualification: Qualified candidates will be invited to interview.
• Selection Process: Our program receives a lot of interest, and our process starts early. Please be patient as it may take us several weeks to make initial contact with you
• Interviews: Candidates will be scheduled for an initial 15-minute interview with a recruiter, followed by 1-2 additional interviews with hiring managers.
• Finalization: All offers will be finalized by or before April 15th, 2026.

Employee Benefits:  

We aim to protect the wellbeing of our employees and their families with a broad benefits offering. In addition to offering comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance, we support emotional wellbeing through mental health benefits and an employee assistance program. Work/life balance is important and Protective offers a variety of paid time away benefits (e.g., paid time off, paid parental leave, short-term disability, and a cultural observance day). The financial health of our employees is just as important as physical and emotional health.  Some of the financial wellbeing benefits include contributions to healthcare accounts, a pension plan, and a 401(k) plan with Company matching. All employees are encouraged to protect their overall wellbeing by engaging in ProHealth Rewards, Protective’s platform to improve wellbeing while earning cash rewards.   

Eligibility for certain benefits may vary by position in accordance with the terms of the Company’s benefit plans.

Accommodations for Applicants with a Disability:

If you require an accommodation to complete the application and recruitment process due to a disability, please email eric.hess@protective.com. This information will be held in confidence and used only to determine an appropriate accommodation for the application and recruitment process.

Please note that the above email is solely for individuals with disabilities requesting an accommodation.  General employment questions should not be sent through this process.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to being inclusive and attracting, retaining, and growing an inclusive workforce.