Summer Intern 2026 - Economic Research

At Manulife John Hancock, we believe in investing in the future – starting with you. Our Economic Research Internship is your launchpad to success, offering the support, structure, and exciting opportunities you need to thrive and make your mark.

Each summer, Manulife Investment Management Timberland and Agriculture (MIMTA)—a global timberland and farmland investment manager—hosts a student intern for 10–12 weeks to work alongside our Economics Research Team. The internship provides exposure to diverse research initiatives across our business units and includes an independent research project, culminating in a presentation to MIMTA’s investment staff.

While a research topic is often predetermined, interns have the opportunity to collaborate with the research team to shape their project or propose their own topic aligned with MIMTA’s research priorities.

Examples of recent and ongoing projects include:

• Portfolio optimization analysis incorporating impact metrics in the context of mix-asset portfolio analytical frameworks

• Timberland and farmland investable universe update and analysis

• Market supply and demand analysis for new timberland and farmland investment regions

Position Responsibilities:

• Conduct in-depth research on forestry and agricultural investment opportunities.

• Analyze industry trends and market reports to identify opportunities and risks.

• Collect, manage, and analyze relevant datasets.

• Perform statistical and financial analysis to evaluate potential returns and risks.

• Work closely with marketing and portfolio management teams to gather insights and validate findings.

• Incorporate stakeholder feedback into analyses and recommendations.

• Write a white-paper-style summary of findings and recommendations and deliver a formal presentation to the investment management team.

Required Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in Masters or MBA Program specializing in Economics, Finance, Agricultural Studies, or Business Administration.

• Knowledge of fundamental finance, economics, and statistics (college-level required, graduate-level coursework is a plus).

• Demonstrated interest in agriculture, forestry, and sustainability.

• Proficiency in Excel and experience with data analysis tools.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.

• Effective public speaking and presentation skills.

Application Instructions:

• Submit your resume, cover letter, & academic transcript.

When you join our team:

• We’ll empower you to learn and grow the career you want. 

• We’ll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words. 

• As part of our global team, we’ll support you in shaping the future you want to see. 

• As part of our internship program, you will gain early access to Manulife John Hancock’s premier early talent program, GRO, tailored to graduating students! The program designed to launch your career with the support, structure, and opportunities you need to thrive.

About Manulife and John Hancock
Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. To learn more about us, visit https://www.manulife.com/en/about/our-story.html.
Manulife is an Equal Opportunity Employer
At Manulife/John Hancock, we embrace our diversity. We strive to attract, develop and retain a workforce that is as diverse as the customers we serve and to foster an inclusive work environment that embraces the strength of cultures and individuals. We are committed to fair recruitment, retention, advancement and compensation, and we administer all of our practices and programs without discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion or religious beliefs, creed, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, genetic characteristics, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other ground protected by applicable law.
It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Manulife/John Hancock policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact [email protected].

Working Arrangement

Know Your Rights I Family & Medical Leave I Employee Polygraph Protection I Right to Work I E-Verify