Associate, Lines of Defense – Early Career Development Program

When you join Sallie Mae, you become a champion for all students.

We’re on a mission to power confidence as students begin their unique journey. To help them plan their higher education, successfully finish, and prepare for life after school. To help them Start smart. Learn big.

Students need guidance navigating this important time in their life. They need someone who acknowledges that their education path is unique. They need a partner willing to evolve and not only meet but surpass their expectations. We’re changing. Because students need a better way.

We’re looking for people who are excited to drive this transformation. To break barriers and think of new ways to adapt, help, and create better experiences for students—and for each other.

This is where diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives matter. It’s where you’re empowered to bring your authentic self to work.

Feeling your best allows you to do your best. Our benefits take care of the whole you—from physical and mental to financial and professional. You’ll get opportunities to further your education and career, support for you and your family (including your pets!), paid time off to volunteer for the things that matter to you, and more.

We’re obsessed with impact and making a real difference. For us, that means putting relationships first, asking “why not?” when tackling challenges, and continuously learning new skills.

Come do more than join something, change something. For students, for future generations, for the future of education.

What You'll Contribute Launch Your Career as a Future Analytics Leader The Associate Lines of Defense Early Career Development Program is a selective 24-month development program designed to build the next generation of risk, compliance, controls, and audit talent at Sallie Mae. Through rotational experiences across key Lines of Defense functions, you'll develop the unique combination of business acumen, analytical thinking, risk awareness, and professional judgment needed to identify emerging risks, strengthen controls, support regulatory readiness, and influence sound business decisions.

As a member of the program, you'll work on meaningful projects that directly impact our customers, business performance, risk management practices, and strategic priorities. You'll gain exposure to multiple areas of the organization, participate in structured development opportunities, and build relationships with leaders and mentors who are invested in your success.

This program is designed for individuals who are curious, analytical, detail-oriented, and eager to learn how strong governance, risk management, compliance, and assurance practices support a healthy financial services organization. By the end of the experience, you'll have a strong foundation in the business, a practical understanding of the Lines of Defense model, and the skills needed to accelerate your career within Sallie Mae.

This opportunity is intended for students who will complete their Bachelor's or Master's degree between December 2026 and June 2027 and are available to begin full-time employment in June 2027 as part of our Early Career Development Program.

What You'll Do Complete three 8-month rotational assignments across key Lines of Defense groups. Each rotation is designed to strengthen your understanding of the business, develop your risk and controls mindset, and build the analytical and communication skills needed to help teams identify issues, evaluate processes, and drive meaningful improvements.

Business Controls Learn how strong first-line controls help teams manage operational, process, and business risks before issues arise.

Evaluate business practices, processes, and controls to identify potential risk areas and improvement opportunities

Support issue identification, root cause analysis, remediation planning, and control enhancement efforts

Partner with business teams to strengthen accountability, process discipline, and risk awareness

Document observations, recommendations, and progress in a clear, action-oriented manner

Enterprise Risk Management Build a broader understanding of enterprise-wide risk frameworks, governance practices,…