Investment Banking Full-Time MBA Associate 2026
William Blair · Chicago, IL
- On site
- Full-time
- $175,000 / year
- Chicago, IL
Job highlights
- Analyze financial data for transactions and client development.
- Build advanced financial models and conduct in-depth research.
- Lead due diligence and client presentations.
- Mentor junior team members and ensure compliance.
- Requires MBA, financial services experience preferred.
About the role
Investment Banking Associate MBA
Join William Blair, the Premier Global Partnership, and execute in-depth analyses to support new business development, transaction execution, and the delivery of investment banking products and services. This role involves extensive research, financial modeling, valuation, and due diligence, with a focus on client interaction and mentorship of junior staff.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform extensive financial and valuation analyses for mergers, acquisitions, and capital raising transactions.
- Develop advanced financial models and demonstrate thorough knowledge of multiple client sectors.
- Lead due diligence, research, analysis, and documentation of transactions, anticipating potential deal issues.
- Develop, produce, and deliver proposals and presentations to clients and prospects.
- Research and expand expertise in industries and sectors, offering insights into business trends.
- Identify process improvements and take ownership of client relationships.
- Act as an on-the-job trainer for analysts, providing constructive feedback and ensuring quality work product.
- Ensure all activities comply with applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Qualifications
- MBA Degree required with an anticipated graduation date between December 2025 and June 2026.
- Prior internship or work experience in the financial services industry preferred.
- Must obtain SIE Exam prior to employment, and Series 79 and Series 63 within 90 days of employment.
- Detail-oriented with strong analytical, mathematical, writing, verbal, and computer skills.
- Ability to adapt to new tasks, manage senior banker expectations, and work on multiple projects.
- Effective leadership and coaching skills with a strong desire to win and sound judgment.
- Deep understanding of accounting and finance.
- Commitment to satisfying internal and external customers.
- Approximately 10% to 30% travel required.
About Our Firm
William Blair is an independent partnership committed to empowering colleagues to deliver client success. With a history of delivering trusted advice for nine decades, we provide advisory services, strategies, and solutions across North America, Europe, and Asia. Our firm values unique experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds, empowering our people to bring their best thinking to deliver tailored, thoughtful work and problem-solving abilities.
Key skills/competency
- Investment Banking
- Financial Analysis
- Valuation
- Financial Modeling
- Due Diligence
- Mergers Acquisitions
- Capital Raising
- Client Relations
- Leadership
- MBA
Skills & topics
- Investment Banking Associate
- MBA
- Financial Analysis
- Valuation
- Financial Modeling
- Mergers Acquisitions
- Capital Raising
- Due Diligence
- William Blair
- Finance
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your MBA, financial modeling, valuation, and transaction experience. Quantify achievements with data.
- Showcase analytical skills: Emphasize your detail-orientation, strong mathematical abilities, and understanding of accounting/finance.
- Demonstrate leadership: Provide examples of your leadership, coaching, and client management experience.
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss your industry knowledge, financial analysis techniques, and how you handle multiple projects.
- Understand William Blair's values: Research their commitment to client success, independent partnership, and global reach.
Technical preparation
Master financial modeling and valuation techniques.,Practice accounting principles and financial statement analysis.,Review M&A and capital markets transaction case studies.,Familiarize yourself with industry-specific financial analysis.
Behavioral questions
Describe a challenging client interaction and resolution.,How do you manage multiple projects under pressure?,Give an example of your leadership and mentoring.,How do you ensure accuracy in your work?
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key qualifications for the Investment Banking Full-Time MBA Associate role at William Blair?
- The primary qualification for the Investment Banking Full-Time MBA Associate position at William Blair is an MBA degree with an anticipated graduation between December 2025 and June 2026. Prior financial services experience is preferred. Candidates must also obtain the SIE Exam before employment and Series 79 and Series 63 within 90 days of employment. Strong analytical, mathematical, writing, verbal, and computer skills are essential, as are leadership and client management abilities.
- What is the expected graduation date range for the MBA Associate position at William Blair?
- For the Investment Banking Full-Time MBA Associate role at William Blair, candidates should have an anticipated MBA graduation date between December 2025 and June 2026.
- Does William Blair require specific licenses for the Investment Banking Associate role?
- Yes, William Blair requires candidates for the Investment Banking Full-Time MBA Associate role to pass the SIE Exam prior to beginning employment. Additionally, they must obtain the Series 79 and Series 63 licenses within 90 days of employment.
- What type of financial analysis is expected from an Investment Banking Associate at William Blair?
- The Investment Banking Full-Time MBA Associate at William Blair is expected to perform extensive financial and valuation analyses for debt and equity across mergers, acquisitions, and capital raising transactions. This includes building advanced financial models, applying valuation methods, and conducting insightful analyses with a strong understanding of accounting and finance principles.
- What is the travel expectation for the Investment Banking Associate role?
- The Investment Banking Full-Time MBA Associate role at William Blair requires travel, estimated to be approximately 10% to 30%.
- How does William Blair support the professional development of its Investment Banking Associates?
- William Blair supports professional development by providing training and mentorship opportunities for Investment Banking Full-Time MBA Associates. Associates are expected to act as 'on the job' trainers for analysts, providing constructive feedback to improve their work product and ensure senior team members recognize valuable contributions.
- What are William Blair's policies regarding hiring scams for the MBA Associate position?
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