2027 Investment Banking Summer Associate (Chicago)

Location: Chicago, IL

At Stout, we’re dedicated to exceeding expectations in all we do – we call it Relentless Excellence ®. Both our client service and culture are second to none, stemming from our firmwide embrace of our core values: Positive and Team-Oriented, Accountable, Committed, Relationship-Focused, Super-Responsive, and being Great communicators. Sound like a place you can grow and succeed? Read on to learn more about an exciting opportunity to join our team.

Impact You’ll Make

Stout is seeking an MBA Summer Associate to join our Investment Banking group. This role will focus on leading day-to-day transaction execution for middle-market mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and capital raising. The Associate will play a pivotal role in driving the firm’s M&A and Capital Markets advisory efforts while gaining extensive deal process experience by collaborating with senior bankers and serving as a critical resource in client coverage, prospecting, and engagement execution.

This role offers the Associate the opportunity to strengthen their technical skills, build client relationships, and gain valuable exposure to transaction processes while working alongside experienced professionals across the firm.

What You’ll Do

Collaborate with practice leaders and sector leaders within investment banking to secure and execute M&A transactions

Coordinate and perform business due diligence on clients and prospective opportunities

Conduct comprehensive valuation exercises for companies and business units

Prepare and deliver high-quality presentation materials for internal and external stakeholders

Take a leadership role in all phases of the transaction process, ensuring successful execution and client satisfaction

Attend client meetings and actively contribute to discussions

Leverage AI-enabled tools and emerging technologies to enhance research, streamline deliverable preparation, and improve overall efficiency and insight

What You Bring (Qualifications)

Pursuing a 2-year MBA in finance, economics, accounting, or a related discipline

Strong academic record of at least a 3.5 (preferred)

Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, accounting, or a related discipline

A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in investment banking, private equity, or financial analysis

Advanced proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and other Microsoft Office applications

Ability to think critically and demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong transaction process orientation and attention to detail.

Highly proficient financial analysis and modeling skills

Self-starter with the ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial, fast-paced, and demanding environment

Collaborative team player capable of working effectively within intimate deal teams

Familiarity with or interest in using AI tools and technology to enhance productivity, research, and analysis

How You’ll Thrive

Embrace high levels of responsibility and take initiative to deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

Collaborate effectively with team members and clients while building strong relationships.

Demonstrate analytical rigor and attention to detail in all aspects of the role.

Exhibit a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial mindset, contributing to both personal and organizational growth.

Leverage structured training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to develop professionally and achieve your career goals.

Why Stout?

At Stout, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards program with competitive compensation, benefits, and wellness options tailored to support employees at every stage of life.

We foster a culture of inclusion and respect, embracing diverse perspectives and experiences to drive innovation and success. Our leadership is committed to inclusion and belonging across the organization and in the communities we serve.

We invest in professional growth through ongoing training, mentorship, employee resource groups, and clear performance feedback, ensuring our employees are supported in achieving their career goals.

Stout provides flexible work schedules and a discretionary time off policy to promote work-life balance and help employees lead fulfilling lives.

Learn more about our benefits and commitment to your success.

https://www.stout.com/en/careers/benefits

The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job.

Stout is an Equal Employment Opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of valid job requirements, qualifications and merit without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law.

Stout is required by applicable state and local laws to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. The range for this role considers several factors including but not limited to prior work and industry experience, education level, and unique skills. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

A reasonable estimate of the current range is $20.00 - $40.00 Hourly. Information about benefits can be found here - https://www.stout.com/en/careers/benefits.