Summer Analyst, ESOP - Investment Banking (2028)

Location: Chicago, IL; New York, NY

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

The Stout ESOP Investment Banking Team is looking for a Summer Analyst to support the execution of ESOP (“Employee Stock Ownership Plan”) formation, recapitalization, and capital markets transactions. The Summer Analyst will work under the guidance of product bankers for various transaction and pitch assignments. Successful candidates will be analytical, detail-oriented, and eager to learn about content creation and financial modeling.

Under the mentorship of seasoned Stout professionals, Summer Analysts at Stout will have the opportunity to build foundational investment banking knowledge while gaining exposure to client work.  Candidates will gain significant exposure to cash flow modeling, capital structure & valuation analysis and private capital markets.

The ESOP Investment Banking team partners with successful family- and founder-owned businesses to evaluate strategic alternatives, including the formation of an ESOP to facilitate ownership transition, alongside more traditional sell-side options. Additionally, we assist large, successful companies with established ESOPs in recapitalizations with private capital providers, and support industry bankers in sell-side roles for ESOP-owned companies seeking exits to strategic buyers or private equity.

The ESOP Investment Banking team collaborates with industry bankers and our capital markets team to identify ideal candidates for ESOP exits, often working with owners pursuing a dual-track approach of both ESOP and traditional sell-side transactions.

Stout is committed to fostering the professional growth of its team members. As an apprenticeship-driven organization, Summer Analysts benefit from institutional support and the opportunity to work with senior leaders, gaining mentorship and exposure to a career in investment banking.

What You'll Do

Contribute to client engagements through industry and company research

Learn how financial analysis is performed on client businesses, including financial statements, models, and valuation

Assist with client and marketing materials, such as pitch books and presentations

Observe and assist the deal team on live transactions and pitch assignments

Attend client calls and meetings, where appropriate

Participate in structured training, mentoring, and networking opportunities

Use AI-enabled tools to support research and deliverable preparation

What You Bring

Pursuing a BA/BS in Accounting, Economics, Finance, or a related discipline

Strong academic record, with a GPA of at least 3.5 preferred

Demonstrated interest in investment banking and financial services; familiarity with ESOPs is a plus

Relevant internship or extracurricular experience in investment banking, private equity, or a related field (preferred)

Familiarity with Excel, PowerPoint, and Word

Analytical, quantitative, and detail-oriented mindset

Strong communication skills, a desire to learn, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Familiarity with or interest in using AI tools to improve research and analysis (preferred, not required)

Must be eligible to work in the US, without employer sponsorship, at the time of hire and in the future

How You'll Thrive

Cultivate a positive, team-oriented approach that fosters collaboration and shared success

Demonstrate accountability and reliability by consistently delivering high-quality results and meeting expectations

Exhibit an entrepreneurial mindset and a commitment to excellence in all aspects of your work

Build meaningful relationships and leverage strong interpersonal skills to create trust and drive outcomes

Communicate effectively and respond promptly, ensuring clarity and alignment with stakeholders

Bring intellectual curiosity and a keen attention to detail to problem-solving and decision-making

Apply analytical and quantitative skills to uncover insights and support data-informed decisions

Show a willingness to learn the sell-side execution process and contribute to the team where you can

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 inc