Corporate Finance Analyst Program

In this two- or three-year program we offer recent college graduates interested in investment banking the opportunity to work as analysts in the Corporate Finance Department. Because of our market niche--growth companies--and the small size of this program, analysts have the unique opportunity to work with senior bankers and top professionals, CEOs and CFOs.

In a short period of time, analysts gain a high level of competency and play an integral role in situations that are traditionally left to more senior bankers.

After four weeks of training in our Chicago office, analysts spend their first year as part of a generalist pool, ensuring their mastery of key skills and critical job functions, such as industry and company research, financial valuation and analysis, and assisting in client and management meetings. Analysts specialize in a specific industry or product group for their second year. Analysts in our Boston, New York, San Francisco, London, and Shanghai offices remain generalists due to the smaller size of those offices. Third-year analysts remain in their group and take on additional responsibility for projects, working at an Associate level. Only the top-performing analysts are offered third-year positions with increased responsibility.

Throughout the program, analysts receive support from all levels of the firm. Ongoing training comes from senior bankers on deal teams, second-year officemates, or Associate-level mentors and research librarians who support analyst work and provide one-on-one training.
After the program, many analysts explore opportunities such as business school, positions with a private equity firm, or clients. We’re often able to help our analysts find the right position.

William Blair & Company recruits on-campus in the fall of each year for positions commencing the following summer. Candidates should be highly motivated, detail-oriented and team players. Individuals with excellent mathematical, writing, verbal and computer skills are sought. A general understanding of accounting and finance is beneficial.

Learn more about what some of our bankers and analysts have to say about the firm.

The Analyst Class starting June 2009 has been finalized.

Corporate Finance Summer Analyst Program

William Blair & Company also offers a ten week investment banking summer analyst program where college juniors interested in investment banking are given the opportunity to work as analysts in the Corporate Finance Department in Chicago. Summer analysts work with current analysts, associates, and senior bankers on live deals throughout the summer. This is a paid internship, and the top-performing summer analysts may be offered full-time positions commencing the following summer.

Candidates should be highly motivated, detail-oriented and team players. Individuals with excellent mathematical, writing, verbal and computer skills are sought. A general understanding of accounting and finance is required.

If you are interested in working as a summer analyst in 2009, please submit your resume here.