Summer Associate, Portfolio Services, 2027

Private Equity Consulting Advance your career at the intersection of private equity, strategy, and data-driven problem solving. At IGS, Summer Associates work directly on high-stakes investment and growth strategy engagements across industries, taking on early responsibility, senior client exposure, and rapid professional development in a collaborative, high-performance environment. Start Date: June 2027 End Date: August 2027 (about 10 weeks total) Eligibility: Students graduating in 2028 Profile: Designed for students exploring a career in consulting, with full immersion in Associate-level work. Typically includes some professional work/internship experience. Practice Areas: Portfolio Services & Commercial Excellence Work Location: Chicago, IL (Onsite 5 days a week) WHY IGS? High-impact client work and responsibility from day one Direct exposure to private equity and growth strategy Exposure to a wide range of industries and business models Entrepreneurial, high-performance, and collaborative culture Direct mentorship and coaching from experiences consultants Opportunity to work closely in a collaborative boutique environment Unique to the Summer Associate Role: Summer Associates take on the same level of responsibility and expectations as full-time Associates, offering authentic, hands-on experience in consulting and private equity advisory work. APPLICATION REVIEW TIMELINE We review applications in batches rather than on a rolling basis. Applications received by August 31 will be reviewed in September, and applications received by September 30 will be reviewed in October. Candidates selected to move forward will be contacted after each review period. Due to the high volume of applications, only candidates selected to move forward in the interview process will be contacted. Role Overview As a Summer Associate on our Portfolio Services & Commercial Excellence team, you'll play a critical role on case teams: designing and building key analytical workstreams, running AI-enabled and quantitative models, validating outputs, and producing the data-driven foundation that client deliverables are built on. You'll contribute to GTM, pricing, and growth strategies across industries and portfolio company situations, bridging quantitative market research with strategic recommendations that improve clients' commercial performance. Summer Associates own discrete workstreams end to end: research design, data analysis, and synthesis of findings. Design and conduct market research to answer critical client questions, such as: How is the company positioned relative to competitors? How do customers perceive the company versus alternatives? What are the most promising opportunities for expansion or improvement? How large is the market, and what is its growth trajectory? What drives market growth and profitability? Prepare analyses, synthesize findings, and deliver actionable insights to clients Collaborate with team members to create high-impact presentations for senior executives and investors IGS Summer Associates are regularly required to work more than 50 hours/week. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Summer Associates gain a well-rounded skill set through hands-on project work, including: Conducting market assessments, customer segmentation, and competitive analysis to inform client strategies Designing and implementing sales and marketing alignment plans, channel strategies, and customer engagement models Owning and designing analytical workstreams and translating findings into clear, client-ready slide content in collaboration with Consultants and Engagement Managers Collecting, procuring and organizing data inputs for AI-based models and quantitative analysis Run key analytics and AI models; validate outputs for accuracy and quality Maintaining structured data documentation and version control for all analytical assets Building charts, visualizations, and data exhibits to clearly communicate analytical findings Conducting quality validation on all analytical work before submission up the project chain Building foundational knowledge in CE domains through project exposure and self-directed learning Presenting findings in team and client settings Strengthening teamwork, communication, and leadership skills under tight deadlines Qualifications WHAT WE LOOK FOR Interests & Mindset We seek candidates who are intellectually curious, driven, and excited about working in a collaborative environment, with interests in: Private equity, growth strategy, and commercialization topics Assessing investment and growth opportunities for private equity firms and corporate clients Gaining an in-depth understanding of a wide variety of industries Intellectual curiosity and a desire to build expertise in commercial strategy and analytics Detail-oriented with high standards for data accuracy and analytical rigor Conducting primary and secondary research to better understand markets Creating complex analyses to answer clients' key questions Working in a dynamic, collegial setting Interested in living and working in Chicago for the summer (no travel) QUALIFICATIONS Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree, graduating in 2028 is required A focus in economics, business, finance, or a quantitative field is a plus Strong academic record (GPA 3.5+ preferred) Professional work and/or internship experience is required High proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint is a plus Familiarity with Python, SQL, or BI tools a plus Leadership and/or management experience is a plus Exceptional research, analytical, and quantitative skills Ability to work independently and in teams in a fast-paced environment Quick learner, self-starter, and hands-on contributor Intellectual curiosity and a drive to solve complex business problems Working knowledge of AI tools is preferred Demonstrated ability to synthesize quantitative and qualitative data into actionable insights Strong data analytics skills and capabilities (familiarity with statistical modeling, programming, etc.) Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to synthesize insights into clear, actionable recommendations Comfort with ambiguity and tight timelines Program Details & Additional Information PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Upon joining the firm, Summer Associates participate in a hands-on orientation program. More seasoned members of the firm provide an overview of the case process from start to finish, including designing and conducting research, data analysis, and Excel and PowerPoint training. ONGOING TRAINING In addition to “on-the-job” training, the firm delivers training sessions throughout the summer, led by members of the management team and more experienced team members. Topics cover skill development areas including market modeling and more complex analyses, software tools tips and tricks, research strategies, and presentation skills. PEER MENTORSHIP PROGRAM IGS pairs Summer Associates with a peer mentor (an Associate) to provide practical, real-time guidance and training. DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENTS Summer Associates receive informal feedback on their progress and development. These assessments provide coaching and actionable suggestions for the improvement of an individual’s skill and career development. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Summer Associates receive a competitive weekly rate and are included in professional development programming, company-wide holidays, and social events. Summer Associates are not eligible for health, dental, vision, 401(k), bonus, or paid time off benefits. IGS has four U.S. offices located in Boston, MA; New York, NY; Chicago, IL; and San Francisco, CA. This role will be based in the Chicago office. Summer Associates must have or be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization through their undergrad program to participate in this internship. For full-time employment, IGS sponsors employees for H-1B visas, subject to the annual lottery and other USCIS requirements. Candidates must have or be eligible for STEM OPT work authorization to remain eligible for employment while pursuing H-1B sponsorship. IGS is an EEO employer.