Corporate Finance Associate Program

Our Associates work on a variety of transactions, including public equity offerings, M&A advisory assignments, private equity placements, and strategic options studies.

Small deal teams and our focus on middle-market, high-growth companies afford Associates the unique opportunity to work directly with senior-level client executives and top-level bankers. Associates assume a critical role in the entire transaction process. In a mergers and acquisitions sell-side process, for example, this would include the initial pitch, due diligence, preparing a written prospectus or memorandum, meeting with potential investors/buyers, negotiating key terms, closing the deal and maintaining the client relationship.

William Blair & Company Associates typically begin as generalists and, after two to three years, move into an industry group. Industry groups include healthcare, business services, commercial and industrial, consumer and retail, financial services, and technology. Most of our Associates are located in the firm's Chicago headquarters. However, the firm also has established Corporate Finance offices in San Francisco, New York, Boston, London, and Shanghai. Corporate Finance Associates typically can advance to the position of Vice President within three or four years, and within another three years may advance to the position of Principal (equity ownership).

William Blair & Company's environment is unique in the investment banking profession. While the work is rigorous and demands a high level of commitment, the firm maintains an open, cooperative and collegial atmosphere. Most Associates at William Blair & Company have MBA degrees from top business schools and can demonstrate strong evidence of academic and professional achievement in previous endeavors, although prior investment banking experience is not required. We look for candidates who are effective at working in a team environment, and who are interested in a long-term career with William Blair & Company.

Recruiting for the class starting Summer 2010 is underway. William Blair will be visiting several campuses, however if William Blair & Company is not visiting your school for recruiting, please submit your resume here.

Corporate Finance Summer Associate Program

Recruiting has also begun for MBA Summer Interns for Summer 2010: please submit your resume here.

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