Associate, M&A,

Associate, M&A, 2027

Final date to receive applications: 1 October 2026

Department: M&A Consulting

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: San Francisco, CA

Compensation: $100,000 / year

Advance your career at the intersection of private equity, strategy, and data-driven problem solving. At IGS, 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: Summer or Fall 2027
• Eligibility: Seniors graduating December 2026 - June 2027
• Practice Areas: M&ACommercial Due Diligence
• Work Location (Hybrid): Boston, MA | San Francisco, CA | Chicago, IL | New York, NY

• 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 experienced consultants
• Opportunity to work closely in a collaborative boutique environment

Our work is fast-paced and provides opportunities for rapid skill and knowledge development. Summer Associates gain experience across a broad set of industries while working on a case team with three to five members, taking on a high level of responsibility across both project execution and client-facing deliverables.

• 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 Associates are regularly required to work more than 50 hours/week

Associates build a well-rounded skill set through hands-on project work, including:

• Conducting market sizing, growth, and competitive analyses
• Developing client-ready presentations and execute interview guides
• Leading and managing primary research teams
• Building proficiency in Excel, databases, and financial modeling
• Prioritization and time management proficiency with our double staffing model (2+ projects simultaneously)
• Presenting findings in team and client settings
• Strengthening teamwork, communication, and leadership skills under tight deadlines

Interests & Mindset

We seek candidates who are intellectually curious, driven, and excited about working in a collaborative environment, with interests in:

• Assessing investment and growth opportunities for private equity firms and corporate clients
• Gaining an in-depth understanding of a wide variety of industries
• Conducting primary and secondary research to better understand markets
• Creating complex analyses to answer clients' key questions
• Synthesizing quantitative and qualitative results to be presented to clients
• Assuming a high level of responsibility by managing primary research teams
• Working in a dynamic, collegial setting

• Pursuing a bachelor's degree (students graduating between December 2026 - June 2027)
• 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
• 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
• Clear, concise verbal and written communication skills
• Intellectual curiosity and a drive to solve complex business problems
• Working knowledge of AI tools is preferred

• Competitive base salary and performance-based bonus
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Unlimited time off and company holidays
• Professional development opportunities and mentorship
• Collaborative, collegial work environment

• Pay expected for the position: $100,000 USD annually
• Pay is issued on a semi-monthly basis
• IGS also offers an annual discretionary bonus tied to individual and company…