Associate Consultant, Professional Services/Industrials - Strategy (New Grad - Arlington, VA)

Stout; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Stout seeks an Associate Consultant to join Stout Strategy, contributing to client engagements by collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing data to drive strategic advantage. You will support M&A diligence and collaborate with teams to translate expert perspectives into high-quality deliverables.

Ideal candidates bring strong research, analytical, and communication skills, with a BA/BS in a relevant field and experience in consulting, private equity, or corporate development.

Qualifications

• BA or BS in fields such as Economics, Business, Agribusiness, Finance, Data Science, or Engineering with May 2027 graduation and strong GPA.
• Prior experience in research/consulting/private equity preferred.
• Aptitude for networking and executive-level interviewing.
• Strong communication, writing, and critical-thinking skills.
• Time management and multitasking in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct primary research through interviews and data gathering for clients in professional services or industrials.
• Synthesize insights into actionable recommendations and support client strategy.
• Assist with M&A due diligence and financial/workstream analyses.
• Collaborate with internal teams and client stakeholders to translate perspectives into deliverables.
• Develop and validate financial, commercial, and strategic assumptions for buyers.

Skills

Interviewing

Data analysis

Financial modeling

Excel

PowerPoint

AI tools

Client engagement

Communication

Education

BA or BS in Economics/Business/Finance

Advanced degree welcomed

Tools

PowerPoint

Excel

Data visualization tools

Statistical analysis

Job description

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

Stout is looking for Associate Consultants to join our growing firm within our Strategy group (Stout Strategy). At Stout Strategy, expectations are high but empowering. Your ideas will be heard, and your thoughts valued as we help clients grow and drive strategic advantage. You will be a key contributor on client engagements and project deliverables. Quite simply, you will get the developmental benefits of big firm clients with the high touch of a boutique culture.

What You'll Do

Associate Consultants are integral to Stout Strategy's success as a firm. As an Associate Consultant in Professional Services or Industrials, you will be responsible for collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing the data that will enable the strong delivery of work to our exclusive list of clients in professional services or industrials. More specifically, you will:

• Conduct original primary research through interviews and data gathering with experts in sectors such as accounting, finance, private equity, agriculture, energy, and heavy machinery
• Synthesize insights into actionable recommendations, analyzing qualitative and quantitative findings to support client strategy
• Support M&A processes (primarily for PE clientele), including buy-side and sell-side commercial diligences
• Collaborate with internal teams and client stakeholders to translate expert perspectives into high-quality deliverables
• Support the development of and/or validation of financial, commercial, and strategic assumptions for both corporate and financial buyers
• Support the execution of typical M&A diligence workstreams, such as generating market sizing and forecasting models, conducting customer surveys, performing competitive analysis, etc.
• Leverage data, digital platforms, and AI-enabled tools to conduct analysis, generate insights, and support problem-solving and decision-making
• Positively contribute to the dynamic, high-achieving atmosphere of the firm

What You'll Bring

Stout Strategy is comprised of an intellectually curious, eclectic, and motivated team of peers, resulting in a vibrant office environment that is fast-paced, collaborative, and entertaining. Our team is fanatical about client service and personal accountability. We value individual contribution, creativity, teamwork, and humor. Additional qualifications include:

• BA or BS required in fields such as Economics, Business, Agribusiness, Finance, Data Science, or Engineering, with a graduation date of May 2027 and a clear track record of academic excellence (minimum 3.5 GPA); Advanced degree welcomed but not required
• Prior experience (including internship experience) in research, consulting, corporate development, private equity, or similar experience preferred
• Aptitude for networking and executive-level interviewing
• Well-honed business acumen and analytical skills
• Strong communication, writing, and critical-thinking skills
• Work ethic, dedicated, organized, detail-oriented, and accountable
• Time management and multitasking abilities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Advanced skillset in Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint and Excel
• Experience with data visualization tools a plus, including modeling and statistical data analysis
• Self-starter mentality, with the drive to take ownership, tackle challenges head‑on, and find a way forward when obstacles arise
• Comfort and proficiency using generative AI tools (e.g., Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, etc.) to enhance research and analysis
• Foreign language capabilities are a plus

How You'll Thrive

• Embrace high levels of responsibility and take initiative to deliver results in a fast-paced environment
• Collaborate effectively with team members and clients while building strong relationships
• Demonstrate analytical rigor and attention to detail in all aspects of the role
• Exhibit a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial mindset, contributing to both personal and organizational growth

Application Materials

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Stout is required by applicable state and local laws to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. The range for this role considers several factors including but not limited to prior work and industry experience, education level, and unique skills. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

A reasonable estimate of the current range is $60,000.00 - $130,000.00 Annual. This role is also anticipated to be eligible to participate in an annual bonus plan. Information about benefits can be found here - https://www.stout.com/en/careers/benefits.

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

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.

Interested in joining a rapidly growing group of bright, ambitious professionals in a work environment that values culture, inclusion, and personal growth? Stout might just be the right place for you.