M&A Intern - Fall 2026 - Chicago, IL (Loop)

Prairie Capital Advisors, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Prairie Capital Advisors, Inc. invites talented students to join its in-office internship program focused on investment banking and valuation services. Interns will work on valuation analyses, prepare client pitches, and support senior professionals with market research under mentorship.

The program offers meaningful experience and potential for full-time opportunities upon strong performance. Applicants should be juniors or seniors majoring in finance, accounting, economics or mathematics, with

Qualifications

• Strong interest in investment banking and valuation.
• Completed coursework in Financial Accounting, Corporate Finance or Economics.
• Desire to work successfully in a fast-paced team environment.
• Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future.

Responsibilities

• Perform valuation and financial modeling tasks including LBO, DCF, comps, and precedent transactions.
• Prepare correspondence, marketing information, and presentations for senior professionals.
• Draft, edit, and organize client pitches, offering materials, and management presentations.
• Research and compile market data relating to prior or future transactions.

Skills

Excel

PowerPoint

Analytical thinking

Time management

Education

Finance/accounting/economics/mathematics (junior or senior in four-year program)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Prairie Capital Advisors, Inc. is an employee-owned company that offers investment banking, ESOP advisory and valuation services to support the growth and ownership transition strategies of middle-market organizations. Our core values of Integrity, Respect, Teamwork and Passion are the foundation of our business. As an employee-owned firm, cultural fit is extremely important to us. Many companies talk about their culture – but we believe a truly special environment is formed when you build successful people around you. When you are passionate about what you do and those around you, it shows.

Job Description

Our internship program is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in investment banking. Prairie’s internship program will provide participants an in-depth look at our advisory services. Interns will work alongside our project teams, learning valuable skills and knowledge that will transfer to many professions. Interns will work on their day-to-day responsibilities with support and mentorship from a variety of Prairie professionals. Our internship program is designed around our current business needs and the availability of the participant(s). In order to produce a meaningful experience, interns will be reviewed during and at the end of program. Our interns are often considered for a full-time position should the individual demonstrate strong performance and potential for success.

What You Will Be Doing

• Performing valuation and financial modeling tasks including leveraged buyout, discounted cash flow, comparable public company, and precedent transaction analyses
• Preparing correspondence, marketing information, and presentations for senior professionals
• Drafting, editing, and organizing client pitches, offering materials, and management presentations
• Researching and compiling market data relating to prior or future transactions

What do we look for in candidates?

• Strong interest in investment banking and valuation
• Junior or Senior at a four year degree program majoring in finance/accounting/economics/mathematics
• Completed coursework in Financial Accounting, Corporate Finance or Economics
• Desire to work successfully in a fast-paced team environment
• Strong proficiency in Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• Strong analytical and problem solving capabilities
• Ability to prioritize tasks, work on multiple assignments and manage tight timelines in a team environment
• Strong work ethic and personal integrity
• Ability to work 20-30 hours per week in the office
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future

Other: First, this is an in-office position to foster skill development, personal leadership and team collaboration. Second, all candidates should be able to commit to working between 20-30 hours per week, in office. Third, all applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship, now and in the future.

Pay Rate: $21 - $23 an hour

EEO Statement

Prairie Capital Advisors is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.

E-Verify Statement

Prairie Capital Advisors participates in the federal government’s E-Verify program, which confirms employment authorization of all newly hired employees and most existing employees through an electronic database maintained by the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security. For all new hires, the E-Verify process is completed in conjunction with the Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification on or before the first day of work. E-Verify is not used as a tool to pre-screen candidates. For up-to-date information on E-Verify, go to www.uscis.gov and click on 'E-Verify' located near the bottom of the page.