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: M&A Commercial Due Diligence
- Work Location: Boston, MA, New York, NY, or San Francisco, CA (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.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
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 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 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
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:
- 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
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree, graduating in 2028 is required
- 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
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 from the previous year’s Associate class 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 is open to the following offices: Boston, MA; New York, NY: San Francisco, CA.
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.
APPLICATION REVIEW TIMELINE
We review applications in batches rather than on a rolling basis. Applications received by August 31 will be reviewed in early September, and applications received by September 30 will be reviewed in early 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.
IGS is a trusted advisor to investors and business leaders across the deal lifecycle. As a boutique advisory firm working with private equity firms, strategic acquirers, and their portfolio companies, we bring data-driven insights and analysis that help clients assess investment opportunities and drive growth in middle market companies, across most major industries.
Sharper Diligence. Actionable Growth. True Partnership.
IGS supports clients through M&A Due Diligence, Growth Strategy, Revenue Optimization, Sell-Side Industry Study, Go-to-Market Transformation, and Pricing Strategy & Execution.
- M&A Due Diligence: Buy-side commercial diligence on mission-critical investment issues (addressable market, growth, competition, voice of customer) for private equity and corporate acquisitions.
- Growth Strategy: Accelerating organic and inorganic growth through improved competitiveness, adjacent market penetration, and new capabilities.
- Revenue Optimization: Understanding customer behavior to identify the highest-impact areas for growth acceleration.
- Sell-Side Industry Study: Mission-critical data, analysis, and insights that help position companies for a successful exit, supporting owners, management teams, and their advisors.
- Go-to-Market Transformation: Driving faster conversion times, higher win rates, and more efficient sales efforts.
- Pricing Strategy & Execution: Capturing the differential value of a client's offering to maximize EBITDA, margin, and customer lifetime value.
