Associate, M&A, 2027

Associate, M&A, 2027
Application Deadline: 1 October 2026
Department: M&A Consulting
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Boston, MA
Compensation: $100,000 / year
Description
Private Equity Consulting
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 through June 2027
• Practice Areas: M&ACommercial Due Diligence
• Work Location (Hybrid): Boston, MA | San Francisco, CA | New York, NY

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

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.
Key Responsibilities
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 Associates are regularly required to work more than 50 hours/week

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
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

Qualifications
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 (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

Benefits & Additional Information

• 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

COMPENSATION

• 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 performance, along with a comprehensive benefits package and a potential starting bonus

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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 has four U.S. offices located in Boston, MA; New York, NY; Chicago, IL and San Francisco, CA. This role will be based out of any of the following office locations: Boston, MA, New York, NY, and San Francisco, CA; with opportunities to explore other locations as you gain experience at the firm.
IGS is an EEO employer.