As a top-tier mid-market investment bank, Baird has a highly competitive summer internship program in its Chicago investment banking division. Landing a coveted role starts early and requires extensive preparation. This article provides insights into Baird’s recruiting timelines, application tips, interview preparations and networking strategies specifically for the Chicago investment banking group.
Baird Chicago investment banking focuses on mid-market M&A and debt financing deals
As outlined on Baird’s website, the Chicago investment banking team specializes in providing M&A advisory and debt financing services to middle-market clients across various industries like industrial, consumer, healthcare and technology. They pride themselves on offering hands-on, partner-led advice to help client companies unlock their full potential and achieve strategic objectives.
The banking group is very collaborative and tries to involve interns in live deals as much as possible during the 10-week summer program. Past interns have assisted with financial modeling, preparing pitchbooks, conducting due diligence and crafting presentations. This hands-on experience gives a valuable glimpse into the day-to-day life of an investment banker.
Networking early is crucial to secure an interview for Baird Chicago IBD
While Baird Chicago investment banking does hire some candidates directly from resume drops, networking is absolutely critical to get an interview. Baird emphasizes fit and enthusiasm for the sector, so informational interviews and coffee chats are very important.
The recruiting timeline usually opens up in August-September for the following summer. Sophomores should start reaching out to 1st and 2nd year analysts from target schools at this time to start building relationships. Juniors recruiting for their own summer should have developed a strong network of 4-5 bankers over the past 1-2 years that can reference them.
The key is making genuine connections through shared interests and demonstrating passion for banking over a long period, rather than just asking for referrals before applying.
Acing the highly technical Baird Chicago investment banking interviews
Baird investment banking interviews are known to be very technically rigorous. For Chicago IBD specifically, first rounds are usually conducted by analysts or associates rather than HR, so questions dive right into accounting, valuation, M&A analysis and financial modeling. Fit is still important but candidates must first prove deep technical competence.
In final round ‘superdays’, candidates meet with managing directors and directors who grill them on live transaction case studies and investment thesis pitches. Thorough preparation on potential deals in the Baird Chicago pipeline across consumer, industrial, healthcare is essential. Keeping up with sector news and trends will also help anticipate the rapid-fire questions.
Securing a Chicago investment banking return offer
The competition for full-time Baird Chicago investment banking offers is intense, with only 1-3 spots per year. Summers are evaluated on work quality, teamwork, communication skills and client feedback. Stellar technical skills are not enough. Candidates must demonstrate curiosity to understand nuances of live deals and client priorities.
Baird pays very close attention to deal exposure levels among candidates when deciding return offers. Summers should request to assist on pitches and deals across different products and industries. Face time with senior bankers is crucial. Though hours are long, summers should raise their hands early and often to get involved.
In summary, breaking into the Baird Chicago investment banking program takes early preparation, extensive networking, flawless technical skills and keen business insight. Candidates who start early, demonstrate authentic passion for the work and apply themselves fully during the summer program position themselves best for a full-time offer.