Frequently Asked Questions
 
 
We have compiled some of the typical questions asked by candidates about our Investment Banking Analyst Program.

  1. What is involved in Investment Banking training?
  2. What is the career path for an Investment Banking Analyst?
  3. What can I expect on the job?
  4. What skills will I develop? 
  5. If Baird does not recruit on my campus, how do I apply? 
1. What is involved in Investment Banking training?
Analysts complete a formal training program that begins in early- to mid-July and lasts approximately three weeks. Analysts attend an accounting review course and receive extensive training in both financial modeling and business valuation. During the final week of training, they will work with peers and associates in small teams to prepare a full valuation on an M&A case study and present their findings to a team of senior bankers. In addition to the initial training program, Baird provides ongoing business-specific product training as well as development opportunities.

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2. What is the career path for an Investment Banking Analyst?
Baird's Analyst Program is a two-year commitment. First-year analysts are hired directly into one of several sector teams that have broad coverage responsibilities for an array of industry sub-sectors. Most analysts are product generalists and will be exposed to an array of transactions, including sell-side M&A transactions, buy-side M&A transactions, IPOs, follow-on offerings and private placements.

Analysts spend the majority of their time working on transactions within their respective sector teams, but they may be cross-staffed to assignments in other sectors, depending on staffing needs and capacity. This structure exposes analysts to a variety of sub-sectors and, at the same time, allows analysts develop a better understanding of the unique factors that affect their respective industries.

Analysts may also be hired into one of two product groups. An analyst hired into a product group will become a member of the Financial Sponsor Coverage Team or the Equity Capital Markets Team. After the two-year commitment, analysts who consistently exceed expectations are invited to stay for a third year as senior analysts. Senior analysts who continue to exceed expectations may be promoted directly to associate or offered the opportunity to participate in the Baird Scholar program.

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3. What can I expect on the job?
Analysts work in small teams with a diverse group of junior- and senior-level bankers. This allows analysts to actively participate in every stage of the transaction, from initial client pitches to closing. As knowledge and skills increase, analysts are given greater responsibility. In addition to regular senior banker exposure, analysts frequently have the opportunity to work with the senior management of clients throughout projects.

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4. What skills will I develop?
Investment Banking provides you with solid analytical skills, a strong understanding of accounting, finance and business valuation, and exposure to a variety of industry sectors and transactions. As an analyst, you will build strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills supported by an understanding of financial markets and business operations. You will also gain a better understanding of the factors that affect equity capital markets and will begin to understand how some of the leading middle-market private equity firms assess investment opportunities.

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5. If Baird does not recruit on my campus, how do I apply?
Apply online through our Web site.

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This site has been published in the United States for residents of the United States. The foregoing has been prepared solely for informational purposes and is not an offer to buy or sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security or instrument or to participate in any particular trading strategy. Securities, products and services are offered through Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated. Member FINRA and SIPC.