Frequently Asked Questions
 
 
To give you an idea of what an associate position entails, we have compiled some questions candidates typically ask:

  1. What is involved in Investment Banking training?
  2. How many years do I spend as an associate before I am eligible for promotion?
  3. Are associates hired directly into an industry or product group?
  4. What can I expect on the job?
  5. If Baird does not recruit on my campus, how do I apply? 
1. What is involved in Investment Banking training?
Associates complete a formal training program that begins in early to mid July and lasts approximately three weeks. Associates 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 junior bankers and peers in small teams to prepare a comprehensive 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. How many years do I spend as an associate before I am eligible for promotion?
Associates typically work three to four years before being promoted to vice president.

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3. Are associates hired directly into an industry or product group?
Baird associates are hired directly into one of several sector teams that have broad coverage responsibilities for an array of industry sub-sectors. Associates spend the vast majority of their time working on transactions within their respective sector teams but may be cross-staffed on assignments in other sectors, depending on staffing needs and capacity. Most associates are product generalists and will be exposed to an array of transactions. Near the end of the third year, associates will discuss with senior bankers their preference to focus on a sub-sector when they are promoted to vice president. Associates may also be offered the opportunity to join one of two product teams: the Financial Sponsor Coverage Team or the Equity Capital Markets Team, where they will develop a strong understanding of the middle-market private equity community or the equity capital markets, respectively. Placement of vice presidents within sector or product teams will be determined by group needs, individual performance and individual preferences.

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4. What can I expect on the job?
Initially, associates are assigned to a variety of projects within their respective sector or product team. Associates are given as much responsibility as their experience and capabilities permit. You will manage and assist in the preparation of financial models, client presentations, memoranda for company sale assignments, fairness opinions, and attend and contribute to drafting sessions for equity offerings. Baird prides itself on providing opportunities for associates to begin working closely with the senior management of our clients early in their careers. As an associate at Baird, you will be working on transactions that often represent a watershed event for our client. After three or four years, associates are expected to have core responsibilities for executing transactions within a focus area. Associates hired into one of Baird's two product teams will gain a deep understanding of the specific market drivers that affect their respective products.

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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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