Summer Associate (Analyst)

About the Summer Associate Program

Meridian’s Summer Associate Program offers a comprehensive 10-week internship at our headquarters in Lake Forest, Illinois.  Designed to mirror the experience of full-time associates, this program features a hybrid work schedule, with three days in the office and two days working remotely, providing a balanced approach to professional life.

As a Summer Associate, you will take on significant responsibilities, engaging in both client-facing and internal projects.  A key focus of your work will be contributing to Meridian’s Governance and Design Survey, an initiative critical to our business strategy.  In addition to hands-on project work, you’ll participate in a series of targeted training sessions that will deepen your understanding of executive compensation and its relevance to our operations.

The program also includes a variety of professional development and networking opportunities.  You will attend our Annual Community Meeting, join virtual visits with our offices across North America, and participate in partner lunches, team-building events, lunch-and-learn sessions, and coffee chats.  To round out the experience, you’ll engage in fun, relaxing end-of-summer activities.

Throughout the program, you will be paired with both a mentor and a client team lead, who will provide guidance, answer your questions, and help you prepare for your final presentation.  This program is designed to give you a robust and immersive experience, equipping you with the skills and insights needed to advance your career in executive compensation consulting.

What You’ll Do

• Engage with internal client teams, applying your analytical skills to assist in the development of comprehensive executive compensation strategies
• Conduct industry research to develop peer groups and executive pay benchmarking reports, gaining deep insights into compensation trends across various industries
• Assist in reviewing and designing long-term incentive plans, applying your understanding of financial, stock performance, and valuation concepts
• Work closely with a dynamic, agile team, contributing to a culture of excellence and learning.
• Assist in juggling multiple client deliverables, ensuring consistent, high-quality outputs are delivered on time
• Develop a client-ready final presentation, learning to present findings confidently to senior audiences
• Participate in multiple training sessions to deepen your understanding of executive compensation principles and practices

Who You Are

Expertise:

• You have a strong interest in executive compensation, including pay benchmarking, peer group analysis, and program design
• You’re familiar with key concepts in finance, business, and governance, and are eager to learn more about executive compensation issues and trends
• You possess a keen eye for detail, especially when it comes to understanding and applying compensation data

Skills and Abilities:

• You have strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a knack for breaking down complex information
• You possess strong communication skills, both in writing and in presenting ideas, and you’re eager to develop client-ready presentations
• You work well independently but thrive in a team environment, demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills
• You’re comfortable using Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, with a willingness to learn and utilize other tools as needed

Work Style and Attributes:

• You can work independently, managing your time effectively while balancing multiple tasks
• You consistently deliver high-quality work, paying close attention to detail
• You have a strong desire to learn and grow in the field of executive compensation

Education and Experience:

• You are pursuing an Undergraduate Degree ideally in finance, accounting, business, economics, or a related field
• Previous internships or coursework related to compensation, finance, or business consulting are a plus, but not required

Why Meridian?

At Meridian, your journey as a Summer Associate is just the beginning.  We are committed to fostering an environment of excellence, collaboration, and innovation.  As a Summer Associate, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our clients and the industry, all while being part of a team that prioritizes your professional development.

You’ll benefit from hands-on learning experiences, personalized mentorship, and exposure to real client work that sets the stage for your future career.  Our commitment to your growth is reflected in our comprehensive development programs, which are designed to help you build the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the consulting world.

We value work-life balance and support our team’s well-being through flexible work arrangements and wellness initiatives.  As you immerse yourself in the world of executive compensation, you’ll have the chance to contribute to industry research, assist with publications, and even participate in events that shape the future of the field.

At Meridian, diversity and inclusion are more than just words—they are a fundamental part of our culture.  We are dedicated to creating a workplace where you can bring your authentic self to work, supported by our ongoing efforts to cultivate a diverse and inclusive environment.

About Meridian Compensation Partners

Meridian, a premier independent executive compensation consulting firm, has been setting the benchmark since 2010.  With a strong presence across twelve North American offices and nearly a hundred working consultants, we serve hundreds of influential international and North American companies.  Regularly named a “Best Small Firm to Work For” by Consulting Magazine, our expertise is trusted by boards and senior executives seeking counsel on executive compensation, incentive design, disclosure, and governance.  In Canada, Meridian works with some of the largest companies in the TSX Composite.  In the U.S., Meridian has the largest market share among companies in the Fortune 250.

As trusted advisors and strategic partners, we deliver forward-thinking solutions and actionable insights.  Joining Meridian means being part of a firm that values your unique perspective and is committed to guiding companies through the evolving business landscape with integrity and foresight.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Meridian is an equal opportunity employer.  We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees and applicants are treated with respect and dignity.  We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.  All employment decisions at Meridian are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications.  We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and are dedicated to providing a workplace that values diversity and inclusion.