Internship - Investment Banking Analyst (Defense & Government, Summer 2026)

Baird is offering a Summer 2026 Internship for an Investment Banking Analyst in their Defense & Government team in Virginia. The program provides valuable experience in investment banking, focusing on M&A transactions and financial advisory services. Interns will work closely with senior bankers, gaining skills in valuations, financial modeling, and client presentations. Candidates must be enrolled in a Bachelor’s program and commit to a full-time, 10-week internship.
Our Internship Program:
Our competitive intern program is a robust experience that offers interns exposure to the business world and a meaningful work experience. Interns are treated as valuable team members while learning from experienced professionals in a collaborative and dynamic environment.

Our Team

Baird is a leading global investment bank with more than 400 banking professionals in the U.S., Europe and Asia. We provide corporations, entrepreneurs, private equity and venture capital firms with in-depth market knowledge and extensive experience in merger and acquisition, restructuring, debt advisory and equity financing transactions. Since 2017, Baird has completed more than 700 advisory transactions, representing nearly $255 billion in transaction value, and nearly 500 financings, raising $195 billion. Baird’s 20+ person dedicated Defense & Government team is recognized as a leading M&A advisor to the sector. Since 2021 we have advised on over 50 transactions totaling nearly $27 billion in transaction value.

We are seeking a highly motivated Investment Banking Analyst Intern to join our Defense & Government team in the Washington, D.C area.

As an Investment Banking Analyst Intern, you will:
• Play an integral role on investment banking teams, providing analytical support primarily for sell-side mergers and acquisitions, as well as occasional buy-side mandates, public equity offerings, and other financial advisory services for clients across the Defense & Government sector.
• Assist in the preparation of company valuations, financial models, company marketing documents and client presentations in addition to performing research and various analyses in support of new business generation.
• Hone your skills by working closely with senior bankers and client senior management on a variety of transactions.
• Work primarily on domestic and cross-border M&A transactions, with clients including Fortune 1000 companies, private equity groups, and founder-run businesses.

What makes this great?
• Gain relevant experience in all areas of a transaction, from preparation of marketing materials to facilitation of due diligence.
• Unique culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives while emphasizing respectful teamwork and a strong sense of partnership.
• Achieve professional development and advance your career through lean deal teams which provide greater responsibility and daily interaction with senior bankers.

What we look for:
• Current enrollment in a Bachelor’s degree program required with a graduation date of December 2026 or Spring 2027
• A full-time minimum 10-week commitment during the summer is required
• Proven interest in investment banking or other areas within the financial services industry is beneficial
• Possess a strong work ethic and a record for excellence
• Ability to function both within teams and self-directed tasks
• Superior intellect, demonstrated leadership ability, excellent verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence.

What makes this opportunity great:
• Solutions-focused environment that will enable you to grow as a professional
• Unique culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives while emphasizing teamwork and a strong sense of partnership
• Gain hands-on, real-world experience with a highly ranked organization
• Interact and work closely with various levels of professionals in both a social and office setting
• Receive mentorship both formal and informal from a variety of experienced bankers

Additional Details:

Compensation Information:
• Min: $110,000 - $110,000 Max Annual Salary (pro-rated for summer program)
• Check out our Total Rewards at Baird, which is a summary of our benefits and compensation

Baird is not currently hiring individuals for this position who now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status.

#DI

Baird is committed to diversity and provides employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, military service, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.