Summer Associate, Executive Compensation

About the Summer Associate Program

Meridian Compensation Partners’ Summer Associate Program is a 10-week internship designed to closely mirror the experience of our full-time consulting professionals.  Based in our downtown Chicago office, Summer Associates work alongside Meridian consultants on client and firm projects while developing the analytical, communication, and professional skills needed to succeed in consulting.

Throughout the summer, you’ll participate in structured training and professional development opportunities designed to deepen your understanding of executive compensation and consulting. The program also includes Meridian’s Annual Community Meeting, partner lunches, team-building events, lunch-and-learns, coffee chats, and opportunities to connect with professionals across our North American offices.

Each Summer Associate is paired with a mentorship team who will provide guidance, feedback, and support throughout the program.

What You’ll Do

As a Summer Associate, you’ll contribute to client work and firm initiatives while learning how executive compensation consultants approach complex compensation, performance, and governance decisions.  Your responsibilities will include: 

• Conducting company and industry research to support executive compensation analyses and recommendations
• Developing peer groups and analyzing executive compensation, company performance, and market data
• Supporting compensation benchmarking, incentive design, and other client analyses
• Using Excel and other tools to organize, analyze, and interpret data
• Working with consulting teams to develop accurate, thoughtful, and client-ready deliverables
• Contributing to Meridian’s Governance and Design Survey and other firm research initiatives
• Managing multiple assignments and deadlines while maintaining a high standard of quality and attention to detail
• Developing and delivering a final presentation that brings together your research, analysis, and recommendations

What You’ll Gain

The Summer Associate Program is designed to provide meaningful exposure to consulting while helping you build skills that you’ll carry forward throughout your career. You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Gain hands-on experience working on substantive consulting assignments
• Strengthen your analytical and problem-solving skills using real business and compensation data
• Learn how consultants turn complex information into clear, actionable insights
• Develop stronger written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Build professional judgment by analyzing complex questions and forming thoughtful, well-supported conclusions
• Receive ongoing coaching and feedback from experienced consultants
• Build relationships with other Summer Associates, consultants, and firm leaders across Meridian

Who We’re Looking For

You do not need previous executive compensation experience to be successful at Meridian.  We are looking for curious, thoughtful students who enjoy solving problems, working with data, learning quickly, and collaborating with others.

Knowledge & Interests:

• Curiosity about businesses, industries, and how organizations make decisions
• Interest in analytical problem-solving and using data to develop insights
• Desire to learn about executive compensation, consulting, and corporate governance

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to break down complex information, identify patterns, and develop thoughtful conclusions
• Critical thinking and sound judgment, with the ability to evaluate information carefully, identify inconsistencies, and assess whether conclusions are well supported
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to explain ideas clearly
• Ability to ask thoughtful questions, consider different perspectives, and develop an independent viewpoint
• Proficiency with, or an interest in developing proficiency with, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Ability to learn and use new technologies, including AI-enabled tools, thoughtfully while verifying information and taking ownership of the quality and accuracy of your work

Work Style & Attributes

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and take ownership of assignments
• Collaborative approach and ability to build strong working relationships
• Openness to feedback and a willingness to learn, adapt, and adjust your approach as new information emerges
• Strong sense of accountability and follow-through

Education & Eligibility

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree with an anticipated graduation date of Spring 2028
• Preference for students pursuing degrees in finance, economics, accounting, business, mathematics, statistics, data analytics, or other quantitatively oriented fields
• Previous internships or coursework related to compensation, finance, or business consulting are welcome but not required
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship, now or in the future; Meridian is unable to provide employment visa sponsorship for this position

Why Meridian?

Meridian Compensation Partners is a leading independent executive compensation consulting firm. We advise boards and senior executives on executive compensation, incentive design, disclosure, governance, and related business and talent decisions.

Our specialized focus gives Summer Associates the opportunity to work alongside experienced consultants on sophisticated assignments while being part of a collaborative firm where relationships, development, and individual contributions matter.

At Meridian, we value integrity, collaboration, teamwork, accountability, and respect for the individual. We are committed to developing talented professionals, delivering exceptional work for our clients, and building a firm and culture we can be proud of.

For a Summer Associate, that means meaningful work, small-team exposure, access to experienced consultants and firm leaders, ongoing coaching and feedback, and the opportunity to see how rigorous analysis informs important business decisions.

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 committed to maintaining a workplace that values different perspectives and experiences.