Blackford Capital’s Internship Program Provides Real Experience on Private Equity Deals

– Now Accepting Applications for the Fall 2022 Intern Class-

Blackford Capital takes pride in having the top talent in private equity, which also includes a longstanding commitment to developing future PE professionals through the Junior Analyst program. Several times a year, Blackford sources applications from colleges and universities across the country. From the hundreds of applications, Blackford selects a handful of talented individuals to join the firm for twelve weeks.

Meet Our Summer 2022 Interns

Currently, six young professionals are working with the Blackford Capital team at the firm’s headquarters in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

We’re honored that these junior analysts chose to join Blackford Capital for the summer. We’re committed to maximizing their experience with us and giving them the opportunity to implement and improve the skills they’ve learned in the classroom.

Steve Parker, Blackford Operating Partner

During their time at Blackford, the junior analysts are an integral part of the team, working closely with Blackford team members, portfolio company leadership and the firm’s operating partners.

Blackford’s Junior Analysts Work With Actual Clients on Real Projects

The goal of the Junior Analyst program is to provide a foundation of knowledge in the private equity and general investment space through hands-on experiences and real-world deal-side and project work. We want them to have meaningful participation in projects and at the same time offer opportunities for mentorship and career guidance.

Sarah Pagel, Blackford Analyst & Intern Program Lead (former)

The junior analysts are exposed to deals from start to finish, honing their skills in due diligence and financial modeling. They participate in the review and evaluation of company confidential investment memos and are an integral part of the investment committee meetings where they are encouraged and expected to share insights and opinions on each deal being considered. Additionally, they’re taught process mapping and engage in continuous improvement processes for their deal team. When they are not working on active deals and letters of intent, the junior analysts each partner with one of Blackford’s seven portfolio companies (PC) for a project in their area of focus. This is a highlight for participants, as they’re able to examine a specific aspect of PE more closely.

Blackford also offers a nine-part financial modeling course run by a university professor where they are taught how to spread, interpret and fully analyze a business’s financial performance and apply growth assumptions to forward looking projections.

Now Accepting Applications for the Fall Internship Program

At the end of August, the current group of Junior Analysts will complete their work and return to campus. Blackford is currently accepting applications for the Fall class. If you’re interested in learning more about the junior analyst position or applying for a position, please visit Career Opportunities – Blackford Capital or contact spagel@blackfordcapital.com for more information.