Assistant Program Analyst Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Role: 2027 Full-Time Private Equity Analyst
Hughes & Company is actively recruiting graduating college seniors to join its investment team as full-time Private Equity Analysts beginning in summer 2027. Analysts are integral members of the team and work closely with senior investment professionals across investment sourcing, evaluation, execution, and portfolio company initiatives.
Company Overview
Hughes & Company is a private equity investment firm dedicated to transforming healthcare through innovative software and technology-enabled services. Based in Chicago, IL, we specialize in the North American lower middle market, where the firm can help accelerate growth and build category leaders. Our team is composed of seasoned investors and healthcare technology executives who are passionate about building businesses.
Position Overview
The Analyst role offers the opportunity to develop a strong foundation in private equity while contributing directly to the firm's investment activities. Analysts will work across multiple stages of the investment process, gaining exposure to new market development, company evaluation, due diligence, transaction execution, and portfolio company growth initiatives.
At Hughes & Company Analysts work directly with the firm's senior professionals; sitting in on management meetings, contributing to live deal discussions, and watching an idea move from initial thesis through closed transaction to value creation beyond it. Combined with the firm's dedicated focus on healthcare software and technology-enabled services, the result is greater responsibility, earlier, and faster development of genuine sector expertise.
Because Hughes & Company operates with a collaborative and entrepreneurial team, Analysts are expected to take ownership of their work, ask thoughtful questions, communicate clearly, and continuously develop their investment judgment.
Analyst Program and Career Development
This position is part of Hughes & Company's two-year Analyst Program, which is designed to provide early-career professionals with broad experience across the private equity investment process. Analysts will develop their analytical, investment, and professional skills while working closely with senior members of the team.
Upon completion of the program, Analysts may be considered for promotion to Associate based on individual performance and the needs of the firm. Promotion is not guaranteed.
Responsibilities
• Research industries, market trends, and investment themes
• Identify and evaluate prospective investment opportunities
• Map companies and competitors within target markets to support sourcing efforts
• Perform financial, operational, and strategic analysis
• Build and review financial models with guidance from senior team members
• Support commercial, financial, and operational due diligence
• Prepare investment presentations, memoranda, and other materials for internal review
• Assist with transaction execution and portfolio company strategic initiatives
• Maintain accurate, organized, and high-quality work across multiple projects
Ideal Candidate Profile
• Completion of a bachelor's degree before the position's summer 2027 start date
• Evidence of strong academic performance, intellectual curiosity, and quantitative aptitude
• A strong interest in investing, business analysis, and company building
• Clear and thoughtful written and verbal communication
• Attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work
• Initiative and a willingness to take ownership
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively in a small-team environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, or a demonstrated ability to learn these tools quickly
An interest in healthcare, software, or technology-enabled services is welcomed, but prior industry knowledge is not required. Relevant internship experience or coursework in investing, finance, accounting, consulting, economics, or business analysis may be helpful but is not required.
Location and Work Arrangement
This is a full-time position based in Chicago, IL. Hughes & Company operates in a hybrid environment, with team members expected to work from the Chicago office. The anticipated start date is summer 2027.
Application Process
Candidates should submit a resume and responses to the application questions through Handshake.