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Internship Ria Firm Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Opportunity Mesirow is an independent, employee-owned financial services firm founded in 1937 ... Top 100 RIA firms. The Mesirow Fiduciary Solutions division provides fiduciary partnership ...

Investment Consultant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

The Opportunity Mesirow is an independent, employee-owned financial services firm founded in 1937 ... Top 100 RIA firms. The Mesirow Fiduciary Solutions division provides fiduciary partnership ...

Internship Ria Firm information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$8

$16

$22

How much do internship ria firm jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship ria firm in Chicago, IL is $16.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.88 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an intern at Ria Firm, and why are they important?

To thrive as an intern at Ria Firm, you generally need a relevant academic background, strong analytical abilities, and a willingness to learn quickly. Familiarity with office productivity tools like Microsoft Office Suite or Google Workspace, and possibly industry-specific software, is often expected. Excellent communication, teamwork, and adaptability are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for contributing effectively to projects, adapting to a professional environment, and gaining valuable experience in the industry.

What are the big 4 internships?

The Big 4 internships refer to internship programs offered by Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG. These firms provide internship opportunities in areas such as audit, consulting, tax, and advisory, often targeting students pursuing degrees in accounting, finance, or related fields. Internships typically last 8-12 weeks and can lead to full-time offers for high-performing interns.

What is the difference between Internship Ria Firm vs Ria Clerk?

AspectInternship Ria FirmRia Clerk
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a degree in finance, accounting, or related fieldsHigh school diploma or equivalent, some knowledge of financial transactions
Work EnvironmentInternship setting within a Ria firm, involving learning and assisting with client transactionsOffice environment focused on processing and verifying money transfer documents
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by financial firms offering training programs for aspiring financial professionalsCommonly employed in money transfer companies or Ria firms for clerical tasks

In summary, an Internship Ria Firm is a training position for students or entry-level individuals gaining experience in the financial industry, while a Ria Clerk is a clerical role focused on processing transactions within a Ria firm. The internship emphasizes learning and development, whereas the clerk role centers on administrative tasks.

Is $23 an hour good for an internship?

For an internship at a Ria firm, $23 an hour is generally considered above average, as many internships pay between minimum wage and $15 per hour. However, pay rates can vary based on location, required skills, and the level of responsibility involved. Interns should also consider the experience gained and potential for future opportunities when evaluating compensation.

What is an Internship at a RIA firm?

An internship at a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firm is a temporary position designed for students or recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in the financial services industry. Interns typically assist with research, client communications, portfolio analysis, and administrative tasks under the supervision of experienced advisors. These internships provide valuable exposure to wealth management, financial planning, and investment strategies, helping interns build relevant skills and professional networks. Many RIA firms use internships as a way to identify potential future employees.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect during an internship at a Ria firm?

Interns at a Ria (Registered Investment Advisor) firm are often involved in a range of tasks, such as assisting with client portfolio reviews, conducting financial research, and supporting advisors in preparing reports and presentations. You may also gain exposure to compliance procedures, data entry, and client communication under supervision. The work environment is typically collaborative, allowing you to interact with financial advisors and operations staff, which provides valuable insight into the firm's daily operations. This hands-on experience is designed to help you develop both technical and interpersonal skills relevant to a career in financial services.

Is 200,000 enough to work with a financial advisor?

For an internship at a RIA firm, a $200,000 investment can be sufficient to work with a financial advisor, depending on the advisor's fee structure and the services provided. Many advisors charge a percentage of assets under management or flat fees, so the amount needed varies based on the advisor's policies and the scope of financial planning required. Interns typically do not manage client assets directly but may learn about investment strategies and client interactions.

How to get internships at big firms?

To secure an internship at large firms, candidates should focus on building a strong academic record, gaining relevant skills through coursework or certifications, and preparing a professional resume. Networking through industry events, career fairs, and online platforms like LinkedIn can also increase opportunities, as many big firms prioritize referrals and demonstrated interest.
What are the most commonly searched types of Ria Firm jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Ria Firm jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Internship Ria Firm job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,307 per year, or $16 per hour.
Investment Consultant

$70K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

The Opportunity

Mesirow is an independent, employee-owned financial services firm founded in 1937. Headquartered in Chicago, with offices around the world, we serve clients through a personal, custom approach to reaching financial goals and acting as a force for social good. With capabilities spanning Private Capital & Currency, Capital Markets & Investment Banking, and Advisory Services, we invest in what matters: our clients, our communities and our culture. We are proud of our employee-owned culture, built on collaboration and shared success, empowering our professionals to develop meaningful relationships, pursue growth opportunities and make a lasting impact for our clients and communities. Mesirow has been named one of the Best Places to Work in Chicago by Crain’s Chicago Business multiple times and is one of Barron’s Top 100 RIA firms.

The Mesirow Fiduciary Solutions division provides fiduciary partnership, investment management, asset allocation, and guaranteed retirement income product allocation services to institutional clients in the financial services industry, primarily in the defined contribution space.  

Mesirow Fiduciary Solutions division is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented Investment Consultant to join our team in our Chicago headquarters. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and is eager to develop a broad skill set. In this role, the Investment Consultant will conduct in-depth investment research and data analysis, collaborate with peers and senior leadership, and deliver exceptional service to our institutional clients. At the outset, the Investment Consultant will focus on building a strong foundation in our reporting and technology systems, as well as our due diligence process, through rigorous onthejob learning. As proficiency develops and the Consultant demonstrates the ability to manage projects independently with minimal oversight, responsibilities will expand to include greater clientfacing engagement and opportunities for project leadership.

Responsibilities:

Client team

  • Serve on institutional client teams, creating and reviewing recurring client reports.
  • Build long-term client relationships by demonstrating credibility through a thorough understanding of our workflows.
  • Contribute to recurring client calls and quarterly investment review calls, covering investment strategies and the market environment.
  • Lead the completion of ad-hoc requests from our sales team, interacting with prospective and existing institutional clients.
  • Participate in additional client projects.

Investment due diligence

  • Develop a deep understanding of the team’s investment methodology.
  • Conduct in-depth quantitative and qualitative investment research of mutual funds, collective investment trusts, and other investment types commonly used for retirement investing.
  • Learn and independently use reporting and research tools.
  • Stay current on market events and industry trends.

Other

  • Play a meaningful role in the quarterly reporting cycle by developing a thorough understanding of internal systems and processes.
  • Collaborate with others on the Investment Consulting team and the Technology team to test new systems and enhancements.
  • Manage ad-hoc projects and contribute to team initiatives.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in finance, economics, mathematics, statistics, or a related field
  • CFA designation or progress towards CFA designation preferred.
  • 1 – 5 years’ experience in investment consulting, retirement planning, or a related investment field (internship counts). Compensation is variable and commensurate with education level and experience.
  • Strong attention to detail, ability to meet deadlines, and proficiency in handling large data sets independently and accurately.
  • Demonstrated passion, intellectual curiosity, and a collaborative, positive attitude.
  • Ability to take direction and proactively follow through on tasks.
  • Intermediate to advanced Excel skills required; familiarity with investment databases (e.g., Morningstar Direct) preferred but not required.
  • Excellent organizational, time management, prioritization, research, and collaboration skills, with the ability to process information quickly.
  • Series 7 and 66 Licenses required within one year of start date.

Ability to work onsite at our Chicago office, which adheres to a hybrid schedule.

In accordance with the Illinois Pay Transparency Law, the anticipated hiring base salary for the role will be between $70,000 and $120,000 per year. However, base pay if hired will be determined on an individualized basis and is only part of the total compensation package, which, also provides the opportunity for a performance based bonus and the Mesirow benefit program.

EOE