Junior Financial Analyst Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Overview

For US Applicants: Please submit your application through our online portal by our deadline: September 27, 2026 for consideration.

The Summer Analyst Program

The Summer Analyst Program at Cornerstone Research is an eight-week experience that takes place during the summer between your junior and senior year of university. We have developed a comprehensive program to introduce you to the world of economic consulting and the culture of Cornerstone Research. It is not required for you to be deeply familiar with the economic consulting industry now - that is what our Summer Analyst Program is for.

The Summer Analyst Program consists of different key elements that work in alignment to provide you with a well-rounded internship experience.

• Project (Case) Work: This element of the role closely mirrors that of the full-time position. Summer Analysts work on case teams that range in size but typically include an expert, senior consultants, and analysts. Within a case team, you will make important contributions during all phases of a project - from developing case strategy to conducting analyses, to preparing experts for testimony.
• Learning Programs: Throughout the summer, you will participate in a series of sessions that will hone your quantitative and qualitative skills.
• Social Events: The Summer Program is as fun as it is informative. There will be plenty of opportunities for you to get to know our consultants in more casual settings.

What does case work at Cornerstone Research look like?

Throughout your internship, you will be working alongside your peers regularly, even if you are not working on the same cases. When it comes to casework, you can expect the following:

• As a Summer Analyst, you will likely work on multiple cases throughout your internship.
• Most cases have quantitative and qualitative elements, though some will be more quantitative and others more qualitative.
• You will have opportunities to interact with Analysts (both junior and senior) as well as senior consultants.
• Key responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
• Developing financial and economic models;
• Analyzing large datasets;
• Examining market and industry behavior;
• Conducting research via academic articles and relevant industry literature;
• Assisting with expert written reports;
• Presenting findings to colleagues, experts, and clients.

Summer Analyst Development

From day one of your internship, there is a strong emphasis on equipping you with the information, training, and resources to help you succeed. Your internship will begin with an orientation program, which will introduce you to Cornerstone Research's culture and work. You will also participate in hands-on training sessions to learn sophisticated analytical and statistical techniques used in our day-to-day work.

Following orientation, you will join a case team(s) and have immediate impact while continuing to learn new skills. Through case work and the other core elements of the Summer Analyst Program, you will have ongoing opportunities to network with consultants and determine if economic consulting is the right fit for you. Cornerstone Research values the professional growth of its Summer Analysts and recognizes their contributions to clients and the firm. Consequently, many Summer Analysts choose to join Cornerstone Research full-time upon graduation.

Qualifications

If the Summer Analyst Program sounds exciting to you, we encourage you to apply. We seek well-rounded, enthusiastic individuals for our Summer Analyst role. Our qualifications are as follows:

• In your junior year of an undergraduate degree; with an expected graduation date of December 2027 - June 2028.
• Demonstrated strong academic performance; successful applicants typically have a GPA higher than a 3.6.
• Strong analytical backgrounds, through academics or internships.
• Interest in business and economics.

Cornerstone Research will provide H-1B, H-1B1, E3 and TN visa support to full-time candidates that require visa support. Full-time candidates requiring visa support, must have a STEM-eligible degree and at least 36 months remaining of work authorization.

About Cornerstone Research

Cornerstone Research provides economic and financial consulting and expert testimony in all phases of complex disputes and regulatory investigations. The firm works with an extensive network of prominent academics and industry practitioners to identify the best-qualified expert for each assignment. With a reputation for high quality and effectiveness, Cornerstone Research has consistently delivered rigorous, state-of-the-art analysis since 1989. The firm has more than 1,100 professionals in nine offices across the United States, UK, and EU.

Cornerstone Research is involved in a broad variety of high-profile projects. Current exemplary matters include claims of anticompetitive conduct, potential mergers and the impact on market competition, the impact of intellectual property infringement, allegations of misleading marketing or false claims, allegations of manipulation of financial markets, evaluation of fair merger prices, securities litigation, claims in consumer finance, anticompetitive conduct in financial markets, and corporate governance issues. We cover topics in a broad range of industries including consumer goods, life sciences, high technology, energy, telecommunications, industrial markets, banking, securities, fintech, private equity, insurance, and cryptocurrency.

Cornerstone Research offers market-leading compensation. The bi-weekly salary for the Summer Analyst role with a relevant education is $4,326.92

Cornerstone Research provides Equal Employment Opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to legally protected categories, such as age, sex, gender, gender identity, race, color, creed/religious belief, medical condition, predisposing genetic characteristics or genetic information or testing, disability, marital status, pregnancy status, military status, veteran status, arrest or conviction record (except where permitted by law), sexual orientation, ethnic background, citizen status, ancestry, national origin, or any other consideration protected by federal, state or local law.