The Sterling Group Investment Professional Summer Internship – Class of 2027

About The Sterling Group

The Sterling Group is an operationally focused private equity firm with a proven track record of success in the industrial sector. Founded in 1982, Sterling is one of the longest-standing private equity firms in North America, managing over $9.2 billion in assets across its Flagship and Foundation Funds. Nearly 70% of our realized returns have been driven by organic EBITDA growth, underscoring our commitment to operational excellence rather than financial engineering. Sterling’s investor base includes some of the world’s largest and most respected institutional investors.

As we continue to grow, we are looking for talented, driven individuals to join our team. Sterling is currently seeking a rising second-year MBA student (graduating in 2027) to join our team as a summer intern for Summer 2026.

About the Investment Professional Summer Internship Program

As an intern at The Sterling Group, you will gain hands-on experience and insight into the world of private equity investing with a focus on operational improvement. Over the course of the 10-week program (from June to August 2026), you will be given meaningful responsibilities and opportunities to contribute to ongoing deals, portfolio company operations, and strategic decision-making.

The program begins with an orientation, where you’ll learn about Sterling’s culture, our investment process, and the operationally-focused approach we take with each of our portfolio companies. Throughout the internship, you will collaborate with investment professionals and interact with teams across various functions such as Human Capital, Strategy, Operations, and Sourcing. You will have the opportunity to screen new investment opportunities, support due diligence efforts, and participate in internal meetings with senior leadership.

If offered a full-time Vice President position after your internship, you will participate in our Year Away program, which allows Vice Presidents gain direct operating experience by spending one year embedded in a portfolio company. During this time, you will hold a senior management position, reporting directly to the CEO, and lead strategic initiatives such as operational improvements, acquisition integrations, or growth programs. This experience is designed to accelerate your development as both an investor and an operator.

Job Responsibilities

As an intern, you will have the opportunity to contribute to real, impactful work, including:

• Screening new investment opportunities and conducting due diligence on potential targets
• Evaluating new transactions and supporting deal execution with the investment team
• Collaborating closely with internal teams (e.g., Human Capital, Sourcing, Strategy, Operations)
• Assisting in the negotiation and review of acquisition and financing documentation
• Leading initiatives to improve the operations of portfolio companies
• Participating in internal operational review meetings and quarterly board meetings

Qualifications

We are looking for candidates who are passionate about private equity and improving industrial businesses. The ideal candidate will have:

• Current MBA student, between your first and second year, graduating in 2027, from a top-tier university
• Previous experience in investment banking, private equity, management consulting, or operational roles in a premier industrial company
• Familiarity with manufacturing, distribution, and/or industrial markets is preferred
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a high level of intellectual curiosity
• A self-driven and proactive mindset with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams
• Interest in continuous improvement—both on a personal and organizational level
• A passion for improving and growing industrial businesses
• Military or other leadership experience is a plus

Why Sterling?

At The Sterling Group, you’ll join a team of dynamic, operationally-minded professionals who are dedicated to creating value in every aspect of our business. The internship provides a unique opportunity to work on real investment transactions and improve the performance of industrial companies, while developing skills that will be valuable throughout your career in private equity or beyond.

Sterling’s internship program is designed to develop the next generation of investment professionals. If you’re ready to contribute, learn, and grow in a collaborative and fast-paced environment, we encourage you to apply.