Chinook Capital Advisors had the privilege of hosting two outstanding undergraduate interns during Summer 2024. Our internship program provides students with comprehensive exposure to every stage of the deal process, from kickoff to closing. By working closely with our entire team, interns gain valuable insights into individual roles and responsibilities, maximizing their learning and professional growth throughout the experience.
Before our summer interns, Harrison Lyons and Jadon Sansgaard returned to school, they shared their experiences and what they learned at Chinook.
What projects did you find most engaging during your internship?
Harrison: During my time with Chinook, I was given the opportunity to partake in a large variety of projects, allowing me to learn and gain practical experience within every stage of the M&A process. While I enjoyed all the learning opportunities that I was fortunate enough to partake in at Chinook, I enjoyed working on client/deal-related projects the most. I found client work to be the most engaging, as it allowed me to truly understand just how important an M&A process is to our clients, and it felt incredibly rewarding to assist in what is often a life-changing moment for Chinook’s clients.
Jadon: The projects I found most engaging were the pitch preparation and discussion materials. The challenge of becoming an expert in a specific industry and company in a short amount of time with limited resources was both stimulating and rewarding. The competitive nature of the pitch process made the experience even more compelling. I especially enjoyed knowing that the quality of my contributions directly influenced Chinook’s success.
What skills or knowledge did you gain that you find most valuable?
Harrison: Interning at Chinook allowed me to gain real-world investment banking experience that I previously had only been able to read about. Unlike most internship programs, Chinook treats you as a genuine member of the team, meaning that the work you are doing helps contribute to the overall success of the team, as opposed to an end of summer project or presentation. This dynamic allowed me to grow my skills in PowerPoint, Excel, and buyer and market research and gain experience and knowledge crucial for succeeding in investment banking, such as pitch, CIM, and management presentation construction.
Jadon: The most valuable takeaway from my internship was learning how to think with a banker’s mindset. The open dialogue environment in the office allowed for frequent opportunities to ask questions and observe the team’s approach and reactions throughout various stages of the deal process. Additionally, I gained valuable experience in business writing, Excel, PowerPoint, and crucial M&A skills such as compiling buyer/M&A lists, conducting market soundings, and engaging in potential client outreach.
Can you share a unique accomplishment or moment from your internship?
Harrison: I loved it when the Chinook team went to see a Mariner game together! It was a great opportunity to unwind with the team outside the office.
Jadon: One of my proudest moments was the successful completion of a pitch for a metal fabrication business. This project required me to thoroughly understand and present the M&A landscape in the metal fabrication industry. I was proud of my contribution to the team and growth over the summer due to this experience and many others like it.
What aspects of our team culture surprised or impressed you the most?
Harrison: Something that surprised me about Chinook’s culture was how relaxed everyone was. Despite working very hard to produce high-quality work, everyone is still able to have fun with their job and clearly enjoys the work that they do.
Jadon: The team culture’s efficiency and collaboration impressed me the most. In previous work environments, I encountered rigid communication hierarchies where opinions from junior members were often disregarded. At Chinook, however, the team consistently communicated effectively and valued each other’s input. This collaborative approach ensured processes were executed in the most efficient and productive manner possible.
What advice would you give to future Chinook interns?
Harrison: I would recommend that future interns come in with a “sponge” mentality. Chinook’s team is full of great mentors who truly want you to succeed and gain value from the internship and I would recommend that you take full advantage of that as you can learn quite a lot over a few months. I would also look to be curious, because if there’s something that you don’t fully understand or would like to learn more about, don’t be afraid to ask questions, the team at Chinook is always happy to help explain things further.
Jadon: My advice for future interns is to ask questions and proactively share your insights. Chinook offers a unique and valuable opportunity to engage directly with industry experts who genuinely care about your perspective.
What’s next for you in your career?
Harrison: I’m moving to Nashville, TN, for a year to pursue a Master’s of Finance at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management.
Jadon: In the near term, I am focused on completing my degree at Gonzaga University, and I look forward to joining BMO for an internship in the summer of 2025.
For more information on Chinook Capital Advisors and our undergraduate internship program, click here.
