Chinook Capital Advisors had the privilege of hosting two outstanding undergraduate interns during Summer 2025. 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, Garrett Brookman and Whittaker Grant, returned to school, they shared their experiences and what they learned at Chinook.
What projects did you find most engaging during your internship?
Garrett: The projects I found most engaging were those where I contributed to CIM materials, management presentations, and financial analyses. I enjoyed these projects because they gave me a hands-on perspective of how deals are executed from start to finish. The CIM work helped me understand how to position a company’s story to potential investors, while financial analyses pushed me to think critically about valuation and company dynamics. The management presentation work stood out because it required balancing detail with clarity, ensuring complex information was communicated effectively to potential investors
Whittaker: I appreciated the variety between pitch work, deal work, and outreach. My favorite was working on a pitch for a consumer brand directly with an MD. I was able to see firsthand the strategy and game plan of the business development process.
What skills or knowledge did you gain that you find most valuable?
Garrett: I found it especially valuable to build stronger client-ready communication and presentation skills. A big part of my work involved helping refine pitch materials, and through that, I learned how to tailor messaging so it speaks directly to the priorities of the potential client. I also became much more detail-oriented. Understanding how formatting, consistency, and clarity can significantly influence how professional and credible materials appear. Those skills will carry over into any role where clear, effective communication is essential.
Whittaker: Becoming well-versed in Excel, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Suite was helpful, but I think the most valuable skills I learned were the soft skills. I developed a lot as a coworker, learning how to ask the right questions, use my resources, incorporate feedback, and adapt my work products accordingly.
Can you share a unique accomplishment or moment from your internship?
Garrett: A highlight of my internship was being invited to sit in on a live pitch to a potential client. It was exciting to see the preparation come to life in a real-time conversation. Observing how the team blended data, industry expertise, and relationship-building was eye-opening, and it made me proud to know I had contributed to some of the materials being presented.
Whittaker: I had a nice time besting one of Chinook’s senior bankers in a 3-round putting contest (and then I lost all my skills when the team went to an actual golf course).
What aspects of our team culture surprised or impressed you the most?
Garrett: I was most impressed by the openness and willingness of the team to answer questions and explain the “why” behind tasks. Even though everyone was busy, people took the time to provide context and guidance, which made the learning process much more meaningful. The collaborative atmosphere also stood out; there was a strong sense of shared responsibility to produce the best possible work for clients.
Whittaker: The team is truly invested in developing interns to be a part of the firm. I felt encouraged to ramp up my skills and ask for help along the way, which really helped instill a culture of collaboration around the office.
What advice would you give to future Chinook interns?
Garrett: Be proactive in seeking out work and don’t hesitate to ask questions. The more you show interest in understanding the details, the more you’ll learn. I’d also recommend paying close attention to how pitch materials are structured and presented, understanding formatting and presentation standards that you don’t fully understand or would like to learn goes a long way. Finally, make an effort to connect with people across levels; the insights you’ll gain from their experiences are invaluable.
Whittaker: Mindset is everything, and I encourage future interns to use every moment to add key abilities to their repertoire. One of the best aspects of banking at Chinook, particularly, is the exposure to so many different industries, companies, and individuals. As an intern, you are given an opportunity to grow your base of knowledge, and the ceiling is as high as you make it.
What’s next for you in your career?
Garrett: I’m excited to continue building on this foundation in finance. My next step is to return to school and further refine my technical and analytical skills, while continuing to pursue opportunities in finance.
Whittaker: I am returning to school to complete my degree at the University of Washington, where I will major in Business Administration and minor in Data Science. I also plan to intern at a boutique M&A investment bank next summer.
For more information on Chinook Capital Advisors and our undergraduate internship program, click here.
