University Associate, Performance Improvement
Ankura
This job at a glance
- Who can apply
- New grads and up to 1 year · Bachelor's degree
- Must know
- Business analysisFinancial modelingExcelData visualizationMicrosoft OfficeFinancial analysis
- Work
- On-site in New York
- Pay
- Not stated by the employer.
- Skill demand
- Excel35%Business analysis11%Data visualization9%Financial modeling4%of 99 similar entry-level jobs posted in the US this week
- Listed
- Nov 2, 2026 · still open
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About the Role
Ankura’s Performance Improvement practice uses data-driven approaches to address complex business challenges. The team focuses on accelerating business performance through process improvement for clients at critical stages of their lifecycles.
As an Associate, you will be a key team member interacting with engagement managers and clients. This role involves conducting analysis, synthesizing recommendations, and presenting to clients. You will have the opportunity to solve problems across various industries and projects, driving significant client impact. This position is based in New York, NY.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate with project teams to develop and refine strategic recommendations for clients.
- Lead and participate in client meetings, workshops, and presentations.
- Perform financial modeling, quantitative analysis, and scenario planning.
- Independently identify patterns in data and drive hypotheses.
- Work directly with clients to obtain relevant data.
- Independently disaggregate complex problems and challenge assumptions.
- Maintain constant communication with teammates for coordination and expectation management.
- Contribute to thought leadership initiatives (e.g., whitepapers, articles).
- Stay current with industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies.
Requirements & Tech Stack
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree from a top academic institution with a strong GPA.
- Expected graduation date between December 2026 and June 2027.
- Minimum of 0-1 years of experience in management consulting, strategy, finance, data modeling, engineering, or related fields.
- Proficiency in using tools such as MS Office, PowerPoint, Excel, and data visualization software.
- Permanent authorization to work in the U.S. (U.S. citizen or permanent resident).
Qualifications
- Critical thinking and problem-solving capability.
- Ability to synthesize analysis and draw conclusions.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights.
- Aptitude in financial analysis, including financial modeling and data interpretation.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams.
- Client-focused mindset to support building and maintaining positive client relationships.
- Strong leadership and ability to lead teams.
- Flexibility to adapt in a fast-paced and dynamic consulting environment.
- Willingness to travel domestically (and internationally) as required for client engagements.
- Willingness to work long hours during the week and on weekends may be necessary.
Areas of Interest (Experience a plus)
- Revenue and Margin Enhancement
- Pricing and Promotion Analysis
- Brand and Category Management
- Sales & Marketing Effectiveness
- Distribution and Logistics Optimization and Network Modeling
- Manufacturing and Contract Manufacturing
- Direct and Indirect Procurement
- OPEX Optimization
- Organizational Structure, Roles and Responsibilities Modeling
- M&A Divestitures/Carve-Outs and Integration
- Information Technology, Digital Improvements, and Automation
- Project Management and Process Improvement