What are the responsibilities and job description for the 2026 Private Equity Summer Associate position at Vista Equity Partners Management?
Position Summary
Vista Equity Partners is a leading investment firm focused on enterprise software, data, and technology-enabled businesses. Through our three strategies—Endeavor, Foundation, and Flagship—we partner with companies at all stages of growth.
Our 10-week Summer Associate Program offers first-year MBA students hands-on experience in private equity investing, including valuation, due diligence, deal execution, and portfolio value creation. Candidates will be asked to share a fund preference to help align opportunities with their skills and interests.
Upon completion of the program, successful Summer Associates may be considered for full-time opportunities beginning in Summer 2027. These roles are expected to be available in one of our primary office locations, including Chicago, IL; Austin, TX; or San Francisco, CA, subject to business needs and availability.
To be considered, please submit your application and complete two follow up items: 1) form indicating your fund preferences and 2) online cognitive assessment by December 10, 2025. A link to the assessment will be sent automatically once your application is submitted. Completion of the assessment is an important part of our holistic evaluation process.
Responsibilities
As a Summer Associate, you will:
- Evaluate and execute investment opportunities in the enterprise software industry, including both platform and add-on investments.
- Conduct financial and operational due diligence, developing detailed financial models.
- Build and present investment theses targeting new opportunities.
- Partner with the Vista Consulting Group to implement operational best practices across portfolio companies.
- Support analysis and execution of potential exit opportunities.
Qualifications
We are seeking candidates who demonstrate:
- Enrollment as a first-year MBA student with an expected graduation of Spring 2027.
- Prior experience in investment banking, with private equity a strong plus; other backgrounds in financial services, consulting, or related roles will also be considered.
- Exceptional analytical, financial modeling, and business judgment skills.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
- A demonstrated interest in investing, financial markets, and technology industry sectors/trends.
- High levels of personal and professional maturity, with a strong work ethic and accountability.
- Self-motivation and a high degree of initiative.
Company Overview
Vista is a global technology investor that specializes in enterprise software. Vista’s private market strategies seek to deliver differentiated returns through a proprietary and systematic approach to value creation developed and refined over the course of 25 years and 600 transactions. Today, Vista manages a diversified portfolio of software companies that provide mission-critical solutions to millions of customers around the world. As of March 31, 2025, Vista had more than $100 billion in assets under management. Further information is available at vistaequitypartners.com. Follow Vista on LinkedIn, @Vista Equity Partners, and on X, @Vista_Equity.
