Fast Facts
Join Ellucian as a Corporate Development MBA Intern to gain hands-on experience in strategic transactions, mergers, and acquisitions within the software industry, working alongside cross-functional teams to evaluate potential acquisition targets and drive growth.
Responsibilities: Assist in evaluating potential acquisition targets, conduct industry research, analyze financials, support due diligence, and prepare presentations and investment memos for senior leadership.
Skills: Strong analytical abilities in financial modeling, proficiency in Excel and financial databases, and effective communication skills are essential, along with experience in AI-powered research tools and an understanding of corporate finance and M&A processes.
Qualifications: Currently pursuing or recently completed an MBA or Master’s degree in Finance, Business, Marketing, or a related field; prior experience in investment banking or corporate M&A is preferred.
Location: Reston, Virginia, United States
Compensation: Not provided by employer. Typical compensation ranges for this position are between $20 - $35 per hour.
About Ellucian
Ellucian is a global market leader in education technology. We power innovation for higher education, partnering with more than 2,800 customers across 50 countries and serving over 20 million students. Ellucian's AI-powered platform, trained on the richest dataset available in higher education, drives efficiency, personalized experiences, and strengthened engagement for all students, faculty and staff. Fueled by decades of experience with a singular focus on the unique needs of learning institutions, the Ellucian platform features best-in-class SaaS capabilities and delivers insights needed now and into the future. These solutions and services span the entire student lifecycle, from student recruitment, enrollment, and retention to workforce analytics, fundraising, and alumni engagement. Ellucian's innovative solutions, vast ecosystem of partners, and user community of more than 45,000 provide best practices leading to greater institutional success and achieving better student outcomes.
Values Rooted in Purpose
We embrace the power to lead, the courage to innovate, and the determination to grow. At our core, we believe in humanizing our approach, recognizing that our people are our greatest strength. With a shared vision of transformation, we endeavor to shape a brighter future for higher education.
About the Opportunity
At Ellucian, an internship is more than just checking a box — it's about learning by doing. Our award-winning internship program gives interns the opportunity to build real skills through hands-on experience, working alongside their teams on meaningful projects that support colleges and universities and ultimately impact students just like you.
Throughout the program, you'll contribute to meaningful projects, gain exposure to how teams collaborate, and explore your interests as you begin shaping what's next in your career. You'll be supported by your manager, dedicated project guides, and a structured mentorship program, as well as a broader intern community designed to help you learn and grow.
Additionally, you will participate in executive Q&A sessions and "day-in-the-life" conversations with intern alumni & leaders across our organization, offering insights into career paths at Ellucian - many of which began through this very program.
Our full-time internship program will run from May 18, 2026 - August 7, 2026. Apply Now to experience what it's like to live the #ellucianlife.
We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Corporate Development Intern to join the Ellucian Corporate Development team. This role offers hands-on experience in evaluating potential acquisitions, conducting due diligence, and supporting the execution of strategic transactions within the software industry. The intern will work closely with cross-functional teams, including strategy, product, finance, legal, and operations, to drive growth through M&A initiatives.
Where you will make an impact
- Assist in identifying and evaluating potential acquisition targets, including
- financial and strategic analysis.
- Conduct industry and market research to support deal sourcing and investment
- theses.
- Analyze financial statements, valuation models, and key performance metrics of
- target companies.
- Support due diligence efforts by gathering and organizing relevant data from
- multiple sources.
- Prepare presentations, reports, and investment memos for senior leadership and
- financial sponsors.
- Assist in integration planning and post-merger activities to ensure seamless
- transitions.
- Monitor and track M&A trends, competitor activities, and market developments in
- the software sector.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to assess the impact of acquisitions on
- company strategy and operations.
- Qualifications & Requirements:
- Currently pursuing or recently completed an MBA, Master’s degree in Finance,
What you will bring
- Currently pursuing or recently completed an MBA, Master’s degree in Finance, Business, Marketing, Economics, Accounting, or a related field.
- Strong analytical skills with experience in financial modeling and valuation techniques (DCF, comparable company analysis, precedent transactions).
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and financial databases (e.g., CapIQ, PitchBook, Bloomberg).
- Experience using AI-powered tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Copilot) to accelerate research, financial analysis, or market intelligence.
- Understanding of corporate finance, M&A processes, and due diligence.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail, confidentiality, and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
- Passion for technology, software, and strategic business growth.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior internship or work experience in investment banking, private equity,
- venture capital, or corporate M&A.
- Familiarity with SaaS business models, recurring revenue metrics, and software
- industry trends.
Benefits & Learning Opportunities:
- Hands-on experience in high-impact strategic transactions.
- Exposure to senior executives and industry professionals.
- Opportunity to develop technical and financial analysis skills.
- Networking opportunities within the technology and finance industries.
- Potential for full-time employment upon successful internship completion.
What makes #Ellucianlife
• 2 Paid Charity Days
• Paid Holidays
• $100 Meal Stipend
• Time for school
• Rewards & Recognition via Bonusly