Market Research and Lender Research Intern (Spring 2026 Semester) - January 2026 Start

Spring 2026 Internship | Market Research & Lender Research | Independent Sponsor & Private Credit (Remote) Pioneer Capital Advisory LLC Pioneer Capital Advisory is expanding aggressively beyond SBA financing into the independent sponsor and private credit markets. After closing over $124 million of SBA 7(a) acquisition financing in 2025, the firm is building institutional capabilities across non SBA acquisition finance, private credit, and sponsor-backed transactions. This internship offers a front-row seat to how a buy-side advisory firm builds a lender platform from the ground up. The Market Research and Lender Research Intern will work directly with Pioneer Capital Advisory’s non SBA team to map the private credit landscape, analyze lender behavior, and help define the firm’s internal credit framework. This role is analytical, fast paced, and highly visible. Your work will directly influence how deals are positioned, which lenders are approached, and how capital is structured. This is not a check-the-box internship. We are looking for students with a strong dog factor. You will be expected to think independently, move quickly, and produce high quality work without hand holding. In return, you will gain exposure that most college interns never see. Key Responsibilities (1) Research lenders across the private credit and independent sponsor ecosystem, including senior lenders, unitranche funds, mezzanine lenders, SBICs, and family offices (2) Analyze and document lender credit parameters such as leverage tolerance, pricing, return targets, industry focus, and structural preferences (3) Support the development and refinement of Pioneer Capital Advisory’s non SBA credit box and lender matrix (4) Research capital structures, transaction trends, and market dynamics in the independent sponsor space (5) Synthesize qualitative and quantitative findings into clear, decision-ready internal materials (6) Support ad hoc research and strategic initiatives tied to the firm’s expansion What You Will Learn (1) How private credit capital is deployed in lower middle market acquisitions (2) How independent sponsor deals are structured and underwritten (3) How lenders think about risk, leverage, and sponsor quality (4) How institutional knowledge is built inside a growing finance platform Compensation & Time Commitment -$15 per hour -Approximately 20 hours per week -Remote role -Spring 2026 start, timing dependent on availability -Background check required Ideal Candidate Profile -Current undergraduate or graduate student majoring in economics, business, finance, or a related field -Minimum GPA of 3.5 -Strong interest in private credit, leveraged finance, private equity, or investment banking -Demonstrated dog factor: gritty, intellectually intense, and highly autonomous -Strong analytical skills and attention to detail -Proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets is a plus Additional Benefits -Hands-on exposure to private credit and non-bank acquisition financing -Opportunity to work on real, transaction-driven research -High impact projects that directly influence firm strategy -Successful completion of the internship will result in a letter of recommendation from Matthias Smith, President and Owner of Pioneer Capital Advisory How to Apply (Both Steps Required) Apply via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/###-###-#### / Complete the TestGorilla assessment: https://app.testgorilla.com/s/2pw9hdl3 Please note: Only applicants who complete the TestGorilla assessment will be considered for an interview.