Associate Analyst Program, Fitch Ratings, Chicago - July 2026

Fitch Group is currently seeking an Associate Analyst based out of our Chicago office.  

As a leading, global financial information services provider, Fitch Group delivers vital credit and risk insights, robust data, and dynamic tools to champion more efficient, transparent financial markets. With over 100 years of experience and colleagues in over 30 countries, Fitch Group’s culture of credibility, independence, and transparency is embedded throughout its structure, which includes Fitch Ratings, one of the world’s top three credit ratings agencies, and Fitch Solutions, a leading provider of insights, data and analytics. With dual headquarters in London and New York, Fitch Group is owned by Hearst. 

Fitch is committed to nurturing early talent by providing a collaborative and inclusive learning environment where individuals can thrive and grow. Our early talent programs are designed to cultivate the next generation of financial professionals by offering comprehensive training and mentorship opportunities. These programs provide participants with hands-on experience and exposure to various aspects of the financial industry, preparing them for successful careers at Fitch and beyond.

How You’ll Make an Impact: 

The Fitch Ratings 2026 Associate Analyst Program (July 2026 cohort) is an exceptional entry level opportunity for recent graduates. The full-time graduate program is a combination of structured training designed specifically to provide a broad analytical perspective and on-the-job learning experience. As an Associate Analyst, you’ll be assigned to a specific Fitch Ratings product group and provided roles and responsibilities that fully immerse you in the credit rating process. 

 
During the 12-month program, Associate Analysts will get placed in analytical team where they will collaborate with senior analysts on new issuer ratings and gather and analyze the latest industry, regulatory, and economic information. At Fitch, you will receive the training to develop a high level of service to investors and issuers and a team-oriented approach to ratings analysis. Day to day work will include evaluating risk, participation in rating committees, drafting rating affirmations, and writing research reports. 

You May be a Good Fit if:

• December 2025-June 2026 graduates; with less than 12 months of relevant full-time experience.  

• Must be able to work in New York (hybrid office schedule) 

• Ability to start July 2026 

• Students must have work authorization in the U.S  

What Would Make You Stand Out: 

• Intellectually curious students with financial flair and a keen interest in credit, fixed income and industry analysis.  

• Strong, clear, and concise communicators, both verbally and written  

• Students from a diverse range of academic backgrounds with a passion for finance, research and analysis are welcome; A plus if you study one or more of the following majors: Real Estate, Finance, Economics, Accounting, and/or Political Science  

• Individuals who truly value integrity and objectivity – these are two values we hold ourselves to and pride ourselves on 

Product groups and teams likely to be included are: 

• Structured Finance  

• Corporate Ratings  

• Financial Institutions  

• US Public Finance 

Read below to learn more about our different analytical groups.  

Structured Finance 
Fitch’s Structured Finance maintains existing ratings and assigns ratings to new structured finance transactions. Fitch currently rates Structured Finance transactions across four main asset classes: Asset Backed Securities, Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities, Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities and Structured Credit. 

Corporate Ratings 
The Fitch Ratings Corporates group provides public and private ratings on companies and their debt instruments, including — bank loans, senior and subordinated debt, commercial paper and preferred stock. The group's analytical methodology addresses the legal, regulatory and market environments in over 100 countries in which Fitch Ratings operates, with particular emphasis on debt structure.  

Financial Institutions 
Fitch’s financial institutions’ coverage includes not only banks but also finance and leasing companies, securities firms, and asset management organizations. In addition, the group supports dedicated teams for rating specialized securities such as covered bonds. 

 
US Public Finance  

Fitch Ratings creates value beyond the rating by bringing an informed perspective to the U.S. Public Finance sector. Nearly 90% of the world’s largest institutional investors routinely turn to Fitch Ratings for in-depth analysis, comprehensive research and easily understood criteria for rating state and local governments, public housing, higher education, healthcare, public power, and public transportation bonds. With offices across the United States, our analysts are sensitive to local legislative and legal issues and are poised to address the specific needs of regional markets. 

Why Choose Fitch: 

• Hybrid Work Environment: 3 days a week in office required based on your line of business and location
• A Culture of Learning & Mobility: Dedicated trainings, leadership development and mentorship programs designed to ensure that your time at Fitch will be a continuous learning opportunity
• Investing in Your Future: Retirement planning and tuition reimbursement programs that empower you to achieve your short and long-term goals
• Promoting Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive healthcare offerings that enable physical, mental, financial, social, and occupational wellbeing
• Supportive Parenting Policies: Family-friendly policies, including a generous global parental leave plan, designed to help you balance career and family life effectively
• Inclusive Work Environment: A collaborative workplace where all voices are valued, with Employee Resource Groups that unite and empower our colleagues around the globe
• Dedication to Giving Back: Paid volunteer days, matched funding for donations and ample opportunities to volunteer in your community

Fitch is committed to providing global securities markets with objective, timely, independent and forward-looking credit opinions. To protect Fitch’s credibility and reputation, our employees must take every precaution to avoid conflicts of interest or any appearance of a conflict of interest. Should you be successful in the recruitment process at Fitch Ratings you will be asked to declare any securities holdings and other potential conflicts prior to commencing employment. If you, or your immediate family, have any holdings that may conflict with your work responsibilities, you may be asked to divest yourself of them before beginning work.

Fitch is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, and other statuses protected by law. 

Expected base pay rates for the role will be $70,000 per year. Actual salaries will be determined on an individualized basis and may vary based on factors including but not limited to education, training, experience, past performance, and other job-related factors.  Base pay is one part of Fitch’s total compensation package, which, depending on the position, may also include commission earnings, discretionary bonuses, long-term incentives, and other benefits sponsored by Fitch.  

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