Management Consulting Internships: How to Land One (With Timeline & Tips)

Management consulting internships are among the most competitive and valuable experiences for students exploring careers in business, finance, or strategy. These internship programs offer real exposure to client work, structured mentorship, and a clear path toward full-time consulting jobs. Whether you're in your first year of college or pursuing an MBA, landing one of these roles can help you build the skills, network, and experience needed to join a top consulting firm.

This article outlines everything you need to know, from what these internships are to when to apply, how to prepare, and how to stand out in the process.

What is a Management Consulting Internship?

A consulting internship is a short-term opportunity to work inside a professional services firm. Interns typically join project teams that advise clients on how to solve business problems, improve performance, or manage organizational change. Some internships last a few weeks while others extend for an entire summer. Interns contribute by conducting data analysis, creating PowerPoint slides, helping with research, and supporting problem-solving on client projects. These assignments offer exposure to how consultants operate, communicate with clients, and manage workflow across industries such as healthcare, technology, energy, or finance.

These internships matter because they offer valuable work experience, build practical skills, and introduce students to the expectations and pace of the consulting industry. They also offer insight into what full-time consulting life is like, helping students make informed career decisions.

Who Should Apply for Consulting Internships?

• Undergraduates, particularly sophomores and juniors
• First-year students participating in early exposure programs
• MBA students or candidates pursuing other advanced degrees
• Career switchers looking to break into consulting

Firms look for applicants with a mix of soft and hard skills. Strong communication, analytical thinking, and the ability to work in teams are essential. Leadership experience and interest in meaningful work and problem-solving are also important. Many firms actively seek entrepreneurial leaders and offer specific support for empowered women and underrepresented groups through diversity recruiting programs.

Top Consulting Firms Offering Internship Programs

Many of the world’s leading consulting firms offer structured internship programs that serve as pipelines into full-time roles. These internships vary in length, format, and target audience, but they all provide early exposure to real consulting work. Here are the firms to watch and what their internship programs typically include:

Major Firms Offering Consulting Internships

• McKinsey & Company – Offers undergraduate and advanced degree summer internships, as well as the Sophomore Diversity Leaders Internship (SDLI) for early undergrads from historically underrepresented backgrounds.
• Boston Consulting Group (BCG) – Runs summer internship programs and the Growing Future Leaders (GFL) program, which provides early exposure and mentorship to students of diverse backgrounds.
• Bain & Company – Offers its flagship summer associate internships, along with the Bain BEL (Building Entrepreneurial Leaders) program for underrepresented minorities.
• Deloitte Consulting – Hosts a variety of internships, including its Discovery Internship (designed for freshmen and sophomores) and summer analyst roles for upper-level students.
• EY-Parthenon – Offers strategy consulting internships for both undergraduate and MBA students, including diversity-focused pathways.
• Accenture – Runs a Summer Analyst Program and specialized tracks in strategy, technology, and interactive consulting.
• KPMG and PwC Advisory – Offer summer internships across their advisory practices, including management consulting, technology transformation, and deal advisory.

Types of Internship Programs

These firms typically offer two primary categories of consulting internship opportunities:

• Summer internships: Usually 8 to 10 weeks long, targeted at juniors (undergraduate) and MBA students. Interns are placed on active client projects and work closely with consulting teams.
• Early access/insight programs: Shorter in duration (1 day to 2 weeks), designed for first- and second-year students to gain early exposure. Examples include BCG’s GFL and McKinsey’s SDLI.

Application Timing for Summer Internships

Note: Some firms fill spots on a rolling basis, so applying early gives you a better chance. Check individual firm websites for the exact dates each year.

Sophomore Internships and Discovery Programs

Early exposure programs like Deloitte’s Discovery Internship, Bain’s BEL Program, or McKinsey’s Sophomore Diversity Leaders are typically open to first-year or sophomore students. These programs often recruit later in the year or during the spring semester. These internships provide a first look at consulting and can be a strong stepping stone toward a junior-year summer internship.

Insight Weeks and Pre-Internship Events

In addition to summer internships, many consulting firms offer insight programs, preview days, or spring events aimed at younger students. These are not full internships but usually include:

• Short workshops or multi-day shadowing experiences
• Panels and networking with consultants
• An inside look at the firm’s culture and work

Note: Insight programs typically happen in April–May and often require a short application, resume submission, or brief interview. Participating in these can help you gain exposure early and be more prepared for future internship applications.

Where to Track Deadlines

• Firm career websites (e.g., careers.bcg.com, mckinsey.com/careers)
• University career centers and recruiting portals
• Email newsletters from consulting clubs or student orgs
• Leland’s internship lists and reminders

How to Find Consulting Internship Opportunities

Landing a consulting internship starts with knowing where to look. Many of the best opportunities are published on firm websites, but some are shared through networks, campus clubs, or alumni before they ever show up on job boards.

1. Firm Career Pages

Start your search on the official websites of major consulting firms. Each company posts internship openings on its careers portal. These listings are often the most up-to-date and will include:

• Eligibility criteria (e.g., graduation year, degree type)
• Application deadlines
• Office location and work format (on-site, hybrid, or remote)

Some of the most useful pages include:

• McKinsey Careers
• BCG Careers
• Bain Careers
• Deloitte US Careers
• EY-Parthenon
• Accenture Careers

2. Job Boards and Platforms

Use keyword filters like “consulting internship,” “professional services,” or “summer analyst” to find roles on major job sites. Recommended platforms include:

• LinkedIn – Follow company pages and search “consulting internship” under Jobs
• Handshake – Used by many universities for internship recruiting
• Indeed – Use location and date filters to find current openings

Note: Some job boards allow you to set alerts for terms like “consulting internship opportunities,” which helps you apply early when new roles open.

3. Campus Recruiting and Career Centers

Most consulting firms recruit through university partnerships. Your school’s career center may:

• Post exclusive openings before they go public
• Host employer info sessions and virtual coffee chats
• Offer resume reviews and mock interview support

Expert Tip: Make sure your profile is updated on your school’s platform (like Symplicity or Handshake) and check in regularly during recruiting season.

4. Student Consulting Clubs and Peer Networks

Campus consulting clubs are one of the best ways to hear about internship programs. These clubs often:

• Share application timelines and resume tips
• Host case competitions and firm-sponsored events
• Invite alumni or consultants to speak at panels

Note: In addition to clubs, talk to upperclassmen who have interned before. Many successful interns learned about roles through word of mouth or personal connections.

5. Alumni Mentorship and Referrals

Alumni from your university who now work in consulting firms can offer valuable insight and may be willing to refer you. Here’s how to approach it:

• Search LinkedIn using your school’s name and the firm you’re targeting
• Reach out with a short, respectful message asking for advice
• If the conversation goes well, ask if they’d be open to sharing opportunities or referring you internally

Note: Referral candidates are often reviewed faster than general applicants, especially during early recruiting rounds.

How to Prepare Your Resume and Application

Applying for a consulting internship is highly competitive. Your resume and cover letter are often your first and only chance to stand out. A clear, results-focused application shows that you understand the expectations of the consulting industry and are ready to contribute from day one.

What to Highlight in Your Resume

• Work experience (internships, part-time jobs, or freelance projects)
• Academic achievements (GPA, honors, relevant coursework)
• Leadership roles (clubs, teams, volunteer work)
• Relevant projects (strategy, data analysis, finance, technology, or marketing)

Note: If you’ve worked on case competitions or group consulting projects, include them under a section like “Selected Projects.”

Use Clear Language and Metrics

Consulting firms value impact. Use bullet points that start with strong action verbs and include measurable outcomes. Avoid vague descriptions like “Responsible for analyzing data.” Instead, write: “Analyzed customer feedback data from 1,200 survey responses to recommend 3 changes to reduce support tickets by 18%.” Aim for 3–5 bullets per role or experience. Be concise, but make every word show what you accomplished and how you did it.

Tailor Your Resume to Consulting Jobs

• Problem solving
• Strategy
• Analysis
• Client-facing
• Stakeholder communication
• Efficiency or performance improvements

These keywords help your resume align with consulting internship job descriptions. It also makes it easier for recruiters to quickly see your fit for the role.

Cover Letter Tips

Most firms ask for a short cover letter. It doesn’t need to be long, but it should be personalized and specific. Avoid generic templates. A cover letter that clearly matches the firm's values and work shows attention to detail and real interest. What to include:

• Why are you interested in consulting and that specific firm
• One example of a project or experience that shows relevant skills
• A closing sentence summarizing your value and interest

How to Submit Your Application

• The firm’s official careers website
• Your university’s recruiting portal (e.g., Handshake, Symplicity)

Some firms allow you to apply to multiple locations or offices. Make sure to check regional preferences and indicate them correctly in your application.

Acing the Consulting Interview

Interviewing for a consulting internship is different from applying to most other industries. The process is structured, and firms expect candidates to show strong analytical thinking, communication, and professionalism. Most interviews include two main components: behavioral questions and case interviews.

1. Behavioral Interviews

Behavioral questions help interviewers assess your soft skills, how you lead, collaborate, and communicate. These questions usually begin with prompts like:

• “Tell me about a time you worked with a difficult teammate.”
• “Describe a situation where you led a group or managed a project.”
• “Give an example of how you solved a complex problem.”

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer clearly and with structure. Focus on experiences that highlight:

• Team collaboration
• Leadership under pressure
• Problem solving
• Initiative and ownership

Expert Tip: Practice your delivery out loud. Clear, concise storytelling is just as important as the story itself.

2. Case Interviews

Case interviews are a core part of the consulting hiring process. In a case, the interviewer presents a real or hypothetical business problem. Your job is to walk them through your thought process to arrive at a recommendation.

Examples of case questions:

• “Our client is a grocery chain seeing declining profits. What would you investigate?”
• “A startup wants to launch in a new market. What factors should they consider?”

What case interviews test:

• Logical reasoning and structured thinking
• Comfort with numbers and basic math (e.g., percentages, market sizing)
• Communication under pressure
• Business intuition

What they’re not testing:

• Memorization of frameworks
• Getting the “right” answer

3. How to Prepare

• Practice with peers using real case prompts (from casebooks or online libraries)
• Join campus case workshops or consulting club events
• Use coaching platforms like Leland for personalized feedback
• Record yourself walking through a case to evaluate clarity and pace

Expert Tip: Try to practice both structured market entry cases and more creative strategy problems.

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Generic answers in behavioral questions without real examples
• Skipping structure when solving a case (always start with a plan)
• Rushing through math or making avoidable calculation errors
• Losing composure under pressure

Expert Tip: Take a moment to think before answering. It’s better to pause and be clear than to respond quickly and lose your structure.

What Happens During the Internship?

During a consulting internship, you’re treated as part of the team. Interns are assigned to real client engagements and are expected to contribute from day one. While the exact experience may vary by firm, location, and project type, most interns gain exposure to the full consulting process from data gathering to client presentations.

Typical Assignments

• Conducting data analysis in Excel or using firm tools
• Supporting strategy development with research and insights
• Researching competitors, industries, or customer trends
• Building PowerPoint presentations used in client meetings
• Sitting in on client calls or internal team discussions

Work is often fast-paced, with tight deadlines and high expectations for attention to detail. Interns may contribute to a single client engagement or assist with multiple internal projects during their program.

Work Environment

Most consulting internships take place on-site at the firm’s local office, though some roles may involve hybrid or remote work depending on the team. Interns are integrated into project teams, which may include members based in other offices or countries. The environment is team-based and collaborative. You’ll work closely with consultants of varying seniority levels, and you’ll be expected to communicate clearly and regularly.

Feedback and Evaluations

• Midpoint check-ins to assess progress and give development advice
• A final performance review, often involving feedback from your full project team
• Evaluations that are used to decide whether you’ll receive a return offer

Firms look for strong communication, analytical thinking, professionalism, and teamwork throughout the internship period.

Mentorship and Development

• A dedicated mentor or coach who supports their day-to-day learning
• Professional development sessions or intern-specific workshops
• Access to firm events, networking sessions, and Q&As with leadership

These opportunities help interns understand the consulting career path, ask questions, and grow their skills beyond the project work.

Post-Internship Opportunities

Return Offers and Full-Time Roles

A consulting internship is more than just a summer job, it’s often a primary pipeline to full-time consulting roles. If you perform well, you may receive a return offer to join the firm after graduation. Return offers are usually extended near the end of the internship, though some firms may take a few weeks post-internship to finalize decisions. Firms assess your performance based on:

• Quality of work and analytical contributions
• Ability to work within a team
• Communication skills and client-readiness
• Professionalism and engagement throughout the program

Career Value Beyond Consulting

• Product management
• Corporate strategy
• Finance or investment banking
• Startups and technology companies
• Graduate school or research programs

Interning at a consulting firm gives you real exposure to high-stakes business problems, teaches you how to work under pressure, and shows future employers that you can contribute meaningfully in a professional setting.

Programs to Explore (Bonus Section)

These programs are structured to support students from all backgrounds who want to gain experience in the consulting industry.

• Discovery Internship – Deloitte
• Growing Future Leaders (GFL) – BCG
• EY Empowered Women in Consulting
• Bain BEL Program
• McKinsey Sophomore Diversity Leaders
• KPMG Future Talent Program

The Bottom Line

Management consulting internships offer more than just a summer experience they’re a direct path into one of the most competitive career fields. These programs give students real exposure to strategy work, professional mentorship, and fast-paced team environments that mirror full-time consulting roles. Whether you're a sophomore exploring early programs or a graduate student applying for a summer associate position, the skills, network, and insights you build will benefit you across industries like finance, tech, product management, and beyond. Preparing early, understanding the process, and aligning your resume with what firms value most can significantly improve your chances of landing an offer and setting yourself up for a successful career.

Land Your Consulting Internship With Expert Support

Work with a top management consulting coach to craft a standout resume, sharpen your case interview skills, and confidently navigate the entire recruiting process, from networking to offer. Browse management consulting coaches here.

Related Resources

Preparing for consulting, recruiting, and/or case interviews? Here are some additional resources to help:

• Top 3 Tactics to Ace Your Case Interview
• A Comprehensive Guide to McKinsey & Co., Bain & Co., and Boston Consulting Group
• From No Offers to Multiple Offers - How to Take Your Casing to the Next Level
• How a Disneyland Churro Helped Me Land a Job at Bain (and 5 Pitfalls to Avoid in Market Sizing Problems)
• Five Tips to Break Into Management Consulting
• The Ultimate Guide to the Consulting Case Interview – With Examples

FAQs About Consulting Internships

What does a management consulting intern do?

• A management consulting intern supports client-facing teams by conducting data analysis, researching markets, building slide decks, and helping solve business problems. Interns are assigned to real projects and are expected to contribute to team discussions, strategy development, and client deliverables.

What GPA do you need for a McKinsey internship?

• McKinsey does not publish a strict GPA cutoff, but successful candidates typically have a GPA of 3.7 or higher from competitive universities. That said, leadership experience, problem-solving ability, and communication skills can also carry significant weight.

How much do McKinsey interns get paid?

• McKinsey interns in the U.S. typically earn between $7,000 and $8,500 per month, depending on office location and education level. Interns may also receive relocation support and access to firm-wide events and training sessions.

Does McKinsey have internships?

• Yes. McKinsey offers internships for undergraduate, MBA, and advanced degree students. Programs include the Summer Business Analyst role, the Summer Associate role, and the Sophomore Diversity Leaders Internship (SDLI) for early undergraduates.