Many management consulting firms offer summer internships to sophomores/rising juniors. Why do firms have sophomore internship programs? Sophomore summer internships serve a number of purposes. First, they serve as a recruiting pathway for the firms. Prospective consultants are introduced to a firm’s culture, people, the type of work the firm engages in, and more – the interns get to know the firm and the nature of consulting work, and firms get an extended look at potential future employees. Firms often end up bringing these interns back for a junior year internship or even hiring them on to full-time roles after graduation.
In addition, these sophomore internship programs often serve as additional diversity recruiting channels for the firms. Many are only open to members of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.
Applications for these sophomore summer internships typically open in late fall or winter, but each firm has different deadlines. If you’re a freshman or rising sophomore, now is the time to start researching firms and getting ready to apply for these summer internships! Enjoy this list of the top sophomore summer internships in consulting.
| Firm | Program | Level | Candidate Group | Application Deadline | Length | Link |
| Bain | Bain BEL | UG | Soph Diversity | February 28, 2022 | 5 days | Click here |
| BCG | Bridge to Consulting | UG | Fresh/Soph Diversity | March 1, 2022 | 2 days | Click here |
| McKinsey | Sophomore Summer Business Analyst | UG | Soph Diversity | Sept 8, 2022 | 8-10 weeks | Click here |
| BCG | Growing Future Leaders | UG | Soph Diversity | Sept 15, 2022 | 10 weeks | Click here |
| Accenture | Student Leadership Program | UG | Varies depending on track | March 1, 2022 | Varies | Click here |
| PwC | Elevate | UG | Soph | Rolling | 3 days | Click here |
| Deloitte | Discovery Internship | UG | Fresh/Soph | Rolling | TBD | Click here |
| KPMG | Embark Scholars | UG | Fresh/Soph Diversity | Rolling | TBD | Click here |
Sophomore Summer Consulting Internships List
Bain – BEL (Building Entrepreneurial Leaders)
Bain’s sophomore internship program is called Bain BEL (Building Entrepreneurial Leaders). For anyone interested in a career with Bain & Company, Bain BEL is a fantastic opportunity to get a foot in the door and get a head start in recruiting after graduation. The summer internship program is usually held in August, and runs for 5 days. You’ll get to experience life at Bain, the type of projects the firm works on, the people who work for Bain, and much more. Bain BEL is open to members of several underrepresented groups (learn more).
Application Deadline: February 28, 2022
Application Details: here
BCG – Bridge to Consulting Workshop
Bridge to Consulting is a summer program for both freshmen and sophomore candidates. Bridge to Consulting is a 2-day workshop where you’ll get a taste of the firm’s work and culture, network with people on the inside, and connect with peers at your level. Upon applying, you’ll be asked to play the pymetrics games. If you need help preparing, book a 30min session with an MBB coach who can walk you through what to expect and how to best prepare.
Application Deadline: March 1, 2022
Application Details: here
BCG – Growing Future Leaders
Growing Future Leaders is BCG’s summer internship for sophomores/rising juniors. The 10-week program aims to introduce participants to the culture and community of BCG. Interns with Growing Future Leaders gain core consulting skills, valuable work experience, and personal mentorship from one of the world’s top consulting firms. Plus, it’s a terrific brand name to have on your resume – what’s not to like?
Application Deadline: September 15, 2022
Application Details: here
McKinsey – Sophomore Summer Business Analyst Program
McKinsey’s sophomore summer internship is known as the Sophomore Summer Business Analyst program. This 10-week internship takes place in one of McKinsey’s offices in the U.S. or Canada and focuses on providing participants with a real taste of the firm. Interns join a project team and work alongside McKinsey consultants on a business problem. Participants also receive hands-on training throughout the summer, as well as mentorship from a Partner. McKinsey also has a Sophomore Summer Tech Analyst program run by McKinsey Digital.
Application Deadline: September 8, 2022
Application Details: here
Resume + Cover Letter Edits
- 30min 1:1 Zoom session with MBB coach of your choice
- 1 Resume and 1 Cover Letter edit
- Digital pass: 24 templates, 5 e-books
Black Belt Deluxe
- 8 hours 1:1 Zoom sessions with MBB coach of your choice
- All access pass: 500+ cases, 10K+ math/structure drills, 9 video courses, 12 chatbot cases
- 2 Rounds of Edits each on 1 Resume and 1 Cover Letter
PwC – Elevate
PwC’s sophomore summer internship program is called Elevate. Elevate is a 3-day program designed to allow participants to discover what life and work at PwC is like. Elevate is an invaluable opportunity to network with the firm’s employees and put your best foot forward in hopes of receiving a return offer. Any sophomore student is eligible to apply to Elevate. In addition to Elevate, PwC has two sophomore summer diversity internships – learn more.
Application Details: here
EY – Summer Leadership Program
EY’s summer internship program is similar to PwC’s program. You get an on-the-ground experience as an EY consultant, plus in-office training and access to the firm’s network of employees. If the type of work EY does sounds exciting to you, EY’s summer leadership program is a chance to see if the firm is right for you. EY is looking for people with a strong academic track record, along with leadership and teamwork skills. Make sure your resume and cover letter convey your status as a top performer!
Application Details: here
Deloitte – Discovery Internship
The Deloitte sophomore internship is known as the Discovery Internship. This internship is a chance for participants to gain exposure to real-world consulting projects at Deloitte. In addition, the firm prides itself on offering support and mentorship to Discovery interns throughout the process. The firm encourages members of racial and ethnic minority groups to apply. Participants in Deloitte’s sophomore internship are sometimes invited back for a client services internship the following year. Our advice? Apply! The Deloitte Discovery internship is open to both freshmen and sophomores.
Application Details: here
KPMG – Embark Scholars Program
The KPMG summer internship is the Embark Scholars Program. Embark is different from most other sophomore summer internships in that it is a multi-year program designed to develop talent into KPMG-ready professionals. Interns in the program rotate through the firm’s Audit, Tax, Advisory, and Business Process Group (BPG) practices. This allows them to see what KPMG is all about and decide which practice to intern for the following summer. Embark is a diversity program, so if you meet the qualifications, we recommend giving it a shot.
Application Details: here
Accenture – Student Leadership Program
Accenture’s summer internship is a broad program with several different tracks that students can choose depending on their preferences, experience, and skills. It makes sense, considering how massive Accenture is. The Student Leadership Program at Accenture runs for four months in the summer and pairs interns with a mentor to help develop skills – both soft and hard – throughout the program. The internship culminates with a Student Leadership Conference where interns get to network with firm leadership and potentially receive an opportunity to interview for a full-time or summer analyst position!
Application deadline: March 1, 2022
Application Details: here
Conclusion
Consulting sophomore summer internships offer participants a chance to see what life on the inside of a consulting firm is like beyond the marketing jargon you see on every firm’s website. Many find that the work is something they enjoy and go on to make a career out of consulting. Others find that the experience didn’t align with expectations and change their career trajectory – which is ultimately beneficial for both parties.
If you’re applying to a summer internship program, we can help your resume stand out and make sure you are confident and prepared for the interviews!
