Top Sophomore Summer Internships for Consulting

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.

Sophomore Summer Internships List

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: October 1st, 2021

Application Details: here

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 (U.S.), March (Canada)

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: check with your school

Application Details: here

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!

Additional Reading:

• Accenture Internship: 5 Tips to Land a Consulting Internship
• MBA Internship Application Deadlines for McKinsey, Bain, and BCG
• BCG Sophomore Internship: Growing Future Leaders
• Source Your Own Internship