Would getting an internship at one consulting firm decrease my odds of getting a job at another one
I am not sure which consulting company I want to work for between the caliaber of EY, Deloitte, ect. I also know that one of the reasons that the consultants like to hire young people is that they do not have much experience to bais their problem solving and therefore I was wondering if the experience at a different company would be seen as a negative. #business #internship
3 answers
Jacob’s Answer
Hi Kyle,
That's a great question! As an associate at PwC, I am familiar with the process of applying for internships and jobs at the Big Four.
For a start, don't worry too much about which firm you want to work for. I know that sounds counter-intuitive but you will be surprised at how similar all the firms are. Focus on where you want to work (they are all over the country) and what industry interests you (banking, media etc.). These factors will have the biggest impact on your experience, so pick the firm that is best at providing you what you want.
Specifically regarding your question, at the Big Four firms, all experience is seen as a good thing! Switching firms, or working for a different firm than the one you interned at will not be seen as a bad thing at all...as long as it is for an appropriate reason. Leaving because you were terrible to work with, got fired during your internship, or weren't even offered at job at the end will be seen as a major red flag. However, switching firms because you wanted to live in a different city, or different industry will not be seen as a problem at all. That's why I say to focus on those two factors first.
Yes, each firm has a slightly different way of doing things, but this is easy to learn and firms won't be concerned. I have worked with many people who started at different firms and have ended up at PwC. These people are valued BECAUSE they were somewhere else and thus are seen to have unique experience.
I hope this helps!
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Simeon’s Answer
Brittany’s Answer
I am going to echo Jacob's answer here -- all Big Four experience is great experience! Each firm has slightly different methodology and tools to complete very similar work. Learning to work with a project team and lead a client through transformation can translate to any of the Big Four firms and beyond. Participating in events with different Big Four firms can also help you evaluate which one may be the best fit for you. When I was in school, I accepted an internship with PwC but participated in a case study competition with Deloitte the semester prior to starting the internship. It helped me gauge some of the subtle differences to determine where I felt that I fit in the best.
Typically at the end of a Big Four internship there is a full-time offer (if you play your cards right). So, in a way, think of your internship interview process as your full-time interview process. If you get the offer at the end of the internship, there often is not a lot of time to continue "shopping around" at other firms. So it is important over the course of the internship to really evaluate whether you envision yourself there long-term or not. If you do see it as a good fit for you, then don't waste your own time & energy or that of a recruiter by entertaining other options too much. (Don't burn any bridges either in case you do not get a full-time offer). If you do not see it as good fit for you, then continue to cultivate your network but maintain your integrity to give 100% at the internship until you finish it out. You never know when you may encounter those people again or who-knows-who across firms. Your integrity is linked to your personal brand!
Hope that helps!