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Where/what companies should a second year college student look to in order to find summer internships in consulting?

I'm a second year student majoring in English/Economics at Stanford University, and I'm interested in learning more about consulting/figuring out if its a good professional fit for me. #business #consulting #business-analysis #management-consulting

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Shawn’s Answer

Great question. Consulting is quite a rewarding career. These are considered the top 10 internship companies for consulting according to Forbes: http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mkl45ehfhg/1-bates-white/72bb88505e7c



  1. Bates White

  2. Bain and Company

  3. Cap Tech

  4. PWC

  5. Boston Consulting Group

  6. Deloitte

  7. West Monroe

  8. Strategy& (Formerly Booz and Company)

  9. Accenture

  10. A.T. Kearney
Thank you comment icon Thank you! I'll definitely look into these David Ohta COACH
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Jackie’s Answer

Hi David,


In case you might be interested in a non-traditional consulting firm suggestion, I would recommend Ideo as well. Their service offerings are diverse, and they work with a broad range of recognized clients: from global charity networks to companies like State Farm Insurance, and Converse.


https://www.ideo.com


However, from my experience, I agree with Tamara—it is great to speak with your academic advisor. Also, it is possible your department might receive internship job postings from firms looking for students.


I hope this helps!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for your suggestion! David Ohta COACH
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Jennifer’s Answer

Hi David - I know this question was asked some time ago but I figured I'd still add my two cents since I am a consultant at PwC. I think your first step should be to utilize your network from growing up (think students who graduated before you, parents of friends) and from your university (check your schools alumni network), and check your connections on LinkedIn. Reach out to those working in consulting positions and send out emails explains that you are looking to understand their roles a little better, gain some advice, and connect. Most should be more than willing to give you some time and discuss your potential future career.
Since you asked this question last year as a second year college student, I'm assuming you are now entering your junior year of college. This is the ideal year to get an internship in the field you are pursuing and hopefully gain a full time offer when the internship ends.
Good luck!
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Daryl’s Answer

Do you have any friends or professors that are in consulting currently.
Thank you comment icon Hi Daryl! No, I don't have any friends or professors currently in consulting. Cheers, David David Ohta COACH
Thank you comment icon Guess you just answered your own question, time for you to start on a search for that a do a bio of what skills, assets and knowledge you have now and where you want to be, draw and timeline and try to figure out the gap you need to fill. Daryl DesMarais
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Tamara’s Answer

Hi David,


I would start with making an appointment to review your options with your academic advisor. He/She can lead you in the right direction, and also offer or recommend internship or volunteer opportunities within your school or in the area. You can also speak with someone in the career services department at your school. Shawn Lloyd offered some great internship companies, so I would reach out to them as well. Cold calling or emailing is not obsolete!! Good luck!!
Thank you comment icon Thank you! David Ohta COACH
Thank you comment icon You're very welcome and best of luck on your journey!! Tamara Smith, M.S., CPLC
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Cindy S’s Answer

1) Consider what type of career you want to work in and what you want to learn from your internship experience (e.g. - technical skills, client work, etc.)

2) Look into different consulting firms and what they offer (e.g. - service offering, industry, location, work environment)

3) Ask Stanford alumni what a "day in the life" is like for them. Here's a few for Associates at PwC: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/careers/campus/why-pwc/day-in-the-life-of-billy.html

4) Don't stress too much. Consultants come from all areas. I work with professionals who started their career in something completely different and found their calling much later in life.
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Callie’s Answer

Hi David!

Shawn pointed you to some great firms, as noted by Forbes. Vault.com is also a good option.

Maybe the best resource while still attending University is through your local campus career center.

Best of luck!
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Marie-France’s Answer

Tamara is right, start with your academic advisor. At the same time, I would also look into banking and law firms.

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Brian’s Answer

I would suggest that you work with your university's career center to learn more about the types of students that consulting firms are recruiting from your school. Learning about the desired majors, skills and characteristics of these successful candidates will help you better evaluate your fit. Furthermore, many consulting firms will typically visit campus for information sessions, where they speak to candidates regarding the types of roles that they are hiring for and what type of candidates they are looking for. These represent valuable opportunities to not only educate yourselves, but also network with senior leaders within these firms.


Ultimately, consulting firms are looking for people with strong problem solving skills - individuals that can recognize and deconstruct a problem and then create and apply a framework in order to achieve a desirable outcome. Successful consultants come from all different backgrounds and it is important to think about the type of impact that you want to make before deciding on pursuing this as a career.
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