What Are the Different Types of Consulting Internships?

Consultants exist to provide a level of expertise to clients in areas that may be lacking in that business or organization. These professionals might be hired on a part-time basis for a particular project or purpose, or they may be retained continually on a contractual basis. Students who are interested in practicing in this field can jump-start a career by obtaining consulting internships. Consultants support different tasks, including management, across various industries, such as financial services.

Certain consulting internships may be paid experiences that also provide value in the relationships that are established. Many opportunities unfold during the summer months, but internships could also be available during the fall or spring semesters. A company with a global presence might offer students international consulting internship opportunities. Relationship building and presentation skills are important in the line of consulting, and students should demonstrate an aptitude for both to be successful.

Management is one of many sectors where students can obtain consulting internships. Consulting management is about spending time at an organization, which represents a client, and uncovering ways in which the business can be run more efficiently. Redundancies might be uncovered in key roles or lower-level positions, and a consultant would be responsible for pointing out those overlaps.

A consulting intern in a management setting might be assigned one corporate project for the duration of the internship. Throughout the process, a student can learn from industry professionals about the steps involved in best practices, which is pursuing optimal processes within an organization. Also, a consulting internship could occur in almost any industry, ranging from information technology to human resources to energy companies. Interns in this setting are often expected to perform alongside employees after minimal preparation. Students most certainly have opportunities to display abilities to be quick studies and operate well under pressure.

Financial services is another area where consulting internships can prepare students for the workforce. Individuals pursuing opportunities here should have an interest in being exposed to the financial markets. Interns work alongside top consulting professionals to meet with clients, including large institutions, such as pension funds, to review the makeup and performance of an investment portfolio. Consulting internships in financial services offer students chances to not only identify investment techniques but also to develop relationships with lead consultants and clients, which can pave the way for future careers in this field.