Author: Taylor Warfield, Former Bain Manager and interviewer

Last Updated: March 23, 2026

The best consulting internships at firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain pay undergraduate interns $16,000 to $22,500 for just 10 weeks of work. They also serve as the single most reliable pipeline to a full-time consulting offer, with top firms converting over 80% of interns into permanent hires.

 

In this article, I’ll walk you through the top 10 consulting internships, what they pay, what the day-to-day experience looks like, and exactly how to land one. Having coached hundreds of candidates through this process at Bain, I’ll share the insider details that most guides leave out.

 

But first, a quick heads up:

 

McKinsey, BCG, Bain, and other top firms accept less than 1% of applicants every year. If you want to triple your chances of landing interviews and 8x your chances of passing them, watch my free 40-minute training.

 

What Changed in 2026?

 

This article has been fully updated with the latest internship salary data, recruiting timelines, and program details for 2026. We added new sections on consulting intern compensation, what firms look for in interns, how to secure a return offer, and a firm-by-firm comparison table. We also refreshed all revenue and office count figures across the top 10 firms.

 

Why Should You Get a Consulting Internship?

 

A consulting internship is one of the highest-value experiences you can have as a student. According to GMAC, consulting is the number one career choice for business school graduates. Getting a head start through an internship gives you a massive advantage over candidates who only enter the full-time recruiting cycle.

 

The benefits go far beyond a line on your resume. You’ll develop real-world skills, build a professional network that lasts decades, and get a genuine preview of whether this career is right for you.

 

What Skills Will You Learn?

 

Consulting internships accelerate your professional development faster than almost any other summer experience. You’ll practice the actual skills needed for management consulting by working on live client projects alongside experienced consultants.

 

The core skills you will build include:

 

• Structuring ambiguous business problems and developing frameworks to solve them

 

• Conducting primary and secondary research, including stakeholder interviews and market analysis

 

• Building analytical and financial models in Excel

 

• Creating presentation slides and communicating findings to senior leaders and clients

 

• Working effectively in small, high-performing teams under tight deadlines

 

These skills transfer directly to almost every career path. Even if you decide consulting is not for you, the experience makes your resume significantly stronger for roles in tech, finance, and corporate strategy.

 

Do Consulting Interns Get Full-Time Offers?

 

Yes. Consulting internships are the primary hiring pipeline for full-time roles. McKinsey, BCG, and Bain all report intern-to-full-time conversion rates above 80%, according to industry data. Roughly one-third to one-half of each firm’s full-time class comes directly from the internship program.

 

During your internship, the firm is evaluating your work ethic, analytical ability, communication skills, and cultural fit. If you perform well, you should expect a return offer before the internship ends. In my experience at Bain, it was actually harder to not get a return offer than to get one.

 

The internship is also your chance to evaluate the firm. You’ll experience exactly what a consultant does on a daily basis. If you enjoy the work and the people, you can accept the return offer with confidence.

 

What Are the 10 Best Consulting Internships?

 

The best consulting internships combine strong training, real client exposure, competitive pay, and a clear path to a full-time offer. All 10 firms below are brand-name companies that will strengthen your resume and accelerate your career regardless of what you do after the internship.

 

1. McKinsey Internship

 

McKinsey & Company is one of the most prestigious management consulting firms in the world, with over 130 offices and more than $16 billion in annual revenue. A McKinsey internship typically lasts 10 weeks and pays undergraduate interns roughly $16,000 to $17,000 for the summer.

 

The first week is dedicated to training on the firm’s problem-solving approach, essential business knowledge, and core math skills. After training, you’ll join a team of 3 to 5 consultants working on a real client engagement.

 

McKinsey interns do work similar to first-year Business Analysts, though the scope is more carefully defined. You’ll structure problems, synthesize data, build slides, and present findings to your team. Beyond case work, expect firm-sponsored social events, travel, and networking opportunities.

 

McKinsey also offers several early-access programs, including the McKinsey Sophomore Summer Business Analyst internship, McKinsey Inspire (a pre-MBA program), McKinsey Ignite (for women), and McKinsey Insight (for advanced degree holders).

 

2. BCG Internship

 

Boston Consulting Group is the second member of the MBB trio, with more than 90 offices and over $12 billion in revenue. The BCG internship runs 10 to 12 weeks, though duration varies by role and location.

 

BCG pays undergraduate interns approximately $17,000 to $18,000 for the summer and MBA interns around $38,000 to $40,000. The BCG Growing Future Leaders program includes a $10,000 signing bonus on top of base pay.

 

The first week focuses on training. Afterwards, interns are matched to a project based on their background, preferences, and the firm’s needs. BCG also offers internships in data science, strategic design, and software engineering. Their Bridge to BCG program targets advanced degree students.

 

3. Bain Internship

 

Bain & Company completes the MBB trio. Founded in 1973, Bain has more than 65 offices and generates over $6 billion in revenue. The Bain internship lasts 10 weeks and offers some of the highest intern compensation in the industry.

 

According to BusinessBecause, Bain pays MBA interns approximately $40,000 for the 10-week program, plus a relocation bonus. Undergraduate interns earn roughly $22,500. In my experience, Bain’s culture is the most collegial and fun of the three MBB firms.

 

Bain offers several shorter programs as well:

 

• Bain CREW: a 1.5-day workshop for sophomore women

 

• Bain Consulting Kickstart: for first-year undergraduates from underrepresented backgrounds

 

• Bain BEL Program: a one-week program for sophomore students from underrepresented backgrounds

 

• Advantage: a one-week program for advanced degree students

 

• BASE: a one-week pre-MBA program for students from underrepresented backgrounds

 

4. Deloitte Internship

 

Deloitte is the largest of the Big Four professional services firms, with over 700 locations worldwide and more than $65 billion in annual revenue. In addition to management consulting, Deloitte offers legal, tax, audit, risk, and financial services.

 

Deloitte’s consulting internship includes comprehensive training at Deloitte University in Fort Worth, Texas. Interns get hands-on project work, dedicated mentorship, and strong professional development resources.

 

Deloitte also offers the Deloitte Discovery Internship for freshmen and sophomores. For more options at the freshman level, see our full guide on freshman consulting internships.

 

5. Strategy& Internship

 

Strategy& is PwC’s global strategy consulting arm, formed when Booz & Company merged with PwC in 2014. The firm has over 3,000 strategy consultants embedded within PwC’s network of 325,000+ professionals across 740+ offices.

 

Strategy&’s internship runs 8 to 12 weeks for undergraduates and MBAs. Interns work on real strategy projects and get firsthand exposure to what life as a Strategy& consultant looks like. The firm also offers programs for high-performing sophomores and women interested in consulting.

 

6. EY-Parthenon Internship

 

EY-Parthenon was created when EY acquired The Parthenon Group in 2014. The firm now has over 9,000 strategy professionals across 120 countries. EY-Parthenon offers two main internship tracks: the Associate Program for undergraduates and the Consultant Program for MBAs or PhDs.

 

The first week focuses on training in Excel, slide design, survey creation, and primary research methods. All interns are assigned a dedicated mentor. EY-Parthenon also has an 8-week Emerging Leaders Program for sophomores, with preference for students from underrepresented backgrounds.

 

If you’re interested in technology consulting specifically, check out the EY tech consulting internship.

 

7. LEK Internship

 

LEK Consulting was founded in 1983 and has built a reputation for rigorous, data-driven strategy work. The firm has over 20 offices worldwide and generates more than $1 billion in revenue. LEK calls undergraduate interns Summer Associates and MBA interns Summer Consultants.

 

The internship lasts 8 to 10 weeks. After a training week, interns conduct primary and secondary research, lead stakeholder interviews, and collaborate with teams to drive insights and recommendations. Every intern is paired with a mentor for the full program.

 

8. Oliver Wyman Internship

 

Oliver Wyman has over 60 offices globally and generates more than $2.5 billion in revenue. While the firm specializes in financial services, it also works across education, defense, telecommunications, energy, and healthcare.

 

The internship typically runs about 12 weeks and includes a week of training upfront. According to compensation data, Oliver Wyman pays interns approximately $18,900 for a 9-week program, plus a $2,500 signing bonus. Interns get significant exposure to senior leadership and work across multiple industries.

 

9. Accenture Internship

 

Accenture is a Fortune Global 500 company with more than $64 billion in annual revenue. The firm’s services span management consulting, technology consulting, digital transformation, and outsourcing.

 

Accenture requires a minimum 12-week commitment and can last up to 6 months. The program features an Executive Talks speaker series and is open to students approaching their final year of a Bachelor’s or Master’s program. Interns describe the culture as open and collaborative.

 

10. Kearney Internship

 

Kearney (formerly A.T. Kearney) was founded in 1926 and has offices in more than 40 countries. The firm focuses on strategy, operations, mergers and acquisitions, and analytics. Kearney is known for its strong apprenticeship model and entrepreneurial culture.

 

The internship lasts 6 to 10 weeks. After orientation and training on the firm’s specific tools, interns join consulting teams as full members. You’ll contribute ideas, build models, perform analyses, and work on data-gathering assignments alongside experienced consultants.

 

How Do the Top 10 Consulting Internships Compare?

 

The table below compares the top 10 consulting internships side by side. Salary figures are estimates based on publicly available compensation data and may vary by office location.

 

Firm	Duration	UG Salary (est.)	MBA Salary (est.)	Offices	Revenue	Return Offer Rate
McKinsey	10 weeks	$16K–$17K	$36K–$38K	130+	$16B+	80%+
BCG	10–12 weeks	$17K–$18K	$38K–$40K	90+	$12B+	80%+
Bain	10 weeks	~$22.5K	~$40K	65+	$6B+	80%+
Deloitte	10–12 weeks	$14K–$17K	$28K–$34K	700+	$65B+	70%+
Strategy&	8–12 weeks	$14K–$16K	$30K–$36K	740+	Part of PwC	70%+
EY-Parthenon	10 weeks	$14K–$16K	$28K–$34K	120+	Part of EY	70%+
LEK	8–10 weeks	$14K–$16K	$28K–$32K	20+	$1B+	75%+
Oliver Wyman	~12 weeks	~$18.9K	$30K–$36K	60+	$2.5B+	75%+
Accenture	12–24 weeks	$12K–$18K	$24K–$30K	700+	$64B+	65%+
Kearney	6–10 weeks	$12K–$16K	$26K–$32K	40+	$2B+	75%+

 

Note: Salary figures are approximate and based on publicly reported data from sources like Glassdoor and BusinessBecause. Actual compensation varies by office, role, and year.

 

How Much Do Consulting Interns Get Paid?

 

Consulting internships are among the highest-paid internships available to students. According to Glassdoor, the average consulting intern in the United States earns roughly $84,000 on an annualized basis. But actual summer earnings vary significantly depending on the firm and your degree level.

 

At MBB firms, undergraduate interns typically earn $16,000 to $22,500 for 10 weeks of work. MBA interns earn substantially more. Bain leads the pack, paying MBA interns approximately $40,000 for the summer. McKinsey and BCG pay MBA interns in the $36,000 to $40,000 range.

 

Big Four firms like Deloitte, EY-Parthenon, and Strategy& pay undergraduate interns between $14,000 and $17,000 for the summer. Boutique firms like Oliver Wyman and LEK offer competitive compensation as well, often including signing bonuses of $1,000 to $2,500.

 

Beyond base pay, many firms cover relocation costs, provide housing stipends, and offer signing bonuses. Some programs like BCG’s Growing Future Leaders include signing bonuses of up to $10,000.

 

What Does a Consulting Internship Look Like?

 

Most consulting internships last 8 to 12 weeks during the summer. You should expect to work 40 to 60 hours per week, though most firms intentionally keep intern hours on the lower end to ensure a positive experience. In my experience at Bain, interns rarely worked past 8 PM on a regular basis.

 

The typical day starts around 8 AM or 9 AM and finishes between 6 PM and 9 PM. The first week is almost always dedicated to training. Expect classroom-style sessions covering the firm’s approach, core business concepts, key math skills, and tools like Excel and PowerPoint.

 

After training, you’ll join a project team that has likely already started working with a client. Your daily work will mirror what full-time consultants do:

 

• Owning a specific workstream or piece of analysis

 

• Conducting research and building analytical models

 

• Interviewing stakeholders and subject matter experts

 

• Creating presentation slides for client deliverables

 

• Providing regular updates to your manager and project leader

 

However, the scope and volume of your work will be more manageable than a full-time consultant’s workload. Most firms carefully choose intern assignments to be clear, achievable, and impactful.

 

If the project requires travel, interns participate fully. You’ll fly with your team and stay at hotels near the client site. Outside of project work, expect social events including team dinners, intern happy hours, office retreats, and firm-sponsored activities.

 

When Should You Apply for Consulting Internships?

 

Consulting recruiting follows a structured timeline that starts earlier than most students expect. According to the Wall Street Journal, many firms are now recruiting for summer internships more than a year in advance. Missing key deadlines can knock you out of contention entirely.

 

Here is a general timeline for the most common consulting internship cycles:

 

Undergraduate Internship Timeline

 

• August to September: Applications open at most major firms. Some firms begin on-campus presentations and info sessions as early as late August.

 

• September to October: Application deadlines for MBB and Big Four firms. First-round interviews begin at many firms.

 

• October to November: Final-round interviews and offers extended. Some firms have Super Day events.

 

• November to December: Offer decision deadlines. Most candidates accept or decline by early December.

 

MBA Internship Timeline

 

• September to October: Networking events and info sessions kick off at target business schools.

 

• January: Applications open and close quickly at most MBB and Big Four firms.

 

• January to February: First-round and final-round interviews happen in rapid succession.

 

• February to March: Offers are extended. Decision deadlines typically fall within 2 to 3 weeks.

 

These timelines vary by firm and geography. Always check the specific firm’s careers page and your school’s recruiting calendar for exact dates. Applying early gives you a meaningful advantage.

 

How Do You Apply for a Consulting Internship?

 

The consulting internship application process follows the same structure as full-time consulting recruiting. It is competitive, fast-moving, and rewards early preparation. Here is what to expect at each stage.

 

What Does the Application Process Look Like?

 

Step 1: Check eligibility and deadlines. Most firms accept undergraduate juniors and first-year MBA students. Some firms offer pre-MBA programs and sophomore-specific internships. Confirm the exact requirements on each firm’s careers page.

 

Step 2: Submit your resume and cover letter. Your consulting resume is the most important component of your application. Some firms also require a consulting cover letter, though many have made it optional.

 

Step 3: Pass the first round of interviews. Consulting first-round interviews typically include 1 to 2 interviews lasting 30 to 60 minutes. Expect a case interview plus a few behavioral interview questions.

 

Step 4: Pass the final round of interviews. Consulting final-round interviews involve 2 to 4 interviews with more senior consultants. These interviews place greater weight on personality, cultural fit, and why you want to work at the specific firm.

 

Step 5: Accept your offer. You’ll typically hear back within a week after your final round. Offer decisions usually have a 2 to 3 week deadline.

 

How Important Is Networking?

 

Networking plays a critical role in landing a consulting internship. Many firms prioritize candidates who have made an effort to connect with current employees. A strong referral from a consultant at the firm can significantly improve your chances of getting an interview.

 

Start networking early by attending firm info sessions on campus, reaching out to alumni on LinkedIn, and joining consulting clubs or case competition teams at your school. When reaching out to consultants, be respectful of their time. Ask thoughtful questions about their experience rather than immediately asking for a referral.

 

In my experience coaching candidates, the students who network consistently throughout the fall tend to have significantly higher interview rates than those who rely solely on online applications.

 

What Do Consulting Firms Look for in Interns?

 

Consulting firms evaluate interns on a specific set of skills and attributes. Understanding what they look for helps you tailor your resume, practice the right things, and perform well during the internship itself.

 

The core qualities consulting firms assess include:

 

• Analytical and problem-solving skills: Can you break down complex problems into structured components and develop data-driven solutions?

 

• Communication skills: Can you present your ideas clearly and concisely to teammates, managers, and clients?

 

• Leadership and initiative: Do you proactively take ownership of your work and propose new ideas?

 

• Teamwork and collaboration: Can you work effectively with diverse teams, especially under pressure?

 

• Cultural fit: Do your personality and values align with the firm’s culture?

 

Most top firms look for a GPA of 3.5 or above, though this is not a hard cutoff. According to Glassdoor, a 3.7+ GPA is ideal for MBB firms. However, strong leadership experience, case competition wins, and relevant extracurriculars can compensate for a slightly lower GPA.

 

You do not need a business degree to get a consulting internship. Firms intentionally hire from a wide range of academic backgrounds, including engineering, economics, political science, and liberal arts. What matters most is demonstrating the qualities listed above.

 

How Do You Succeed in Your Consulting Internship?

 

Landing the internship is only half the battle. Your goal during the internship is to secure a return offer for a full-time position. With MBB conversion rates above 80%, the odds are in your favor if you approach the experience with the right mindset.

 

Here are the most important things to focus on:

 

• Build a strong relationship with your manager. Schedule weekly check-ins, send daily progress updates, and proactively ask for feedback. Your manager’s assessment carries the most weight in return offer decisions.

 

• Invest in your work plan before diving into analysis. Consulting projects start with careful planning. Spend time upfront aligning with your manager on what you will deliver, when, and how. This prevents wasted effort.

 

• Have a point of view. Don’t just deliver data. Interpret it. Propose recommendations. Having an opinion on what the data means shows you can think like a consultant.

 

• Be a great teammate. Help others when you can, attend social events, and be genuinely pleasant to work with. Given two interns with equal analytical skills, firms will always extend the offer to the one who is easier to collaborate with.

 

• Ask for the return offer. Near the end of the internship, express your interest in coming back full-time. Ask your manager directly what it takes to earn a return offer. Do not assume the firm knows you want to stay.

 

If you want to accelerate your case interview preparation before the internship, check out my case interview course. It walks you through proven strategies to build your skills in as little as 7 days.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What GPA Do You Need for a Consulting Internship?

 

Most top consulting firms look for a GPA of 3.5 or higher. MBB firms tend to prefer 3.7+, though there is no official cutoff. Strong extracurriculars, leadership experience, and relevant work experience can offset a slightly lower GPA.

 

Can You Get a Consulting Internship as a Freshman or Sophomore?

 

Yes. Several top firms offer early-access programs for freshmen and sophomores. Examples include McKinsey’s Sophomore Summer Business Analyst, BCG’s Growing Future Leaders, Bain’s BEL and CREW programs, and the Deloitte Discovery Internship. These shorter programs often serve as a pipeline to the traditional junior-year internship.

 

Do You Need a Business Degree to Get a Consulting Internship?

 

No. Consulting firms hire from almost every academic background, including engineering, economics, political science, computer science, and liberal arts. What matters more is demonstrating strong analytical thinking, communication skills, and leadership experience.

 

How Competitive Are Consulting Internships?

 

Extremely competitive. MBB firms accept less than 1% of applicants for both internship and full-time roles. Big Four firms are somewhat less selective but still highly competitive. Early preparation, strong networking, and dedicated case interview practice are essential to stand out.

 

What Is the Best Way to Prepare for Consulting Internship Interviews?

 

The most effective approach is to learn the right case interview strategies first, then practice 15 to 30 cases with a partner. Start with our guide on case interviews for beginners and practice consulting behavioral interview questions alongside your case prep. Most successful candidates spend 4 to 8 weeks preparing before their interviews.

 

Everything You Need to Land a Consulting Offer

 

Need help passing your interviews?

• Case Interview Course: Become a top 10% case interview candidate in 7 days while saving yourself 100+ hours
  
  
• Fit Interview Course: Master 98% of consulting fit interview questions in a few hours
  
  
• Interview Coaching: Accelerate your prep with 1-on-1 coaching with Taylor Warfield, former Bain interviewer and best-selling author

  

Need help landing interviews?

• Resume Review & Editing: Craft the perfect resume with unlimited revisions and 24-hour turnaround

 

Need help with everything?

• Consulting Offer Program: Go from zero to offer-ready with a complete system

 

Not sure where to start?

• Free 40-Minute Training: Triple your chances of landing consulting interviews and 8x your chances of passing them